RIP: Tipperary father of four remembered fondly at funeral mass in beloved home parish
John 'Jaffa' Hogan's funeral mass took place in Toomevara on Sunday 10 August
John 'Jaffa' Hogan was lovingly remembered at his funeral mass in his home parish of Toomevara on Sunday 10 August.
The father of four and husband to his loving wife Mary, died in University Hospital Limerick on Wednesday 6 August after being found unresponsive in his vehicle on the Dublin road in Nenagh on the same night.
Undoubtedly a popular and well-loved man, John's funeral on Sunday was attended by a huge gathering for a beautiful funeral mass said by Fr Lorcan Kenny.
The mass began with a number of symbolic items being brought to the alter by John's loved ones.
First came a hurley and a sliotar, which were representative of John's love for GAA and in particular his love for his home club of Toomevara, where he loyally attended many matches.
Next came a John Deere top, which represented John's love for farming. Fr Lorcan added that you could see by the condition of the top that it was a well-loved and well worn piece of clothing.
Fr Lorcan played into the light-hearted and fun nature that John was clearly known for and next joked "and now we have a small little bottle of holy water - oh no a bottle of Vodka" which got a good laugh out of the attendees. This represented John's signature drink, "only one or five of them" joked Fr Lorcan.
A license plate, a tractor and a Manchester Utd jersey were all then brought to the alter, representing John's love of his car, his work and his favourite football club.
Throughout the mass, Fr Lorcan made several references to the idea of a "sound man" and reiterated each time that John 'Jaffa' was exemplary of exactly what made a sound man, something that was also evident in the many tributes that have been pouring in for him on social media since his passing.
Finally, John's first cousin gave his eulogy, she spoke of how difficult the last few days have been after his sudden passing but also of how good it has been to hear the many stories about John and remember some of his great characteristics. She told mourners how John was known for his fun nature, his ability to cook, sing and create art and above all his love for winding his brothers and sisters up.
Since his passing, the Toomevara, Nenagh and wider communities have all shared in mourning this very popular man with some of the tributes as follows:
Cllr JP O'Meara, a fellow Toomevara man, paid tribute online: "One of life’s great characters, and club men, my deepest sympathies to Mary, Shauna, Johnny, Leah and Peter, and to all the Hogan family.
Rest in Peace Jaffa "
Christmas Tractors Nenagh wrote: "It’s with a heavy heart that I have to post the following on behalf of us all at Christmas Tractors Nenagh.
"Last Wednesday evening we lost our dear friend, Jaffa, who was a valued member of CTN.
"His unexpected & untimely passing has left us all in shock as he was a larger than life character.
"He was involved in CTN from the beginning & was always available to help & was very generous with his time.
"Condolences to his wife, Mary & family, Shauna, John, Leah & Peter.
"His mother, Sarah & extended family & friends."
His employers Dunne Agri, wrote: "It’s with great sadness we share the sudden passing of John “Jaffa” Hogan.
"A much-loved driver with Dunne Agri. Jaffa was a true gent and a great influence to the upcoming drivers.
"Rest in peace, Jaffa.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
Many more have shared their fond memories and well-wishes over the past few days.
Originally from Millview, Toomevara, John had been living in the village of Portroe. He is predeceased by his beloved brother Peter and father Sean, and is deeply regretted by his loving wife Mary; cherished children Shauna, John, Leah and Peter and their partners; his mother Sarah; sisters Sandra and Lynette; and brother Jason.
Following his funeral on Sunday afternoon, John was laid to rest in Ballinree Cemetery.