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.
The esteem in which Seamus was held in the Athlone and wider Midlands community has been 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.