The family of the late Michael Gaffey, The Derries, Rahan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly would like to offer sincere and heartfelt thanks to each and every person who offered their condolences and support on our sad loss.

 

A special thank you to all who phoned, said prayers, lit candles, sent messages, letters, cards and posted messages of condolence on RIP.ie. Your kind words and gestures were a great comfort to us. To those who called to the house, attended the wake and funeral in such large numbers, we are so very grateful. Thank you to those who travelled long distances from within Ireland and from abroad to be with us during this very sad time.

 

A sincere thank you to the nurses, doctors and care staff on Medical 2 at Tullamore Regional Hospital for their kindness, respect and support.

 

We would like to express our sincere thanks to Fr. Michael Whittaker for his compassion, kindness and help in arranging and celebrating the funeral mass and to Noreen Rabbette for the beautiful singing & music. We are eternally grateful to all who took part in the mass, making it a fitting tribute to our beloved father. A special word of thanks to Michael White, for the dignified and professional handling of the funeral arrangements and his thoughtfulness at such a difficult time. Thanks also, to those who dug the grave and prepared Daddy’s final resting place.

 

To neighbours and friends who were with us over the days and who stood out to welcome Daddy home for the last time and those who were on the roadside on the morning of his funeral.  

 

A special thanks to our family, wonderful friends and neighbours, your kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity will never be forgotten. Thank you to those who left in food, to all who worked hard catering at the house, also to the Durrow Hall Committee and Island Farm Food for the very welcome refreshments after the burial. We convey our appreciation and thanks to the neighbours for their help with parking and organising traffic. We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

 

Whilst we would like to thank everyone individually this will not be possible so, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our gratitude. The holy sacrifice of the mass will be offered for your intentions.  

 

Always remembered.

_______________________________

 

Daddy

 

My Daddy he meant so much to me,

Always warm,

Strong and steady,

Resilient you see.

 

Fond memories of being,

Asleep in his arms,

So safe and secure,

Contented and warm.

 

A farmer by trade,

He worked hard all day long,

Always stayed upbeat,

Not even when things went wrong.

 

He toiled on the land,

Since he was a lad,

Always making the best,

Of the many talents he had.

 

He had a great way animals,

So gentle, so kind,

Dogs, cows, cattle, pigs,

Pet lambs he did mind.

 

Off topping the fields,

Or collecting feed from the town,

We’d know he’s coming home,

When we’d hear his David Brown.

 

Occasionally he’d return,

With the scent of silage or slurry,

From tending to animals,

In The Derries or Ballykilmurray.

 

But for Sunday mass without fail,

He’d be dressed like a pin,

Shoes shining, suit, shirt and tie,

A modelling competition he’d win.

 

A great man of faith,

Prayers and the rosary every day,

It’s these prayers for sure,

That kept us out of harms way.

 

He raised seven of us,

Good values he seeded,

We didn’t always get what we wanted,

But ALWAYS got what we needed.

 

He loved each of us dearly,

A pure family man,

Driving us around,

In the green Lite Ace Van.

 

He had no hard and fast rules,

His opinions often grey,

“You’ll know yourself what to do”,

Is all he might say.

 

To get me to do the right thing,

He never raised his voice,

He just used reverse psychology,

And gave me the choice.

 

His mission in life,

Was to always help others,

Sons, daughters, neighbours,

Sisters and brothers .

 

Often hard on himself,

“I didn’t do this, I didn’t do that”

Quickly forgetting,

He’d just done this, he’d just done that.

 

He had a constant calmness,

Emotions never too high, never too low,

A unique ability,

To just go with the flow.

 

He’d a simple, sustainable way,

Where nothing got wasted,

Baling twine for a belt,

Food out of date tasted.

 

He loved the hard work,

Turning turf, picking stones,

Walking cattle to Fehans,

To put meat on their bones.

 

Treat all with respect,

This was his plan,

A kind word for everyone,

A TRUE gentleman.

 

He travelled a bit,

England, Australia, New Zealand, China to name but  a few,

He enjoyed each place,

He savoured their views.

 

A pioneer all his life,

Wearing his pin proud and tall,

He was such an inspiration,

A role model for us all.

 

He could do almost anything,

Plumbing, electrics, mechanics, carpentry,

Where he gained all this knowledge,

Is a mystery to me.

 

He had 17 Grandchildren,

Whom he loved and was so proud,

He maintained his patience,

Even when they were hyper and loud.

 

They called him “Papa”,

Their love for him was so true,

He helped them,  he guided them,

Instructed them what to do.

 

He spoiled them with treats,

Caprisuns, chewing gum, penguin bars,

He did it discreetly,

When the parents were afar.

 

He’d keep their many bikes repaired,

Fixing punctures, brakes, oiling chains,

And while picking up abandoned bikes ,

He never complained.

 

He loved his daily stroll,

On the Doory bog walk,

It’s here he would listen,

It’s here we would talk.

 

Content in his own company,

Never bored- that wasn’t his way,

He enjoyed Sudoku and solitaire,

To fill in his day.

 

His body stopped moving,

Not like it did at the start,

But this never prevented him,

From being young at heart.

 

The years they pass quickly,

And time takes its toll,

Seeing this great man failing,

Was not good for the soul.

 

Now the good Lord has called him,

And I am so sad,

But I’ll be forever grateful and proud,

That he was My Dad.

_______________________________

 

Rest in Peace