Shock at the passing of publican Stephen

THERE WAS widespread shock at the news of the sudden passing of publican Stephen Lawlor, from The Hideout in Tomhaggard.

Mr Lawlor, who was in his late 50s, passed away over the weekend and will be laid to rest later this week, his funeral arrangements pushed back to facilitate family travelling home from abroad.

Mr Lawlor, son of Maureen and the late Joseph of Lyngstown, was well known in the local area and was heavily involved in the community through local sporting organisations.

He was involved in the local handball club and also Kilmore United Football Club through his daughter Katie who was a club member. As a mark of respect, all club activities have been cancelled for the coming days.

He also followed and partook in greyhound racing, owning a number of dogs over the years.

He ran The Hideout bar in Tomhaggard for over 20 years, a pub which is a regular starting point for the Killinick Harriers Hunt Club. They set off from The Hideout for their most recent hunt the day before New Year’s Eve.

The hunt club paid tribute to Mr Lawlor, saying he had been a great supporter of the club and expressed their sympathies to his family at what was a sad and difficult time.

Mr Lawlor is survived by his wife Patricia (Tush), his daughters Susie and Katie, and son Stevie; his mother Maureen, and brothers John and Joseph.

He will repose at his residence on Tuesday for family only, and on Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Removal to the church of St Anne and St James, Tomhaggard takes place on Thursday for funeral Mass at 2 p.m. and burial afterwards in St Mary’s Cemetery, Kilmore.