Francis had great wit and was a talented musician and a keen football supporter
FRA Lally, Fatima Park, Dundalk, whose death has taken place, was a talented musician and keen football supporter.
He passed away peacefully on 1 December, 2017, in the dedicated care of the staff of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda.
Aged 68, he was originally from Fatima Park, a son of the late Martin and Agnes Lally.
After attending the local primary school, he went on to work with Coyle’s butchers in Clanbrassil Street, before taking up employment in Ecco, where he remained for the rest of his working career.
Fra enjoyed football, as a player, follower and match official.
He lined out with DSC (Dundalk Shopping Centre) and Forest United in local leagues, and subsequently took up refereeing in Dundalk Schoolboys League.
He was a big fan of Liverpool FC, travelling over to Anfield on a number of occasions to watch games, and he also attended Cup finals in Wembley to see his favourite team.
Fra often went to Liverpool with a group of friends, as well as on trips organised by McKeown’s Bar in Clanbrassil Street.
He also got behind the Republic of Ireland team, and went to games in Lansdowne Road, while he made occasional visits to Oriel Park to cheer on Dundalk FC.
Music was a big part of Fra’s life. A keen guitarist, he would often be seen by neighbours and passers-by playing at the front door of his house.
Throughout the late ‘Sixties and early ‘Seventies, if a band happened to be short a guitarist, he would fill in.
Another pastime he enjoyed was a few bets on the horses.
Fra suffered more than his share of serious illness, and his health deteriorated after suffer- ing a stroke last year.
However, even in sickness, he had a great wit about and never lost his good humour.
He was looked after by his brother, John, and they would regularly go for games of snooker, followed by a meal in the Roma restaurant.
Fra never married, and was often good-naturedly teased by the nurses in Drogheda that he was one who got away!
He got on great with them, and received the best of care and attention in hospital, where he was visited by many of his friends.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Pat.
Fra is survived by his sister, Marie Puttick (London); brother, John; sister-in-law, Una; nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
After reposing at John’s residence in Fatima Park, his remains were removed to St. Joseph’s Church, Castletown, where the funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr. Vinod Thennattil Kurian.
Readings and prayers of the faithful were given by nieces, Martina Maguire, Samantha Lally, Jennifer Lally, Shauna Lally and Amy Lally.
Among the gifts symbolising Fra’s life brought up to the altar were a Liverpool t-shirt and a model of the Liverpool team bus.
His brother, John and John’s wife, Una, participated in the offertory procession.
Music was provided by an old family friend, Ignatius McGee, whose singing included the Liverpool anthem ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.
Burial took place afterwards in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Dowdallshill.