Longford pays final respects to its ‘man of the people’

It was a statement, delivered by the 86-year-old’s long time friend, neighbour and political protege Cllr Gerry Hagan, which was met with universal applause inside a full to capacity St Mary’s Church in Ennybegs.

A touching framed photo showing the affable blacksmith in happier times adorned the coffin as chief celebrant Fr Sean Casey alluded to how history would ultimately remember a man who lived and worked tirelessly for his native Killoe community.

In revealing how despite his ageing years, Fr Casey said there was an almost immortal appeal to a figure who garnered the respect and adoration of all who knew him.

“Victor seemed to be indestructible,” he said.

“He was a permanent fixture on the local landscape, almost as indestructible as Corn Hill itself.”

Striking symbols reminiscent of the long serving Fine Gael local politician, farmer, auctioneer and publican’s life were brought to the altar by family members.

They included a family photo, a horseshoe and tie emblazoned with the Longford County Council emblem.

Perhaps even more heartrending was the offering of a copy of the Farmer’s Journal, a publication sympathisers were told had been closely examined by Victor shortly before his passing last week.

The much loved and admired father of ten passed away in Mullingar General Hospital last Friday and in so doing closing the chapter on one of Longford’s greatest political and business eras.

Cllr Hagan, who had witnessed many of those accomplishments at first hand, told onlookers of how his dear friend had cut his occupational teeth by joining his late father’s blacksmith business shortly after leaving Melview NS.

It was a decision, he said, which paved the way for further, equally prosperous ventures into other sectors of the local business sector.

Among those included the distinctly rare, but ambitious move to set up a local auctioneering business with long time Fianna Fáil activist and councillor Mickey Doherty.

Many of Victor’s long time political acquaintances had already alluded to the latter, none more so than by the sentiments which were expressed by Cllrs Paul Ross and Colm Murray.

"He transcended politics,” said Cllr Ross, when making specific reference to the aptly named Doherty and Kiernan auctioneering firm.

"Victor was a very popular figure and is a great loss to the (Fine Gael) organisation and the county.”

They were soundings which were echoed by Cllr Murray.

The Fine Gael group leader served alongside the late Mr Kiernan for 12 months prior to the latter's retirement in 2014 and said the Killoe's political record would stand the test of time.

"Victor was a great character," he said.

"What's more, he did extremely well to get elected each time when his local area changed on three separate occasions.

"He was what you would call an old school politician, but he transcended times in that he managed to get elected from the 90s through to the 2010s.

"He may not have always made a huge contribution vocally at meetings, but when he did make a contribution, it mattered and it mattered to him and the people he so very proudly represented."

Local Fine Gael Senator Micheal Carrigy followed suit by revealing how Victor canvassed with every candidate who stood for the party at local and national level, from General Sean MacEoin to aiding his own Seanad campaign in 2020.

First elected to Longford County Council in June 1991, Cllr Hagan told onlookers of how Victor served at local authority level for 23 unblemished years until his retirement in 2014 and “covered everything from a pothole to housing.”

With the dawning of the millennium came arguably the Killoe man’s greatest political honour when he was elevated to the role of cathaoirleach, a role Cllr Hagan said he served with both honour and distinction.

Away from the council chamber, members of the congregation learned of how one of Victor’s most satisfying personal feats would arrive in March 1995 courtesy of the opening of the Old Forge Bar.

“Victor became an institution in the Old Forge with a warm and friendly welcome for all who came through door,” he said.

That said, the Longford Municipal District Cathaoirleach said with those successes came hardship of the most trying personal nature with the unexpected passing of his eldest son Micheal in October 1996.

Twelve years later, Cllr Hagan said Victor endured the loss of his beloved wife Evelyn, heartache that while emotionally taxing, they were sufferings which he refused to allow define him.

“He (Victor) was never a man to lay down and feel sorry for himself. He rose to every challenge with dignity, bravery and courage, supported by his family and friends.”

But possibly the most stirring of tributes would come as one of Co Longford’s greatest ambassadors prepared to make its final journey to Cullyfad Cemetery.

“A husband, father, grandfather, farmer, horse breeder, blacksmith, auctioneer, publican, peace commissioner, and supporter of all things community we feel very privileged to have known you and will forever treasure the many moments and memories you have given us over many years,” said Cllr Hagan, staring solemnly ahead at the coffin carrying the remains of his treasured friend and colleague.

“Rest in peace Victor,my true friend- an ordinary, but extraordinary man.”

*The late Victor Kiernan, predeceased by his beloved wife Evelyn and son Michéal, is survived by his sons Gerard, Justin and Chris, daughters Denice, Elaine, Yvonne, Lórell, Alicia and Vanessa, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, his adored grandchildren, brothers John and Tom (Brady), sisters Mary, Bridie, Nan (USA), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and his many dear friends.