Tributes paid as Eamon is laid to rest

TRIBUTES have been pouring in for south Kerry community activist Eamon Langford, who was instrumental in the area’s growth and development.

Originally from Beaufort –his father taught at Kilgobnet – Eamon spent some years driving a double-decker bus in London, before becaming a teacher and moving to south Kerry. There, he took up a role in the Technical school in Cahersiveen.

He played an instrumental role in the locality. He was involved in almost every community initiative, all aimed at helping ensure the viability of his adopted home place.

He played a leading role in the development of SKDP, also advocating for funding for the formation of such development groups to help rural areas.

When changes were announced to Leader funding in recent years, he continued campaigning to ensure that rural communities were not forgotten.

SKDP CEO Noel Spillane said this week that Eamon was not only a friend but a key part of SKDP and was always on the phone leading and supporting community initiatives.

“He was a great community activist and a gentleman,” he said.

He was instrumental in helping bring FEXCO to Cahersiveen, which was a huge boost for employment to the area. The O’Connell Centre and the local language school were also supported by him.

He lived in Kells and played a key role in IRD Kells Foilmore as well. As well as leading the way when it came to helping communities grow and develop, he was a fantastic friend as well.

Fellow teacher and close friend, Aine O’Driscoll, said he always had a smile on his face.

Eamon passed away after suffering a heart attack while out swimming in Kells beach last Thursday. He was airlifted to University Hospital Limerick but sadly passed away. The night before he died he led a traditional singing session at the Corner House in Cahersiveen at which he was a regular. On Tuesday, Eamon got a huge send-off from friends and family as he was laid to rest at Reilig Chill Fhaoláin, Cahersiveen. In keeping with his love of traditional music and song, Sean Garvey performed at the graveside, as did Paddy De Buis, who read a specially penned poem about Eamon’s death.

He is predeceased by his wife, Bríd, who passed away almost three years ago.

The late Eamon Langford