O'Leary, Larry
March 01, 2006
The late Larry O'Leary
There were heartbreaking scenes at the graveyard in Crossabeg as popular local builder, Larry O'Leary was laid to rest.
Larry, a former inter-county hurler for Wexford, died after a very short battle against pancreatic cancer. He was just 36 years of age.
Larry, whose wife Siobhan is pregnant with their second child, was only diagnosed with cancer in December 2005, and his health rapidly went downhill.
He died, surrounded by his family, at his home in the Midlands, Oilgate. He originally hailed from Whitefort, Crossabeg.
His death had left a huge void - not only with is wife an family - but with the large circle of friends he accumulated during his life. During his illness the people of Crossabeg/Ballymurn held an all night vigil to pray for his recovery - an indication of the high esteem he was held within his local community.
Bitter cold and bracing winds did not deter those who knew and loved Larry from turning out in their hundreds to pay their respects to him and his family.
The second eldest in a family of 10 children, Larry's wide and cheeky grin was his trademark, and he was always good humoured.
One of seven brothers and three sisters, he came from a tremendous GAA family, and he hurled and played football with the local club from underage until 2005.
His hard work and dedication to the game brought many honours to the green and white club colours, and he went on to don the purple and gold in 1993 and 1994, when he earned a place on the Senior County Hurling Panel.
On days when he was injured or couldn't play, he took up the next best job of doing the line, and took great pleasure in keeping the team and spectators in check - in a most good humoured manner.
A character who was full of life, Larry and put energy into everything. As one close family friend commented : 'Larry lived a full life in 36 years'.
A minutes silence, in Larry's memory, was recorded at the Clare/Wexford League Game in Wexford park.
Married to Kildare-born, Siobhan, Larry was a dedicated husband and a devoted father to his daughter Blanaid, who will be two in May. The couple were also looking forward to the birth of their second child in May.
He is survived by his wife, Siobhan; daughter, Blanaid; his parents, Joan and Lar; brothers, Jimmy, Martin, David, Dermot, Brian and Alan; sisters, Marion, Annette and Joanne; his Granny O'Leary, and a large number of relatives and close friends.
His remains were interred in Crossabeg Cemetery following Requiem Mass. Fr Jim Finn officiated at the ceremony. There was a guard of honour from Crossabeg/Ballymurn GAA Club at both the funeral and removal.
Courtesy of the Wexford People
01 March 2006
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