Tullamore saddened at sudden death of well known and popular figure

TULLAMORE was plunged into mourning on Thursday last, January 20 with the sudden death of one of the town's best known citizens, the late Liam Harvey, Thornsberry Estate.

A popular and outgoing figure, Liam was a familiar sight in the town centre virtually every afternoon chatting to locals or popping into Doyle's Gala and Mac's Cabs on William St.

He grew up in Healy St and he and his siblings enjoyed an idyllic childhood.

Liam hailed from a well known railway family and he followed in the footsteps of his great grandfather, grandfather and father to work with CIE, later Iarnrod Eireann, at the age of 20.

He spent all his working years working at Tullamore railway before retiring in 2004.

Though he was a lifelong teetotaller, Liam worked in the alcohol section of the freight service dealing with beer and spirit deliveries.

A fanatical Liverpool supporter throughout his life, Liam tried his hand at all sports in his youth his brother Cllr Declan Harvey, Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council pointed out.

He was also a collector and in his younger days had built up a collection of records, LPs and 45s.

Deceased was aged 77 when he suddenly passed away, the first of 14 Harvey siblings to depart this life.

His Funeral Mass was celebrated in the Church of the Assumption by parish priest, Fr Joe Gallagher,a neighbour from his childhood, and burial was to Clonminch Cemetery afterwards.

To his wife Mary and children Siobhan, Geraldine, Billy, Pat and Mary, sons in law, daughters in law, grandchildren Adam, Mya, Will, Jamie, Alex, Kaylen, Grace, Hannah and Emma, his brothers and sisters, Joe, Lulu, Marie, Kathleen, Bridie, Anne, Noeleen, Theresa, John, Dolores, Declan, Paddy and Michael, brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends the deepest sympathy is extended.

May he rest in peace.