Minute's silence for beloved Pullagh community man Paul Loonam

A minute’s silence was held at the July meeting of Tullamore Municipal District in memory of the late Paul Loonam, whose sudden and tragic passing yesterday Wednesday July 9 sent shockwaves through the Pullagh community and beyond.

Remembered as a true community pillar, councillors paid tribute to a man whose loss will be deeply felt by all who had the good fortune to know him.

''It was an awful tragedy for himself and his family and the wider community of Pullagh and his wife Carmel,'' said Councillor Frank Moran.''He was a well known sports man, a well known construction man and a well known community man. I would like on behalf of the members to express my sympathy to the Loonam family.''

Director of Services Paul McLoughlin also paid heartfelt tribute. Speaking of his personal connection to Mr Loonam, he said Paul represented all that was good about local life and community spirit in Pullagh. Whatever he was involved in, he was, as he put it,''head, neck and heels in it.''

Whether it was supporting a local event or stepping in quietly behind the scenes, Mr Loonam was always there, the kind of man who, if there was a funeral in the area, would be out directing traffic, helping the bereaved however he could.

Mr McLoughlin expressed his sympathies to the Loonam family and to the entire community, who, he said, would truly feel the void left behind.

Cathaoirleach Councillor Declan Harvey also offered his condolences and called for the meeting to pause in a minute’s silence in honour of Mr Loonam.

A proud father, Paul Loonam coached his son, professional boxer Paul Loonam and stood firmly in his corner, both inside and outside the ring.

It’s understood he died following a work-related accident in Ballinamere. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and An Garda Síochána are investigating the incident.

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He is survived by his wife Carmel and their children Ashling, Sinéad, Kevin, Róisín, and Paul, along with his mother Rosaria, grandchildren, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

His funeral will take place on Saturday morning at St Mary’s Church, Pullagh, followed by burial in Boher Cemetery