Sadness at passing of much-loved and popular Trillick man

By Brendan Donnelly

THE recent death of Eugene Kelly of Moneygar, Trillick has occasioned a deep sense of loss throughout the parish and further afield. His death took place in hospital surrounded by his loving family following a period of deteriorating health. The late Eugene, who was in his late 80s, was one of a large family of 16 of the late Bridget and Jimmy Kelly of Liffer, Trillick, a family who were well known over a wide area and held in the highest esteem.

Following his early education in nearby Grannan Primary School, under the leadership of the late Ellie Donnelly, deceased took up employment on the family farm, while also helping neighbouring enterprises with tasks such as saving the hay and ploughing the fields.

It was while doing this that he met Eileen McSorley, a member of the McSorley family of the neighbouring townland of Moneygar.

The couple were married in 1964 and assumed responsibility for both farms, both of them throwing themselves into the farming way of life, while maintaining a close connection with the local area.

Over the next few years, they were blessed with a family of three daughters and one son who are held in high regard in the Trillick community.

In 1974, the late Eugene took up employment with the local Post Office, delivering letters throughout the parish and he became a popular and familiar figure travelling the country roads and being a source of comfort to many of his clients. He had a warm and welcoming presence and was always ready with a friendly greeting.

However, a life changing farm accident in 1994 ended his postal runs but deceased accepted his fate courageously and, after rehabilitation, he returned to farming full time, continuing to do so until recently.

The late Eugene was a born craftsman, and he used his creativity to develop ways to assist him with many of his farming tasks.

Deceased had many other interests and threads in his long life, two in particular being Gaelic football and music.

He played for the St Macartan’s club, and he and his four brothers were the backbone of the Trillick team in the 1950s. he continued to support the club over the intervening years.

Deceased was a great supporter of traditional music and travelled to many sessions, fleadhs and concerts, along with his wife Eileen, with whom he enjoyed a lifelong bond which never wavered over 60 years.

He took great pride in the achievements of his family, as they found their own paths in life and the arrival of grandchildren bought a new kind of joy, one he cherished dearly.

Eugene was blessed with a welcoming personality and was kind and easy company for his many friends and neighbours. Anyone who had the pleasure of a conversation with him, knew of his great knowledge and thoughtful discussion.

He enjoyed the simple things in life and his smile, wit and personality endured until the end.

His Funeral Mass took place in St Macartan’s Parish Church and was widely attended with many more viewing online.

The celebrant was Rev Padraig McKenna PP Trillick, and he was assisted by Canon John McKenna PE, Trillick.

As the cortege made its way into the church, it was accompanied by traditional music, a gesture of Eugene’s love of traditional music and in particular accordion playing.

His interment took place immediately afterwards in the family burial plot at Magheralough, Rev Padraig once again officiating.

Deceased is survived by his wife Eileen; his three daughters, Rosena, Carmel and Patricia; his son, Matt; his nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Also, his brother, Seamus; his sisters, Briege, Josie and Cecilia and many other relatives and friends to all of whom we extend our deepest sympathies.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Terry, Gerald, John, Mike, Brendan, Matt and Eamon and his sisters, Rosaleen, Mary, Una and Vonnie.