Late Longford teacher achieved many distinguished accomplishments during his life

Death at any time is tough but deaths at Christmas time is all the more poignant and this was the case when we learned of the death at Innis Ree Lodge, Ballyleague, of Oliver Fleming, Thornfield, Rathcline on Saturday, December 16.

Olie, as he was most commonly known, was a native of Ballinlough, Co Roscommon and came to Lanesboro after he met and married his late wife Elizabeth, nee Farrell, and they made their home in Rathcline.

He was a teacher of note in Lanesboro Technical School later to become Lanesboro Community College.

During his lifetime Olie achieved many distinguishing accomplishments. He was primarily an excellent teacher, closely followed by an adept farmer, an excellent judge in the equitation field. Himself and Elizabeth set up Thornfield Riding School and he was an excellent dancer. He was also a judge of Connemara ponies.

Olie was fun loving and a wonderful character - the glint in his eye always told that there was devilment on his mind.

He was an excellent neighbour, friend and the most helpful of people where nobody in need was left unaided.

He was a proud Roscommon man and a great supporter of the county’s fortunes on the sporting field. 

Olie reposed at his home on Tuesday, December 19 and on Wednesday his remains were removed to St Mary’s Church for the Mass of the Resurrection. Burial took place afterwards in Clonbonny Cemetery.

To his daughters Michelle, Olivia, Tricia and Mary, brother Liam, sister Patricia, grandchildren Ernie, Florence, Issy and Ava, sons-in-law James and Thomas, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.