Tributes paid after death of popular Athlone businessman
Tributes have been paid to prominent Athlone businessman Seamus Downes who passed away peacefully in Heartlands Care Centre on Saturday.
Formerly of Drumraney, Seamus was a popular and much loved member of the Athlone community.
A long serving auctioneer, he was an active member of both Athlone GAA and Athlone Fine Gael.
With his son Liam, their business Downes & Sons Auctioneers relocated to its current premises at 98 Sean Costello Street in 1998 where it continues to operate.
Such was his standing in local and national GAA circles, Seamus' passing was marked by a moment's silence before the Leinster senior football final in Croke Park on Sunday afternoon.
Athlone GAA, with whom Seamus had a long association, said his death had "brought a cloud of sadness over Athlone GAA Club".
"He was an esteemed member of our club, which he joined in the 1960s after moving with his family from Drumraney, where he learned his football with Maryland GAA Club.
"Seamus fulfilled many roles for our club, including pitch maintenance, bingo caller for many years, a regular member of the executive committee, chairman of the Minor Board in the 1980s, club delegate to the County Board, match day gate collector, weekly lotto seller and checker, steward in Cusack Park and a well-respected match umpire. He also served as President of the club for a number of years.
"What a very special yet sad day it was for his family when this proud Westmeath man was honoured with a minute’s silence in Croke Park during Westmeath’s great win in the Leinster Final".
Tuar Ard Arts Centre in Moate said his passing had "touched us all deeply".
"Seamus gave generously of his time, talent and spirit during the early fundraising campaign for the Tuar Ard complex. His presence at the annual fundraising auction for over 14 years can never be forgotten. It was there that people saw Seamus at his best, displaying his outstanding auctioneering skills and engaging with people in an extraordinary way.
"Tuar Ard, as it stands today, as a centre of excellence providing resources and facilities for enjoyment, entertainment and education gives expression to Seamus’ desire for the good and happiness and future of people. His legacy lives on as so many continue to reap the benefits of the contribution he made".
"We extend our sincere sympathy to Seamus’ family, friends and all who mourn him".
The esteem in which Seamus was held in the Athlone and wider Midlands community was also highlighted by the number of tributes paid to him on rip.ie.
Tang GAA said Seamus "was always helpful to our club assisting at our fundraising auctions whenever needed", while Cllr Liam McDaniel described Seamus as a "gentleman" who "gave wonderful service to the GAA at every level".
Athlone Fine Gael said Seamus had a "true blue community spirit".
"He was so proud of Athlone and a committed and active member of Fine Gael all his life. Seamus was an astute businessman and a passionate GAA supporter. Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís".
Séamus will be deeply missed by his wife Bríd, sons Liam and PJ, daughter Marie-Thérèse, sister Mary (McCormack), brother Michael, sister-in-law Bernie (Cunniffe), his daughters-in-law Caroline (Lennon) and Sue Ann (Healey), son-in-law Stephen (Macken), grandchildren Renata, Emily, Juliette, Carsan, Alex and his wife Jackie (Harrigan), and Grant, great-granddaughter Kennedy, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours, and many, many friends.
Seamus will repose at his residence, 6 Retreat Park, Athlone, on Tuesday (May 19) from 3pm until 8pm.
Requiem Mass will take place at 12 noon on Wednesday (May 20) in St. Mary's Church Athlone followed by burial afterwards in Coosan Cemetery.