Tributes paid to 'true gentleman' from Offaly who made Longford his home

Many in Longford have been paying tribute to the late Danny O'Brien, a native of Durrow, Co Offaly who spent much of his life there. 

While he settled and reared his family in Longford, he retained many family ties in his native Durrow, Tullamore and beyond. 

Tributes for the late Danny O'Brien have been led by Carrickboy Tidy Towns, an organisation he served so well over several decades. 

"It is with great sadness that we inform you that our Tidy Towns member and dear friend Danny O'Brien passed away," the Tidy Towns group wrote.

"Danny was one of the first members of the Carrickboy Tidy Towns back in the mid 80's and since then he has been ever present and a part of the group. Always having the area looking so well and keen to improve wherever we could. Danny was the main driver behind the Old School Garden in Carrickboy and took such pride seeing this space being brought back to life. He rarely missed a meeting until lately," the social media tribute said. 

"Danny was a true gentleman, always time to stop and chat with a smile on his face. Always so positive, never a bad word to say about anyone or anything. He will be missed so greatly by all in the community.

"We would like to express our deepest sympathies to his wife Mae, daughters Annie & Niamh & son Donal, extended O'Brien & Murray families and friends.

"Thank you Danny for all you have done for Tidy Towns.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam," Carrickboy Tidy Towns said. 

Seamus Morris, Longford LGFA PRO posted on social media: "RIP Danny, a great community man in Carrickboy/Ballycloughan area. He was always very pleasant".

Offering condolences to the family, Geraldine Smith wrote on RIP.ie: "One of life’s true gentlemen, I had the pleasure of working with him for years. Thinking of you at this very sad time".

Philip and Helen Butler of Abbyeshrule wrote: "Always a pleasure to meet Danny and Mae on their daily walks around Abbeyshrule. We will also miss his gentle presence at our Carrickedmond / Legan Community Employment meetings. May His gentle Soul rest in Peace".

"Danny will be missed by everyone in the community as he was always generous with his time and willing to help in any way he could. RIP," Yvonne Gallagher wrote. 

Late of Durrow, Co. Offaly, Danny was predeceased by his sisters Eilish and Sr. Mary Francis and his brother Rodge.

Sadly missed by his loving wife Mae, his daughters Annie and Niamh Ward (Moydow) and his son Donal (Cornwall), his sisters Clare Hurley (Tipperary), Peggy Twomey (Cork), Sr. Xavier (Tullamore), Julia Carroll (Dublin) and Annie Clavin (Kilbeggan), his brothers Noel (Ballinagar) and Michael (Dublin), nieces and nephews, grandchild Sean, daughter-in-law Fran and son-in-law Alan, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, neighbours, relatives and friends.

Removal took place on Wednesday from his home to St. Mary's Church, Legan, arriving for Funeral Mass at 12 noon. Burial took place afterwards in Carrickedmond Cemetery