RIP: Longford community shocked by sudden death of 'warm, witty and cheerful character'

Sudden death can be the cruellest and all in Lanesboro were stopped in their tracks when one of the most personable amongst us was taken from this life at the young age of 55 years.

The sudden death of Jeaffrey McGann, The Green and Mullingar at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Mullingar on Sunday,  September 28 really brought home to us how fickle life can be. 

Born the eldest son of the late Jim and Barbara McGann Jeaff, as he was most commonly known, was also predeceased by his brother James. 

Growing up he was an integral part of our community, involving himself in all the sporting activities of Shannon Gaels, Rathcline GAA, and Boro Celtic and he was, weekly, an avid 5-a-side man with his friends. 

What can you say about Jeaff, he was a warm, witty and cheerful character, a man of great charisma with a caring concern for everybody he knew, generous to a fault, and he was a most considerate and loyal friend to all his friends and to his community.

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Following a brief sojourn to London in his 20’s he returned to work with James Irwin Construction where he proved to be a most valuable member of the company right up to the time of his passing. Being with Jeaff you knew were in for a lot of fun  as that wonderful warm and permanent smile guaranteed that there was always a funny story or a bit of fun to be created, if not on himself but on someone.

Jeaff was an avid reader, a lover of music and regular concert goer to  many parts of the world, an enthusiastic follower of Liverpool FC and a regular visitor to support the team in Anfield. He was recognised by many as a walking encyclopaedia such was his knowledgeable in all aspects music, sport and world affairs.

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Family meant everything to Jeaff and he clearly displayed his kind-heartedness and love with all those very close to him. He always enjoyed the company of people and when he conversed with you you were left with lasting impressions of the huge amount of memories he had created in his well lived and varied life. 

As we remember Jeaff we cannot but be led to share the example of support, loyalty, caring and love he displayed throughout his all too short lifetime. His hearty laugh and warm smiling face will always be remembered and our hearts will continue to shudder at the memory of his sudden and great loss.

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The huge attendance at the reposing of his remains in his sister Collette and brother-in-law’s Aaron’s home on Wednesday, October 1 and again at his Funeral Mass in St Mary’s Church bore ample testimony to the high esteem that Jeaff was held by everyone. Following his Funeral Mass on Thursday, October 2 he was laid to rest in the family grave in Clonbonny Cemetery.

We extend our sincere sympathy to his sister Colette, brother-in-law, Aaron Wyse, partner and best friend Caroline, nephew Oran, nieces Leah, Holly, Sienna, Megan and Poppy, his cousin and great friend Pearse, his relatives and many friends. 

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