The late Finbar Butler The people of Ballyhaunis were numbed at the news of the sudden and untimely death of Finbar (Barry) Butler, late of Doctors Road. Barry, as he was affectionately known to all and sundry, was born on September 25 1948 into a family of eight, born to Joe and Lola Butler. The other members of the family were his sisters, Mary, Helen, Anne and brothers George, Fintan, Shane and Ciaran. Barry's father, Joe, was a national school teacher by profession. He was principal at Kilkelly NS where Barry received his formal education. On completion of his secondary education at St Nathy's College, Ballaghaderreen, Barry pursued a career in accountancy with Tynan Dillon and Company in Dublin. The late Sean Dillon was at the company then and another of its very esteemed apprentices at the time was Charlie McCreevy, and he and Barry became great friends. He qualified as an accountant at the age of 21 years an worked for Kennedy and Crowley for two years. He was invited to join Tynan Dillon and Associates as a partner a position he held until his untimely death on December 7, 2006. Barry had worked in Ballyhaunis as an apprentice before the company opened their office at Clare Street, Ballyhaunis. He met and married the love of his life his beloved wife Anna (nee Gilhawley), who hailed from Ballymote, County Sligo. The couple were married in 1976 and set up home in Ballyhaunis. They raised a family of four, Eoin, Una, clare and Joanne. Anna is a teacher by profession and is at present Principal at Tooreen NS. Barry was above all a devoted husband, father, brother and friend, a super family man. He was very humble, devoted to many hobbies, very involved in community work, dedicated to the local credit union and an avid reader. He was very involved in the local GAA club, a dedicated Mayo supporter; he trained the U8 and U10 and loved to swim in Urlaur lake. He loved all types of outdoor activities, which included travelling. He was a devout Catholic and the example he gave to all was exemplerary. As late July 2006, he visited the Holy Land. It was while playing indoor soccer that he fell ill, and passed very suddenly to his eternal reward on December 7, 2006. He was waked at his residence, and removal took place to St Patrick's Church, Ballyhaunis, from Donnellan's Funeral Home. The funeral cortege on both days were huge with bore ample testimony to the popularity of Barry and his family. Following Mass of the Resurrection, Barry was laid to rest in the local cemetery. We extend our most sincere sympathies to the Butler family, extended family, other relatives, neighbours and legion of friends. May he rest in peace and may the God of all consolation console those bereaved by his loss. Ar Dheis Lanh De go mbheidh Se. Courtesy of the Western People 02 January 2007 Tweet

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