SADNESS AT PASSING OF LOCAL BUSINESSMAN EDDIE
Sadness greeted the news that well known local, Eddie O’Hehir, passed away on Sunday.
Eddie’s family run the O’Hehir’s bakeries in Sligo and further afield.
He was a regular at local rugby games and will be thoroughly missed on the sidelines of Hamilton Park.
Sligo Rugby Club paid tribute to Eddie in a statement which read as follows:
“It was with profound sadness that the members of Sligo RFC learned of the passing of our dear friend and member Eddie O’Hehir last Sunday morning.
“On behalf of the President, Chairperson, Committee, players and members of Sligo RFC we extend our deepest sympathies to Caroline, Garry, Rachael, Dannielle and Aisling, to Eddie’s brothers and sisters Mary, Connie, Colette, Jan, Jim, Jacqueline, Michael, Hugh, Lorna, Cathal, Enda and Irene, and to the wider O’Hehir and Henry families.
“It is seldom that a sporting club has members that extend beyond a few relatives with interests in the sport, however when it comes to the O’Hehir family, Sligo RFC is most fortunate to have representation from them at all levels within the Club.
“The O’Hehirs have provided generations of players, coaches, members, friends, committee members, juvenile and youth co-ordinators, past presidents, generous sponsors and huge rugby fans of both the local, provincial and the international game.
“Eddie was introduced to rugby at Sligo RFC in the juvenile section during the 70’s.
“He moved to Dublin and joined Bective RFC where he played for a time.
“In more recent meetings between Bective RFC and Sligo RFC in the All Ireland League, his time with Bective was recalled fondly by their current incoming President who packed down with Eddie during his own time as a Bective player.
“Eddie returned to Sligo and played with the Club in the 1980’s and 1990’s where he served as a stalwart front row player to many senior and junior teams over the years.
“A huge international fan, Eddie joined by Caroline became frequent travellers to Dublin, London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Paris, Rome and beyond in support of Ireland’s rugby endeavours.
“As Garry grew up through the club, Eddie was an ever present helping at Juvenile and Youth training and games. One of his more recent roles in the club was lining the pitch which he performed diligently ensuring that the club always looked its best on match day.
“Seldom did he miss a senior game in the Club and even in more recent times, despite his illness he made sure he was on the side line to cheer Sligo on from his preferred side line spot, just inside the main gate.
“Eddie will be sadly missed by his many friends at Sligo RFC, may he rest in peace.”
O’Hehir’s Bakery will be closed today (Tuesday) as a mark of respect.
Mass of the resurrection takes place today at 11.30am on in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Sligo. Burial follows in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Scarden, Strandhill Road, Sligo. Family flowers only.
Sligo Rugby Club also paid tribute to the late Johnny Bell who passed away last week.
“Club President, Chairman, Committee and Sligo RFC members would also like to extend their deepest sympathy to the Bell Family of Dorrins Strand on the death of Johnny Bell, former club member and Junior player. Gone too soon Johnny. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”