Offaly GAA club pays tribute to clubman who died in workplace accident

ERIN ROVERS GAA Club has paid tribute to the late Paul Loonam, who died in a workplace accident at Ballinamere, outside Tullamore on Wednesday last.

Paul was a former player with Erin Rovers and was also the force behind St Carthage's boxing club in Rahan.

His son, also Paul, recently turned a professional boxer and Paul senior was his coach.

In its tribute, Erin Rovers GAA club said: "Our club, and wider community, are shocked and heartbroken to hear of the tragic passing of our former player and friend, Paul Loonam.

Paul played both football and hurling with the club over the years. In 1990 he captained the hurling team which won the Junior B Final beating St. Carthage’s in a replay. Paul played corner forward on the Senior B team who were beaten by Cappincur in the county final in 1991. In 1995 he was involved with both the Junior B and Intermediate teams, who completed a historic double for the club. Paul was a both a selector and player with the Junior Bs, playing corner forward with the team who beat Ballycumber in the final, and he came on as a sub for the Intermediates in the final against St. Brigid’s.

READ MORE: Shock at tragic death of well known Pullough sportsman in work accident in Offaly

"Off the field, Paul was a life-long Erin Rovers supporter, a proud Pullough man, and a great community man. Paul was the first one to step up when there was a funeral in our community. He was the one organising the gravediggers, digging the graves, and helping with parking - Paul was the best of us.

"Our sincere condolences to his wife Carmel, his sons Kevin and Paul Jnr., his daughters Ashling, Sinéad and Roisín and his grandchildren. To Paul's mother, Rosaria, and his brothers Kevin, John and Carlo (our committee member), and their families, and to Paul’s extended family, friends and neighbours, and all those who knew Paul from his involvement in boxing, we extend our sympathies."

: Reposing Friday 11th July, at his home, in Pullough from 4pm to 8pm. Arriving at St Mary’s Church, Pullough, Saturday, 12th July, for Funeral Mass at 11am, followed by burial in Boher Cemetery.

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READ MORE: Boxing body extends sympathy to victim of workplace accident in Offaly