Terence’s decency shone through everything he did

TERENCE Pilkington of Kilfree House, Dungulph, Fethard on Sea ( formerly of Kilfree, Gurteen, Co. Sligo) passed away after a short illness on April 17th at the age of 48. He was a man who loved life and who lived it for his family.

Terence was born in Gurteen, Co. Sligo. He was one of eight children. As with all farming families he worked hard on the farm and footing turf. Terence left Sligo at the tender age of 17. He, like many others from the West of Ireland, emigrated to London in the eighties in search of employment. He worked on construction sites earning a reputation as a hard worker.

He left London for New York in 1994 where he met his wife, Esther Brennan ( originally from New Ross, Co. Wexford). They married in 1998 and had three children, twins Padraig and Eoin, and Finn. Terence’s priority was always his family. His love for his wife and boys was effortless to him, it was just his nature to be kind and giving.

Throughout his time in New York he made many lifelong friends. He often helped newly arrived Irish immigrants with finding work and accommodation. He was always genuine in his dealings with people and was a man of his word.

In 2005, Terence ( pictured) and Esther with their young family, returned to Ireland. They first lived in Ballycullane and then settled in Fethard on Sea, Co. Wexford. Terence built a beautiful home for himself and his family. He took great pride in his home and it was a safe and happy environment for them all.

Terence was never one for sitting down. He always had to be doing some sort of work. He had a great work ethic. He had been working as a production specialist with Glanbia located in Belview, Co. Waterford since 2015.

He loved his visits to Sligo where he would stay in the family home and catch up with old friends. He was also an ardent Manchester United supporter. His interest in GAA was focused on his childrens’ involvement and of course supporting Sligo and Wexford.

The high esteem in which Terence was held was evident from the large turnout at his funeral, many travelling from his native Sligo. The mood was quiet and dignified as to lose someone so young, so quickly shocked all who knew him.

The piper lead the funeral cortège from his home the short distance to the church. St. Mogues GAA club, Poulfur National School, Gusserane O’Rahilly’s GAA club, St. Leonard’s F. C. and Good Counsel College provided the guard of honour. Songs such as An Ordinary Man were sung and the Foggy Dew was played on banjo. The most poignant part of the mass was a reading by his son Eoin of the poem, ‘ Charming Sweet Kilfree’, a poem about Terence’s beloved Sligo and emigration, ‘ And now alas it has come to pass, To bid my last adieu, To parents dear with comrades near, And my Esther kind and true, Saying goodbye darling do not grieve, When I am far away, But do your best to stand the test, And always for me pray’.

Terence passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at University Hospital Waterford. He has left behind his heartbroken wife Esther and their three beloved sons Padraig, Eoin and Finn. He is also survived by his father Gerry and siblings Mariee, Annette, Padraig, Seamus, Gerard, Johnny and Kevina, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, sisters- in- law and brother- in- law. He was predeceased by his mother Kathleen.

A special months mind mass will be held in remembrance of Terence on June 3rd at 12 noon in St. Patrick’s Church, Gurteen.