Liam Lyons was held in great regard in Bekan and Ballyhaunis
He was a cherished member of the community around Bekan and Ballyhaunis and made a valuable and hugely positive contribution to his beloved home county.
THE news of the recent passing of Liam Lyons from Bekan, following a brief illness, evoked much sadness around the region. Liam was an absolute gentleman whose kindness and sincerity always shone through.
He was closely associated with the community life of the region and also had a passion for sport, especially football and hurling. He was a well-read man with an interest in history, traditions and travels.
Liam (pictured) was a draughtsman by profession and served for many years in Gerry McGarry’s office in Ballyhaunis. He was an outstanding gentleman in his chosen profession and his advice and good counsel was appreciated by so many people.
He was a cherished member of the community around Bekan and Ballyhaunis and made a valuable and hugely positive contribution to his beloved home county.
Liam and his wife Kay had an abiding interest in travel and seeing other cultures and places around the world. He was also an accomplished photographer and brought his talents to bear on a great variety of interest and hobbies.
And, behind it all, his abiding fondness for his native culture outshone them all. He was so proud to support his sons in the sporting world, especially as members of the Ballyhaunis hurling team over the years.
Lots of warm and genuine tributes have poured in since the sad news of the passing Liam spread around the region. John Cribbin, a former long-serving county councillor in the region, said Liam contributed so much to the area: “He was an absolute gentleman and was so respectful and knowledgeable in the areas in which he specialised and people trusted him in every way. He was a great man in our community.”
Maura Lannon also joined in the tributes: “Liam was a true gentleman, quiet, gentle, and always with a lovely warm smile on his face. I always enjoyed meeting Liam at the shoots in Ballyhaunis Gun Club where we shared many great chats in the past.
“I loved listening to him speak about the many countries that both he and Kay had visited. He spoke with such passion about the history, different cultures, architecture, traditions, and the people they met on their travels.
“He was a wonderful storyteller and we shared many laughs during those conversations. Liam will be greatly missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing him, but most especially by his beloved family, who meant the world to him.”
Ballyhaunis Tidy Towns Citizen Science Group commented: “Liam was a member of our Citizen Science team and played an active role in our water monitoring activities in recent years. He was always enthusiastic, helpful and kind and will be greatly missed.”
Reposing was at Donnellan's Funeral Home, Ballyhaunis, an interment took place in Bekan Cemetery following Requiem Mass in the Church of St Margaret Mary Alacoque, Bekan.
Liam, who was predeceased by his parents David and Gertrude, his sister Mary, and brothers-in-law Neil and Mohan, will be sadly missed by his wife Kay, daughter Nóirín, sons David, Austin and Fergal, grandson Donnchadh Liam, son-in-law Mark, daughters-in-law Lorraine, Sarah and Orla, sister Patricia, niece Krishna and nephews Seshu, John, David and Conor, together with his extended family, neighbours and many friends.