Large turnout for Glasson farewell to popular Athlone businessman

An estimated crowd of more than 250 people gathered in Glasson on Monday for the funeral of Seán White, who was one of the most well-known figures in the motor industry in the Midlands having established his Renault dealership in Athlone in the 1980s.

Seán died at home, surrounded by his family, on Thursday last. His passing at the age of 75 was met with great sadness and numerous tributes from his many friends and customers over the years.

Formerly of Arva, Co Cavan, Seán and his wife Mary made their home in Glasson in 1987, and his funeral was celebrated as a humanistic service in Grogan's of Glasson on Monday afternoon.

The proprietor of Grogan's, Miriam Grogan, said Seán was "our friend and neighbour," and "a lovely, honourable gentleman" who was extremely devoted to his wife and family.

She pointed out that he was always extremely popular among the employees of his car sales business on the Roscommon Road, Athlone, and said many of Seán's friends and relatives had travelled large distances to see him and spend some time with him during the final weeks of his life.

She said that, in addition to his involvement in business, he was very knowledgeable about sport and had been a gifted player of gaelic games and golf.

While Grogan's has hosted countless gatherings after funerals, Monday's service was the first funeral to be held at the bar and restaurant. Seán had been involved in the planning of the event, and Miriam Grogan said it was "an honour and a privilege" to host it. The funeral was followed by a private cremation afterwards.

At Monday's meeting of the Athlone Moate Municipal District, a vote of sympathy to Mr White's family was passed by the elected members after it had been proposed by Cllr Paul Hogan.

Seán White Car Sales was closed on Saturday and Monday last as a mark of respect after his passing. A social media message posted by the business on Friday said everyone associated with it was "heartbroken".

"We have lost not just our boss but a good friend. He was an absolute gentleman and a pleasure to work for.

"You never felt that you worked for Sean so much as you worked with him, and it is testament to him that he has such loyal staff who have stuck with him over decades and not just years," the post stated.

"A family is the best way to describe what Sean White Car Sales is to us here, and we feel like we have lost our Dad."

It added that the business would maintain the high standards of customer service set by Seán White over the years.

"Your absence will be felt by us everyday and we will remember all the good times we have gone through together," the post stated.

The great number of tributes to Seán which were posted online over recent days recalled his kindness and decency towards others, and his dependable nature both as an employer and as a friend.

One stated: "As a customer for over twenty-five years, he was always courteous, honourable and decent with us. It was a pleasure to have known him."

Seán is predeceased by his beloved daughter Aoife, parents Francis (Leitrim) and Margaret (Carlow), and sisters Maura and Nuala.

He is sadly missed by his loving wife Mary (née Foley), daughter Aideen, son-in-law Brian (Mooney), grandchildren Lily and Danny, sisters Rita (Vaughan) and Fidelma (de Faoite), in-laws, nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives and many friends.

May he rest in peace.