'A true friend to everyone' - Offaly company leads tributes after death of manager

Tributes are being paid in Offaly this week after the sad death of Martin Garvey who worked as Sales Manager with Birr firm J Grennan & Sons.

The agricultural store shared a tribute after Martin passed away following a short illness.

They said: "It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Martin Garvey, who left us on the 6th of May 2025 after a short illness.

"Martin joined Grennans on 9th July 2012, and it was clear from the outset that he was someone special. In his role as Sales Manager, he brought great energy, deep thoughtfulness, and genuine care for his customers and colleagues. Over the years, Martin played a key role in helping our business grow and improve — always in his own humble, dedicated way.

"Martin brought out the best in people and he built a strong, close-knit team around him, sharing not just a strong work ethic but a real sense of pride and enjoyment in their work and in each other.

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"Martin brought so much to our lives in Grennans. He was a mentor, a guiding light, and a true friend to everyone who knew him. He had that rare ability to lift people’s spirits with just a smile — always upbeat, always positive, and always ready to truly listen. His gentle words of wisdom will be missed and never forgotten.

"Martin’s passion and enthusiasm for farming and all farming people ran deep. He was very widely known and highly respected within both the Irish and UK agribusiness industries. This was easy to see whenever he attended any of the many Agricultural Shows and Livestock marts he loved to visit, both here and in the UK.

"Outside of work, Martin was a devoted family man. He leaves behind a loving family who meant everything to him and to whom we extend our deepest sympathies at this incredibly difficult time.

"We will miss Martin dearly — not only as a colleague but as the wonderful, warm-hearted person he was. The Grennan’s team has lost a pillar, but his deep sense of empathy, wisdom, and kindness will remain with us always.

"Our prayer is that he may be as well-loved in Heaven as he was on Earth. Rest in peace, Martin."