Foley, Sean
April 14, 2010Sean Foley of Crory, Crossbeg who died recently, was a loving husband and father, a kind neighbour and an active member of his local community.
Sean died suddenly at home on the evening of March 31 as he sat in a chair after visiting a neighbour. He was 85 years old and had been healthy and active up to the time of his death. His family and friends were shocked by his unexpected passing but were consoled by the fact that he had not been ill and did not suffer in any way.
Sean lived a long and fruitful life, working as a farmer, giving time to Crossabeg/Ballymurn GAA Club and helping out at his local church.
Born and reared in Crossabeg, he grew up in Foley's pub which was run by his late father and mother Edward P and Katie and settled in Crory after marrying Anne Crean Murphy of Curracloe in 1956.
He is survived by Anne, his son John; daughter Fionnuala; grandchildren Shane and Katie; his sisters Eilish Morris, Marshalstown; Margaret Halpin, Dublin and Sr. Maura, FCJ, London; his daughter-in-law Julie; sisters-in-law; brother-in-law; nieces and nephews; cousins, neighbours and many friends.Sean was predeceased by four brothers Micheal, Eamonn, Jimmy and Paddy and his sister Kathleen.
As a farmer he specialised in pigs for over 50 years and though he eased off on the work as he got older, he never really retired. His belief was that the day you retired was the day the undertaker would be at the door. He still helped his son John out on the farm.
He had a life-long interest in GAA.
As a young man, he played with Crossabeg/Ballymurn and later became a selector. He was vice-president of the club at the time of his death.
Sean started the Crossabeg senior citizens Christmas party for elderly parishioners about 30 years ago, organising draws and darts tournaments to raise funds for it. It is still held every year in the Ferrycarrig Hotel.
He was a dedicated Pikeman, marching in 1938 as a teenager; riding a horse in a 1798 commemoration in 1948, and in the bicentenary celebratations in 1998, he rode out in Enniscorthy on Vinegar Hill Day and also participated in numerous other events that year. An outgoing, sociable man, he loved visiting neighbours and enjoyed a chat with people in Foley's pub which is now run by his nephew.
He loved children and always had a box of chocolate bars at the ready for when the children of family, friends and neighbours called to the house. If he wasn't there, they always knew where to find them.
His funeral Mass in Crossabeg Church on Easter Saturday was a simple ceremony without a consecration which was appropriate as Sean didn't like fuss. He hardly missed a funeral in the church during his own lifetime and often helped out for big events, directing traffic and ushering people into their seats. Beloved grandchildren Shane and Katie did the readings and prayers of the faithful were read by his grand-nephews Pádraig and Eamonn. In his Homily, Fr. Jim Finn paid tribute to an exemplary parishioner who was much loved in the area.
Courtesy of The Wexford People
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