I have just returned from the funeral of a lovely Irishman who I was priviliged to call a friend. He came from Co. Longford and started work in a Bar at the age of 14yrs. He arrived in London aged 18yrs again to work in a Bar but from there he built up an empire of Bars and not forgetting his roots bought a couple of farms. However it is not for this he will be remembered.... At the age of 25 he became interested in a Charity for needy children and over the last 35 yrs has devoted every spare moment he had to this cause, raising thousands of pounds along the way and being instrumental in the pastoral care and education of hundreds of young people. When I arrived in his village today, every shop had closed it's doors in respect for him and the Church was packed to such an extent that people were standing in the aisles and even outside the doors. He had friends in every part of the community, every religion and class and the service was carried out by a Church of England Canon and a Catholic Canon again at his instructions and another measure of the man. May he Rest in Peace and he be an example to all Irish People everywhere. Maureen

Maureen, I know this is off genealogy, but I just have to say this. I just returned from a trip to Ireland, and I think it must be the most wonderful place on earth. Everone I met seemed to be just the kind of person you describe. They all look out for each other, as well as the wayward tourist. They drive fast, but they are not rude. They laugh and sing, but they include everyone. Many times I was asked if I needed directions or help, without my even asking (maybe I just looked lost!). Anyone researching family in Ireland should make at least one trip--stay in B&B's and get to know the people. Thanks for letting me have my say. I am very proud of my McGuire roots! Gwen in FL. ----- Original Message ----- From: <MaureenBatty@aol.com> To: <FERMANAGH-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, June 17, 2002 12:58 PM Subject: [FERMANAGH] Funeral > I have just returned from the funeral of a lovely Irishman who I was > priviliged to call a friend. He came from Co. Longford and started work in a > Bar at the age of 14yrs. He arrived in London aged 18yrs again to work in a > Bar but from there he built up an empire of Bars and not forgetting his roots > bought a couple of farms. However it is not for this he will be > remembered.... At the age of 25 he became interested in a Charity for needy > children and over the last 35 yrs has devoted every spare moment he had to > this cause, raising thousands of pounds along the way and being instrumental > in the pastoral care and education of hundreds of young people. > > When I arrived in his village today, every shop had closed it's doors in > respect for him and the Church was packed to such an extent that people were > standing in the aisles and even outside the doors. He had friends in every > part of the community, every religion and class and the service was carried > out by a Church of England Canon and a Catholic Canon again at his > instructions and another measure of the man. > > May he Rest in Peace and he be an example to all Irish People everywhere. > > Maureen > > > ==== FERMANAGH Mailing List ==== > If you desire to manage an Ireland County Website, please See: http://irelandgenealogyprojects.rootsweb.com , read requirements for adoption, then contact coordinator at: Fermanagh-admin@rootsweb.com >