Much sadness at death of Longford man who had a great interest in rural life and local history

Sadly we record the death of Patrick McCormack, Laurel Lodge, Terlicken, Ballymahon which occurred peacefully in the loving care of his family at his residence on Friday, April 14.

Although Pat had been in failing health for some time his death came as a shock for his many friends, family and neighbours.

Pat, who lived all his life at Laurel Lodge for the past eighty one years, was the youngest of a family of four.

Over the years Pat was a hard working member of the farming community. From his early years he carried on a farm hire business alongside his farming. A business which he and his family have developed to a major service over a wide area.

Pat was a man for good conversation which meant he and his good wife Chrissie enjoyed nothing better than a neighbourly call, a chat and the ever present cup of tea with homemade tart or scones.

He had a great interest in rural life and local history and was a lifelong member of Longford Ploughing Association which has been carried on by his family.

He was a lifelong teetotaller and non-smoker, a good family man and devoted husband to his wife Chrissie for over fifty years.

McCormack's was known as an open house where friends and neighbours could call at any time of day, especially during Pat's declining years where the friendly conversation helped to pass the day.

We offer our sincere sympathy to his wife Chrissie, sons David (Swords), Declan (Terlicken), Padraic (Terlicken), Brian (Loughrea), daughter Martina (Lanesboro), grandchildren Jule, Aaron, Zara, Annick, Merlin, Jack, Caoimhe, Lilly and Colm,  daughters in law Adrienne, Lenaik and Catriona, son in law Chris, brother John (Newtownforbes) and his sister Marie Dalton (Listubbit), sisters in law Gertie, Patsy, Mary and Margaret, nieces, nephews, grandnephews, grandnieces, cousins, his dear friends, neighbours and those from the farming community. 

Pat was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Julia, brother Thomas (Kenagh), nephew James (Scotland).

The late Pat reposed at his home, Terlicken (N39 X662) last Saturday and on Sunday, with removal from his family home on Monday morning, April 17 at 11.30amfor funeral mass at 12 noon in St Matthew's Church, Ballymahon, followed by burial in Shrule Cemetery. 

The crowd at his wake house was one of the largest witnessed in the area for a long time, reflecting the esteem in which he was held throughout the area.