Offaly's paralympian, author and artist, David Boland remembered

TULLAMORE lost one of its great characters last week with the death of the late David (Davie) Boland.

Fondly known as Dibby, David, 59, from 54 Thornsberry Estate achieved success in a number of different fields despite having to contend with enormous challenges in life.

Son of the late Michael and Mary-Ellen Boland, David was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth but did not let this condition define his life.

He along with Brendan Brophy from nearby Ballinagar and the late Sr Veronica were pioneers of the Offaly branch of the Irish Wheelchair Association and the IWA's resource centre at Ballinagar.

Guards of honour from both groups escorted his remains into the Church of the Assumption for Requiem Mass on Monday morning last.

David was deeply involved in the work of the wheelchair association for many years and formed close friendships there.

He was a talented sportsman and represented Ireland in the Paralympics in Los Angeles in 1984 and Seoul in 1988.

His honours included - bronze medal in Paralympics 1984 in Men's Medicine Ball Thrust C2, bronze medal in Paralympics 1988 in Seoul in Men's Kick Ball C2 and gold medal in Mixed 4x100 m C2-3 replay in Seoul.

He was also one of the recipients of the Offaly Sports Stars Awards in 1985.

In later years he played boccia and was sharpshooter with his foot.

Outgoing and affable, David was also of an artistic frame and excelled in prose, poetry and art.

His book “Off the Tip of my Tongue” was published to wide acclaim.

David lived with his brother John and his family in Thornsberry Estate for the past 26 years in a specially converted wing of the house.

His niece Cathy recalled that her uncle was a “great comedian who loved music.”

“He also had an eye for the ladies,” Cathy fondly remembered.

David's remains reposed at O'Reilly's Funeral Home, Harbour St on Sunday afternoon and removal to the Church of the Assumption for Funeral Mass took place on Monday morning with burial in Clonminch Cemetery immediately afterwards.

Predeceased by his parents Michael and Mary-Ellen and his brothers Michael, Dan and Charlie. David will be sadly missed by his loving brothers and sisters, John, Patsy, Joseph, Judy, Breda and Noeleen, brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and many friends to whom the deepest sympathy is extended.

May he rest in peace.