Tributes to popular Pomeroy man who had many talents

WARM tributes have been paid to dedicated amateur actor and talented handball player Seamus Beggs from Pomeroy, who passed away peacefully on April 19.

A passionate sportsman in his youth, Seamus played both football and handball. A proud member of Pomeroy Plunketts, he lived just a stone’s throw from Plunkett Park and was a familiar face at the club.

He played on the team that defeated Urney to win the Junior Championship title in 1984 and was also a keen golfer, captaining the local branch of Murphy’s Golf Society.

In more recent years, he turned his attention to coaching handball, helping to develop new talent including Laura Delaney, who won an All-Ireland title under his guidance last year.

In a touching tribute, a spokesperson for the club said: “The Plunkett family has awoken this Easter Saturday with heavy hearts after learning of the untimely passing of our esteemed club member Seamus Beggs.

“He was a devoted handballer who possessed a wicked ‘spin’ serve that was so difficult for opponents to return. Partnering Pat Goodfellow in doubles, both men were a formidable pairing and competed regularly in junior masters competitions and parish leagues.

“Seamus Beggs will be sorely missed by his friends and neighbours and by all the staff and children at St Mary’s Primary School where he worked for so long. To Seamus’s wife Una, to his son Christopher and to the wider Beggs and McCullagh families, we convey our deepest condolences.”

Seamus was also deeply involved in the local amateur dramatics scene. A long-standing member of the Pomeroy Players, he took part in multiple productions both on stage and behind the scenes, including See How They Run and Same Old Moon’.

A spokesperson for the group said: “It is with great sadness we announce the untimely passing of our friend and colleague Seamus Beggs, an actor, a backstage crew member and a very dear friend to everyone who knew him. We will miss you, and God bless Seamus from all at Pomeroy Players until we meet again on the big stage in the sky.”

Seamus was a much-loved member of staff at St Mary’s Primary School in Pomeroy, where he worked as a supervisor. His colleagues described him as loyal, caring and fun-loving.

A spokesperson for the school said: “Seamus was a friend to us all, and he will be missed beyond words in St Mary’s by us all: governors, staff and pupils. Seamus was our loyal, fun-loving and caring friend. To Una and Christopher, we send our prayers and love to you and all who loved Seamus dearly. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”

Seamus’s funeral took place on April 22 at the Church of the Assumption, Pomeroy, with interment in the adjoining cemetery.

He is survived by his wife Una, son Christopher, daughter-in-law, granddaughter, sister, sister-in-law, brothers-in-law, the wider family circle, neighbours and many friends.