Dundalk native Dr Pearse Lyons laid to rest
TRIBUTES were paid Dundalk native Dr Pearse Lyons as he was laid to rest on St Patrick’s Day in his adopted city of Lexington, Kentucky.
The city’s parade, which was sponsored by the international agribusiness and beverage giant Alltech, the firm founded by Dr Lyons, began with a minute’s silence and tributes to the 73 year old who passed away on March 8th. This was a fitting memorial for the man who was once Grand Marshall of the Parade.
His funeral took place at the Cathedral of Christ the King that afternoon and to allow his friends from around the world to be part of this, it was livestreamed on the Alltech website.
Having moved to the United States to begin a new life for himself and his family in 1976, Dr Lyons was involved in brewing before establishing the multi-billon dollar Alltech which employs 5,000 workers around the world. He is remembered as a visionary businessman and philanthropist.
He is survived by his wife Deirdre, daughter Aoife and son Mark
Speaking at the funeral, his son Mark said: ‘Everything he did he did with three things. Passion for life, a commitment to excellence, and he always always had fun in everything he did. That legacy we will continue to carry on.’
‘ The Bluegrass Irish Society and many in our community lost a friend and benefactor with the passing of Dr. Pearse Lyons,’ said Megan Moloney, vice president of the society.
‘As the title sponsor of the parade and festival, Alltech and the Lyons family have helped bring our St. Patrick’s celebration to life for tens of thousands of Central Kentuckians who have marched in the parade … and many more who have enjoyed watching it for nearly four decades,’ Moloney said. ‘Dr. Pearse Lyons was a rare man who lived an enviable life in terms of his accomplishments. He managed to have personal success … and serve others along the way.’
A Mass will be celebrated for Dr Lyons in Dublin next month. A number of Dundalk students have brought some serious colour to the Texaco Children’s Art competition with their impressive drawings!
The Texaco Children’s Art Competition adjudicator Aoife Ruane was pictured (right) during judging of entries in this year’s competition, the results of which are set to be announced mid-April.
In her hand is an entry by 17-year old Eoin McBride, from St. Brigid School, Dundalk, entitled ‘ The Brown Bull of Cooley.’
The second student drawing being held by the adjudicator is that by 11-year old Sarah Mallon, from Realt Na Mara, entitled ‘ Tropical Toucan’.
Also among the top entries being considered is the visually stunning ‘ Friends Till Told Otherwise’ print submitted by 15 year old Hannah Turnbull from St. Vincent’s Secondary school.
Some 446 students from Louth are amongst those from all parts of Ireland who are taking part in the annual competition, which is now in its the 64th year inspiring students to discover their artistic talents.
The winners will be announced when prizes are presented at a ceremony that takes place in Dublin in May.