Tullamore stunned at sudden death of popular retired garda

THE sudden death of a retired Tullamore garda on Tuesday evening came as a devastating blow to his family, former colleagues and a wide circle of friends, who loved him along with the more casual acquaintances who cherished and enjoyed his company.

A proud native of Strokestown in Roscommon, he served as a garda in Tullamore for years from the 1980s, retiring several years ago as a detective. Just 69 years of age, he was one of the last breed of old fashioned gardai who moved into the area they worked in and immersed themselves in the local community – that is much less common in the current generation where gardai don't have the same recognisability and accessibility.

In Aidan's case, he followed the well trod path of engaging in sport. He was a very talented footballer and won a Connacht and All-Ireland U21 Football Championship medal with Roscommon 1978. He was in fine form for them that year, impressing with his creativity and playmaking ability. He was injured for the Connacht final win over Galway, came on as a sub in the All-Ireland semi-final win over Down and won his place at corner forward for the All-Ireland final win over Kerry.

He won a Connacht Minor Football Championship medal in 1975 – the late 1970s-early 1980s was a very exciting time for Roscommon football and they ran Kerry close in the 1980 All-Ireland senior football final.

After joining the gardai, he served in Granard in Longford for a few years and won a Senior Football Championship medal with them in 1982. He was then transferred to Clara in Offaly before moving into Tullamore at the end of the 1980s – he worked in Tullamore for over fifteen years before retiring in the 2000s.

He joined Tullamore GAA Club after moving to the town and while he played mainly junior football with them, he was on the panel that were beaten by Ferbane in the 1992 Senior Football Championship final.

SEE NEXT: Youthful Offaly have no complaints at battling defeat in a game of two pointers

He had a lifelong passion for football and the GAA and while he had a great affection for his adopted county Offaly and enjoyed their many successes, he remained a Roscommon supporter at heart, regularly travelling back across the Shannon for their games.

He was an excellent, highly rated and fair garda. A sociable, personable man who was great, easy company, he got to know people and as a result, he had a huge network of contacts when it came to his work – this served him well when he became a detective. He was a loyal, dedicated garda, a reliable colleague – he was also a great man for keeping in contact with former gardai at their social functions, enjoying their weekly coffee morning and more occasional meet-ups for drinks in Tullamore.

Married to a local woman Marie Grennan, he has lived at Murrough, Rahan for several years and was very well liked.

He was a very active and fit man, keeping himself very well. He enjoyed walks along the Grand Canal Greenway near Rahan with Marie and was out and about until very recently. They had a camper van and he loved trips away in that, having a few favourite destinations.

He was a member of Tullamore Golf Club and got great enjoyment out of both the game and the banter with his regular playing partners, both during and at the 19^th hole!.

He lived life to the full, he enjoyed a pint and time in Aidan's company was always very well spent. He had a great sense of fun, a quiet, gentle wit and he was an excellent conversationalist. He was knowledgeable, honest and knew how to express an opinion fairly.

He has died way too young but leaves a legacy of great memories of a life well lived. He is survived by his wife & best friend Marie (Grennan), daughter Karen, son Ted, brothers, Micheál, David, Dessie, Denis & Cyril, sisters Maeve & Dorothy, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, former colleagues of An Garda Síochána, friends and also Aidan's many friends within the GAA.

Aidan is predeceased by his parents Denny & Lena and extended members of the McHugh & Grennan families.

He will repose at Lawless' Funeral Home, Mucklagh (R35 C5P6) on Good Friday, April 3rd, from 4pm until 7pm. Funeral service on Saturday, April 4th, in St. Colman's Church, Mucklagh (R35 V045) at 11am. Private cremation to follow.

May he rest in peace.