Facebook appeal to find dad's long lost family in Offaly 40 years after death

An appeal to find a man's family in Offaly some 40 years after his death has received a huge reaction on social media.

The post from an anonymous user popped up in the Edenderry community page on Facebook last week and received an instant reaction from locals.

The post read: "I'm looking for my dad's side of family. He lived in Geashill/Killeigh Parish. His name was Peter Ruane and he died in December 1984. He was married to an Ethna Rice, lived in the UK in Birmingham Area, really need to locate his family. His sister's name was Anne. I know nothing more than he had a tyre factory in Edenderry. Any information gratefully appreciated."

The post attracted numerous comments with one woman saying, "I remember him. He was just up St Patrick's Road where the gym is now."

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Another person with a potential connection said: "I knew Pamela Ruane. She lived in Clonbullogue. She was a terrific seamstress. She moved to Australia many years ago."

A third read: "I remember Fiona Ruane being in playschool with my daughter in Edenderry, around 1974."

The initial poster has not yet responded to the leads while Facebook pages in Killeigh and Geashill have also been tagged.