Huge crowds mourn passing of Athlone GAA stalwart Amby Fogarty
Huge crowds gathered in Athlone this week to bid a fond farewell to Amby Fogarty, a much-loved figure in the sporting life of the town, following his sudden passing on Monday at the age of 62.
The father of two and grandfather of four reposed at his family home in Lower Creggan on Wednesday, and at the Pairc Chiarain home of his "third child" - Athlone GAA Club - on Thursday.
At his funeral Mass in St Mary's Church earlier today (Friday), the congregation heard that the large gathering of mourners which had come out to pay respects was an indication of the many lives Amby had touched over the years.
The Mass was celebrated by Fr Charlie Healy, who echoed the words of one mourner who said, "a great shadow has come over Athlone and over Ireland" because of Amby's sudden passing.
Fr Healy was joined by concelebrants Monsignor John Roche, who also has a close association with Athlone GAA Club, Fr Declan Shannon, and Deacon Tony Larkin.
Representatives of Athlone GAA, Willow Park FC, and many other clubs and associations with whom Amby was associated also gathered for the funeral service.
Mary Connellan spoke about the symbols of Amby's life which were brought to the altar by his grandchildren. These included the Athlone GAA jersey which Amby "wore with great pride and distinction", a football, and a photo of Amby's beloved grandchildren, Josh, Jaxon, Levi and Teagan.
"If you mentioned Amby's grandchildren to him you were sure that you were going to spend at least 10 or 15 minutes talking, because he was so proud of them," said Mary.
In his homily, Monsignor John Roche spoke about seeing Amby, and being greeted by him, while Amby was taking part in a fundraising run in support of Westmeath GAA in Athlone on Monday, less than an hour before his passing.
Monsignor Roche said that in those last moments of his life, Amby was doing two things that were of central importance to him: Connecting with people and supporting a cause.
Mourners heard of how Amby was known at Athlone GAA as 'the lollipop man' because he would always bring lollipops at the weekend to hand out to children when they were finished training.
Monsignor Roche explained that Amby had given countless hours to the community because he was a person who showed love for others through deeds and actions.
"We are here today to honour Amby Fogarty, to honour his journey, and maybe to take something from that journey that can help us now on our journey," he said.
Towards the end of the service, a reflection called 'Death Is Not The End' was recited, while Damien Lawlor then spoke on behalf of the Fogarty family and Athlone GAA club.
"In recent years, Amby was best known within Athlone GAA as the lollipop man, or the man who sold the club lotto tickets, but those of us who know him longer are aware that there were a lot more strings to his bow," said Damien.
"Amby excelled on the playing field, winning an under-21 county championship in 1983, and three senior county championships in 1988, 1991, and 1998. He never officially retired, and was ready and willing to don the Athlone GAA jersey whenever called upon.
"Amby was very proud of the fact that he and his son Brian, and daughter Cassie, represented Athlone GAA on the playing field."
In addition, Amby won an All Ireland playing Masters football and was honoured to represent Ireland in the Masters international rules series in Australia in 2006.
"He coached various teams, male and female, in the club and made a huge contribution by fundraising and running the club bar as a volunteer over many years," Damien added.
"Amby loved all sports and represented Southern Gaels in hurling, and numerous local soccer clubs. Indeed, he holds the distinction of being the first senior player registered with Willow Park FC."
Damien went on to speak about the various different ways in which Amby would help others.
"He loved to help people in any way possible, whether it was as a blood donor, by fixing a broken window or door handle, or by quietly offering a word of advice. He began donating blood after his brother Paul's death, and went on to donate 68 pints of blood," he said.
"Amby loved his family and was actively involved in their lives. He was at his happiest when sharing his love of sport with his grandkids Josh, Jaxon, Levi and Teagan. He was a proud man when his grandson Josh captained Athlone under-14s to win the Division 2 title earlier this year.
"For 24 wonderful years, Amby loved and cherished his partner Maeve deeply, sharing a life filled with love, companionship and precious memories. Maeve will carry that love in her heart always, and will miss him more than words can express.
"All who knew Amby are heartbroken at his sudden passing," he stated.
Concluding, Damien said it was an honour to have known Amby and to have shared so many happy memories with him.
"A chara, you will be sadly missed," he said.
Amby Fogarty was predeceased by his father Colm Sr, and brothers Paul and Colm Jr.
He is sadly missed by his loving son Brian, daughter Cassie, his partner Maeve, mother Lily, sisters Anne, Elizabeth, Margaret and Geraldine, brother Niall, Brian's partner Nicole, Cassie's partner Eoin, his adoring grandchildren Josh, Jaxon, Levi and Teagan, Maeve's children Karen and Mark, in-laws, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours, Athlone GAA, the GAA community, and many friends.
May he rest in peace.