Region in shock at passing of well-known fitness enthusiast
The sudden passing of a Kilbeggan fitness enthusiast on Friday last, who left a lasting impression of kindness on everyone he met, has caused widespread shock and devastation across the entire Offaly and south Westmeath areas.
Many warm tributes have been paid to the memory of Andrew Grehan from Ivy Wood, Kilbeggan, who passed away peacefully, in the presence of his loving family, at the Midlands Regional Hospital in Tullamore on Friday last, September 26, after taking ill while cycling.
A native of county Dublin, the late Mr. Grehan made his home in the Midlands when he came to Tullamore to work in the AIB Bank, where he was highly respected by work colleagues and customers alike for his friendly and helpful nature and his positive outlook.
He later moved to work in Centra, Kilbeggan where, among his many duties, he was responsible for catering in the nearby Mercy Secondary School in Kilbeggan, a job he adored. After seven very happy years in Centra, he returned to his banking roots in Tullamore earlier this year by taking up a position on the staff of Tullamore Credit Union.
A self-confessed fitness fanatic, Andrew Grehan was passionate about all sports and became a very accomplished cyclist having only taken up the sport in recent years. He was a very familiar figure on the roads around the midlands, and much further afield, as he pursued his hobby with great enthusiasm.
A member of Esker Cycling and Touring Club in Kilbeggan, the late Andrew Grehan used his love of cycling as the catalyst to raise thousands of euros to maintain a fleet of bicycles for use by the students at the Mercy Secondary School in Kilbeggan. He organised two separate fundraising events in 2021 and 2022, with the latter event consisting of the Wicklow 200k Cycle; the Mondello 24-hour Cycle three-man team event and the Celtic Warrior Ironman at Lilliput, all within a six week period.
A veteran of marathons, cycling sportifs and triathlons, Andrew Grehan was also a highly-respected soccer coach with the youth soccer club in Kilbeggan, and he was also heaving involved in fundraising events over the years for the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association (ILFA).
While he derived immense satisfaction from his fitness pursuits, it was as a father to his two adored daughters, Lily and Lorna, and a devoted husband to his French-born wife, Stephanie, that the late Andrew Grehan was most proud.
The late Andrew Grehan has been remembered this week in many warm tributes from friends, work colleagues and local sporting clubs as “a true gentleman” who was “kind, compassionate, trustworthy” and as someone who “left a lasting impression of kindness” on everyone he met.
Kilbeggan Shamrocks GAA Club said it was “shocked and saddened” to learn of Andrew's tragic passing and said he was “always friendly and helpful, and positive in his outlook.”
The board, management and staff of Tullamore Credit Union said Andrew Grehan had left “a lasting impressing” with his “kindness, warmth and compassion” in the short time he had worked with them. “He quickly became a valued member of our team and we are grateful for the moments we have shared and the memories we will carry forward” they said.
He is survived by his beloved wife Steph and adored daughters Lily and Lorna. The cherished son of Tom and Annette, adoring brother of Laura, Robert and Caroline. Sadly missed by his in-laws, Kevin, Lieven, Jane, Maithé, Loulou, Mamie Babeth, Veronique, Marie Pierre, Thierry and Michéle, his aunts and uncles, nieces, and nephews: Denise, Jamie, Caitlin and Emilie, his many cousins, friends, teammates, neighbours and colleagues.
Funeral details:
The remains of the late Andrew Grehan will repose at Nannery River View Chapel of Rest Kilbeggan (N91HR88) on Wednesday, October 1, from 5pm until 7pm. His funeral Mass will take place this Thursday, October 2, at 11am in the Church of St. James` Kilbeggan(N91CC79) and will be followed by cremation in Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan town (H12RF78).
May he rest in peace.