Funeral details announced for much-loved Offaly man who died tragically on farm
Offaly was plunged into shock and deep sadness yesterday (Wednesday) evening, when news emerged of the tragic death of Paul Loonam in an accident on a farm.
Mr Loonam, a married father in his early 60s, was heavily involved in the sporting life of Pullough.
He coached at St Carthage's Boxing Club, assisting in the development of talented young sportspeople including his son, the now-professional boxer also named Paul Loonam. He was also a former player with the local Erin Rovers GAA club.
His son Paul Loonam paid an emotional tribute to his father on social media today (Thursday), sharing a photo of the pair embracing, and writing that his Dad was "always in my corner".
The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) extended its deepest condolences today to the family and loved ones of Paul Loonam Senior, describing him as "a stalwart and highly respected member of the boxing family over many decades, serving as a club and national coach, and as a referee and judge of long standing".
IABA President, Anto Donnelly, said: "Paul was a gentleman, and steeped in boxing. He exemplified all that is good about our sport – commitment, passion and integrity.
"I know many in the Irish boxing family will be stunned and deeply saddened by his untimely passing. Our thoughts are with Paul’s loved ones today, and particularly his wife Carmel, and children Ashling, Sinéad, Kevin, Róisín, and Paul. Irish boxing grieves with them."
IABA National Registrar, Stephen Connolly, added: "Paul always gave of his time to our sport, to his boxers, to his club, and as a referee and judge – he spent thousands of hours in the National Stadium, volunteering in officiating a countless number of bouts.
"He also gave very generously of his time and expertise at club shows, box cups and tournaments throughout the Association over many, many years. He was a pure gentleman."
Erin Rovers GAA Club, in a tribute this afternoon, wrote: "Our club, and wider community, are shocked and heartbroken to hear of the tragic passing of our former player and friend, Paul Loonam.
"Paul played both football and hurling with the club over the years. In 1990 he captained the hurling team which won the Junior B Final, beating St Carthage's in a replay. Paul played corner forward on the Senior B team who were beaten by Cappincur in the county final in 1991.
"In 1995 he was involved with both the Junior B and Intermediate teams, who completed a historic double for the club. Paul was a both a selector and player with the Junior Bs, playing corner forward with the team who beat Ballycumber in the final, and he came on as a sub for the Intermediates in the final against St Brigid’s.
"Off the field, Paul was a life-long Erin Rovers supporter, a proud Pullough man, and a great community man. Paul was the first one to step up when there was a funeral in our community.
"He was the one organising the gravediggers, digging the graves, and helping with parking - Paul was the best of us," the Erin Rovers tribute stated.
Local reports indicated that Mr Loonam had been working on a digger on farmland in Ballinamere, outside Tullamore, at the time of his tragic passing.
Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of the incident at approximately 4:30pm on Wednesday. A Garda spokesperson indicated that Mr Loonam was pronounced dead at the scene by ambulance responders.
When contacted on Wednesday evening, a spokesperson for the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), which oversees workplace safety in Ireland, said it was "aware of the incident" and had launched an investigation.
Paul Loonam, of Back Road, Pullough, Tullamore, was predeceased by his beloved father, Kevin.
He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his loving wife Carmel and family, Ashling, Sinéad, Kevin, Róisín, and Paul, mother Rosaria, grandchildren, Mason, Amelia, Charlie, Isabelle, Laura, Rosaria, Gianni and Darragh, brothers, John, Kevin and Carlo, sons-in-law, Aaron, Luke and Dylan, daughter-in-law, Karolina, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and many friends.
Paul will repose at his home tomorrow (Friday) from 4pm to 8pm
His removal will take place on Saturday, July 12, to St Mary's Church, Pullough, where his Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 11am. Afterwards he will be laid to rest in Boher cemetery.
May he rest in peace.