Death of local farmer mourned

There was much sadness in the Creggs area last week following the death of a respected local farmer, Padraig McGovern of Milford.             The late Mr. McGovern, who was aged 71, passed away peacefully at Roscommon County Hospital on August 27th last. Padraig was one of seven children born to Patrick and Lily McGovern of Milford, Creggs. Growing up on the family farm, he became interested in agriculture and worked alongside his father for many years before taking over the family farm. Padraig had a deep love and respect for nature, people and animals. Both neighbours and strangers were recipients of his kind deeds as he was always willing and ready to come to the rescue whatever the need.             Apart from his interest in farming, he was also interested in politics, sport and history and was an avid reader. A life-long member of the IFA, he was chairman of the local branch in Creggs for many years.             Paying tribute to the late Mr. McGovern, Adrian Leddy, IFA Development Officer, described him as a dedicated and life-long member of IFA and a very active member of the association. ‘He was a former chairman of the IFA branch in Creggs and was a delegate to the County Executive, attending monthly County Executive meetings. Everybody respected him and knew him as a hard working farmer and a good dry stock cattle and sheep farmer. He had many friends within the organisation,’ said Mr. Leddy.             He is survived by his sisters Margaret Murray (Moate), Sr. Mary (California), Sr. Clare (Breedogue), Sr. Betty (California) and his brothers Jimmy (Nenagh) and Brian (Dundalk). His death is also deeply regretted by his relatives, neighbours and many friends.             Mass on Wednesday was celebrated by Monsignor Charles Travers. Concelebrants were Fr. Hugo McClure SVD, PP, Kilbegnet, Fr. Michael Martin, Cloverhill, Fr. Michael Joyce SVD, Donamon, Fr. PJ Curley, Mississippi, Fr. Michael Walsh, PP Tubber, Fr. Andrew O’Reilly, O. Carm., Moate, Fr. Brendan Dunning, SMA, Claregalway, Fr. Michael Donnelly, CC, Caltra, Fr. John Carroll, Chaplain, Sligo Hospital, Fr. Francis Glennon, PP, Cloverhill, Fr. Dan Devitt, Salesian, Limerick, Fr. Frank McGauran, PP, Ballinameen.             After the Mass, members of the IFA and Fine Gael formed a guard of honour as the funeral cortege departed for Kilbegnet cemetery. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.