‘True definition of a community man’
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2015: The four founder members of Citizens Information with Minister Alan Kelly and staff. Standing, from left: John Foley (founder), Rose Morris, Minister Alan Kelly, Tony O’Driscoll (founder). Seated: Mary Finn (founder), Toni Gleeson, Mary Martin (founder).Image 2 of 2
John Foley passed away last week. RIP. top right: 2015 - The four founder members of the Citizens Information Centre with Minister Alan Kelly and staff on the centre’s 40th anniversary. Standing, from left: John Foley (founder), Rose Morris, Minister Alan Kelly, Tony O’Driscoll (founder). Seated: Mary Finn (founder), Toni Gleeson, Mary Martin (founder).Remembered by most for his kind and gentlemanly nature, the passing of John Foley has left a void in the Nenagh community.
John ‘Bosco’ Foley passed away peacefully at his home on Dromin Road on Tuesday, November 3. He was in his 87th year.
Originally from Cashel, John worked for years as a highly respected advisor with the national agriculture and food development authority Teagasc. He was a man of great compassion and became centrally involved in several clubs and organisations in Nenagh, including the Citizens Information Centre and Nenagh Youth Club, both of which he was a founding member of. John was also involved in Nenagh Éire Óg, the Parish Finance Committee, Nenagh World Aid Society and the Tipperary Football Board.
Orla Darcy, who volunteered with him in the youth club nearly 20 years ago, described John as the “true definition of a community man”.
Hers was one of a great many tributes left on rip.ie in the wake of John’s passing. Another, from Helena O’Gorman, referred to the deceased as an “absolute gentleman” who “lived his life in quiet service of others.” He would be missed not only by his family but by the people of Nenagh generally.
‘MACRA WOULD NOT EXIST’
Gerard Fennessy told of the assistance John gave him as a judge in North Tipperary Macra Na Feirme debating competitions. “Macra would not exist today without the invaluable input of John,” he wrote. Baden Powell of North Tipp IFA joined in extending sympathy to the family of John, “a thorough gentleman, always doing his best for North Tipperary farmers, never looking to progress himself but quietly taking great pride in all he helped, and they were many”.
Recalling his years with the Citizens Information Centre, Phil Burke wrote of John’s “built-in kindness and respect for everyone, both clients and colleagues... It would be very difficult to meet his kind again”.
Dromin Road neighbour Simon Whelan invoked happy childhood memories of the sense of community that John and his family created. “The highlight of every year was undoubtedly the Foley Halloween bonfire, a tradition that brought neighbours, friends and families together and gave many of us memories that have lasted a lifetime.”
Another tribute, from Pádraig Ó Flannabhra, relayed a theology class that he and John attended over three years at St Patrick’s College in Thurles. “John was great company and always in good form; a great conversationalist, covering many topics ranging from Third World issues to youth clubs and of course all things agriculture and farming.”
John’s passing is deeply regretted by his loving wife Anne, sons Michael, Sean, Robert, Liam and Brendan; sister Margaret, daughters-in-law Deirdre, Eileen, Suzanne; Brendan's husband Ben, Méabh's mother Éimear, grandchildren Megan, Cormac, Liam, Ella, Hannah, Méabh, Ben, Alison, Harry, Tom, Charlie and George; sisters-in-law Mary, Bridie, Liz, Helen; nephews, nieces, relatives and many friends.
Funeral Mass took place at St Mary of the Rosary Church last Friday and was followed by burial in Lisbunny cemetery. Donations were invited for Nenagh World Aid Society. May John rest in peace.