The late John Feery The sudden death of John Feery sent shock waves through Ballycommon and much further afield, as the popular Ballycommon man was well-known in tug-o-war circles right throughout Ireland and indeed in many parts of the world. The unexpected departure of a man who ran his own very successful fireplace business, was deeply involved in many aspects of community work in his own area, and gave tremendous commitment to developing tug-o-war at local, national and international level, had left a void that will be difficult to fill. John was born in Rathdrum, Ballycommon, in 1935, and lived there for the following seventy-one years of his life. From an early age, John Feery showed a great interest in his community and was described as having been a Master of Community Development, before the term was ever used. He was a great organiser many community and was one of those involved in bringing the carnivals to Ballycommon during the 1960s. Over the years, he organised many community social gatherings and fundraising events in Ballycommon, Daingean, Killeigh, Tullamore and many other areas around County Offaly. His favourite sport was always tug-o-war and he trained the Ballycommon team that great entertainment over almost three decades, with some wonderful successes in various competitions. John attended the first meeting to form the National Tug-O-War Association, which was held in the Ivy Grounds in Dublin in 1967 and was elected Assistant Secretary of the association at that meeting. Continuing his involvement with the National Association, he held the position of Treasurer for many years, and was one of the first official judges, appointed by the association. This very senior appointment took John Feery all over the world to officiate at events and judge tug-o-war competitions. John was also a founder member and first Chairperson of the Leinster Branch of the Irish Tug-O-War Association. John played football for Ballycommon in the 1960s and 70s, not so much for a love of the game, but in the service of his community. He felt obliged to ensure that Ballycommon GAA Club survived and prospered, and he spared no effort in playing his part. He gave total dedication to the club over a long period, serving in various capacities, including the role of Delegate of Offaly County Board for a number of years. In the mid-seventies, at a time of crisis in the club and talk of disbandment, John Feery took the chair and in a few short years led Ballycommon to winning the Junior Football County Championship. One thing that stood out about Johnny Feery in the minds of all who knew him was his fair-mindedness and firmness when it came to implementing rules. Johnny firmly believed that rules were made to keep things simple, clear and fair to everybody. He could not understand people who believed that the rules were only for others and they should be allowed break them to gain advantage. When Johnny was in charge, he would see to it that everybody played by the same rule and had the same opportunity. He conducted meetings in the same fashion, listening to those who were quiet or unassuming, to make sure that their views were taken into account, just as much as the views of the more vociferous and forceful. Johnny would never shirk the responsibility for making difficult decisions and doing so, he would not be seeking to be popular, but he would always be sure to be fair. At his funeral in Ballycommon, the guard of honour, made up of senior tug-o-war representatives from throughout the country, was acknowledgement of the esteem in which John Feery is held in tug-o-war circles. The President and four former Presidents of the National Tug-O-War Association led the guard of honour, and were joined by representatives of the various tug-o-war organisations from right around the country. Almost every county in Ireland was represented in this remarkable acknowledgement of a truly remarkable man. Past and resent players and officials of Ballycommon GAA Club, led by Chairman Gerry Feery, also formed a guard of honour and escorted John on the final part of his journey to Ballycommon Church, in recognition of his tremendous contribution to the club over many years. The representation from these groups and many other clubs and organisations, along with those who came as individuals to pay their last respects to John Feery, swelled the large gatherings way beyond the capacity of Ballycommon church. It was a very solemn and moving occasion, but a fitting tribute, in acknowledgement of the magnificent contribution of a very popular, hard working individual, who dedicated so much of his life to the service of others and in particular the service of his community. Deepest sympathy is extended to John's three sisters and two brothers and to all the members of his extended family, who are deeply saddened by his death. Courtesy of the Offaly Express 13/09/2006 Tweet

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