85-year-old Drumraney man dies in tragic accident

The funeral has taken place of an 85-year-old man who tragically died after he was struck by a tractor in the centre of Athlone last Wednesday afternoon. Frank Lennon of Bleachlawn, Drumraney, was walking at Custume Place when he was hit by a tractor travelling in the direction of the town bridge at approximately 3pm. Paramedics soon arrived and attempts were made to revive him but he was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene. A post mortem took place at Tullamore Hospital on Friday, and an inquest will be held at a later date. The driver of the tractor was treated for shock at the scene last Wednesday and Gardai have since interviewed him as part of their investigation. Athlone Sergeant John Lawless said a file on the incident will be prepared for the the Director of Public Prosecutions. Drumraney priest Fr Joe Brilley, who presided at the Funeral Mass last weekend, described Mr Lennon as "a man of great integrity." A native of Curracreehan, Moydow, Longford, the deceased is understood to have lived and worked as a bus driver in England and New York before he returned to Ireland several decades ago to buy a farm in Drumraney. The high regard in which he was held in the locality was evident from the large crowds that came to pay their respects at the removal on Saturday last and at the Funeral Mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Drumraney, on Sunday. The first reading at the Funeral Mass was Genesis 12: 1-4 which tells of Abraham setting out on a journey, and in his homily Fr Brilley talked of Mr Lennon's journey in life, from county Longford to Gloustershire, England, to New York and then to Drumraney. "He was a quiet man who was very dependable and easygoing. He loved his farm and loved taking walks with his dog. He was also very religious. He set a very good example for us all," said Fr Brilley. The deceased, whose full name is James Francis Lennon, is survived by his wife Susan, son Francis, daughter Ann, sister Eileen and brother Vincent, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. His burial took place at Drumraney cemetery following the Funeral Mass last weekend. May he rest in peace.