Tullamore Show site owner pays tribute to 'indispensable' worker

THE owner of the site of the Tullamore Show and the FBD National Livestock Show at Blueball has paid tribute to the late Pat Heffernan who died suddenly on Monday morning last.

Johnny Butterfield described Pat “as one of the indispensable people who made Tullamore Show work.”

“He was one of a small group of indispensable people who turned the site into a tented city in a couple of weeks every year for the last number of years.”

Mr Butterfield said the deceased never looked for any plaudits or compliments. “He just did it out of his great generosity of spirit to the community and the area,” said the former councillor.

He revealed that one of the hidden aspects of the show was the gathering of local senior citizens each Friday evening at the site where they enjoyed musical entertainment and refreshments.

Mr Butterfield said that Pat, with his great vocal talent, was to the fore on these occasions.

The Killoughey man said that in addition to his work with the show Pat was also involved with the famous singing circle in Ballyboy and other areas.

“We in the group are all devastated by his loss. Only last Friday night he sang with his great friend Pat Guinan at an event at Dún na Sí in Moate.”

Mr Butterfield said the deceased's work for the church and the local community in Tullamore and further afield was second to none over many decades.

“We all also remember his great talent as a footballer, hurler and rugby player,” remembered Mr Butterfield extending sympathy to his wife, family, relatives and friends