Tributes flow for community dynamo the late Liam Ware
MOVING TRIBUTES TO LIAM WARE. A MAN WHO TOUCHED SO MANY LIVES.
MANY glowing tributes have been paid to the late Liam Ware who passed away last Sunday, a man who devoted his life to serving the community in his beloved Mallow.
A truly larger than life character, Mr Ware will be remembered as a man whose seemingly boundless energy and indominatable spirit left a lasting impression on the many people whose lives he touched.
Former Cork county councillor Tommy Sheahan, who enjoyed a more than 50-year friendship with Mr Ware, eloquently summed up the sentiments of many, describing him as a “very sincere, genuine and dedicated man”.
“Liam was loyal and steadfast in everything he did and whatever task he set his mind to, he would always see it though to the end. He always shot from the hip and people admired and respected him for that,” said Mr Sheahan.
The admiration of the community was fully evident at his removal and funeral this week.
THE Cork East Fine Gael TD and Minister for State David Stanton has led tributes to the late Liam Ware who passed away last Sunday at the Bon Secours hospital in Cork.
A well-known and hugely popular figure around the town of Mallow and the surrounding area, Mr Ware served for many years as the chief clerk at the local train station. He was also involved in many different community organisations across Mallow and the wider region in addition to being a stalwart of the local Fine Gael party for many years.
Minister Stanton told The Corkman that the late Mr Ware will be remembered for his tireless work on behalf of the community he loved and the many years of loyal service that he gave to the Fine Gael party.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Liam Ware. Liam was a dedicated family man and my deepest sympathies go out to his wife Mary,” said Minister Stanton.
“Liam had a very strong sense of community and he was very well liked by the people of Mallow. Liam will be remembered for his boundless energy, which be brought to Fine Gael, the GAA and the many organisations he was involved with. He will be sadly missed. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.” In a statement posted to their Facebook page Mallow GAA said the club was very sad to hear of the passing of “a dear friend and Mallow GAA legend.”
“Liam, who was so brave in the face of his illness, showed such dignity and strength in the last few months,” read the post.
“If ever advice of a kick up the behind was needed, Liam was always the go to for the same. There will never be another Liam Ware,and that is for certain! We have lost a great club man and a friend. Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam uasal.”
Former Fine Gael Cork County councillor Tommy Sheahan, who was a long time friend of the late Mr Ware, described him as a “very sincere, genuine and dedicated man.”
“I first met Liam in 1957 and over the years I got to know him and his family very well, with our paths crossing regularly over the years through our mutual involvement with politics and the Fine Gael party. Liam was loyal and steadfast in everything he did and whatever task he set his mind on, he would always see it though to the end. He always shot from the hip and people admired and respected him for that,” said Mr Sheahan.
“On the political side, Liam was a great man to organise and canvass. He was a tremendous worker on behalf of the party and had a forensic knowledge of Mallow, which he always put to good use in campaigns.
“He was always a great support to me and I will always be deeply appreciative for that support over the many years that we worked together. Liam will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him,” he added.
Former Mallow town councillor Richard Dempsey worked with Mr Ware at Iarnrod Eireann and the two built up a very close friendship over the years.
“Liam was a great man to work with. He was also a great neighbour and a wonderful friend. He gave me tremendous backing during my time on the Town Council and was always there to support me,” said Mr Dempsey.
“I have lost a great friend and Liam’s wife Mary has lost a wonderful husband.”
The Corkman columnist for Mallow, Eugene Cosgrove, who knew Mr Ware for many years, summed up the sense of loss felt by the local community.
“Like many others, I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Liam Ware. He was a magnificent community man who so deeply involved in Mallow GAA, the Sport and Leisure Awards, the Credit Union, the local Red Cross, St Vincent de Paul, horse racing and of course was very active in Church affairs,” said Mr Cosgrove.
“When Liam got involved in any organisation he put his heart and soul into it. May he rest in peace.”
Roísin Moriarty worked closely with Mr Ware in recent years in the organisation of the hugely popular Mallow and District Sports and Leisure Awards.
“Liam was the backbone of our committee. In addition to doing a huge amount of work on behalf of the town, Liam was a great friend to everyone on the committee. He was the awards chairman, a position he will always hold,” said Ms Moriarty.
“On a personal note, Liam was a wonderful friend to me ever since the days when I joined the Red Cross as a young girl. Liam touched the lives of so many people and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”
Mr Ware was laid to rest at St Gobnait’s Cemetery in Mallow on Wednesday following Requiem Mass at St Mary’ Church.