Lackagh and Claregalway parishes were rocked last week with the unexpected passing of two young men. The news of the death of John Abbott from Claregalway sent shock waves through the community. John who was a native of Offaly was well known in the sporting circles having played hurling with both Turloughmore and Carnmore in his younger years. John was very popular among the community and people were shocked and saddened at his untimely passing, leaving behind a young family.
John Abbot is survived by his wife Jacinta and family Conor, Shauna, Niamh and Muireann, father, brothers, sisters in-laws, aunt, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
The death of John Abbot followed sadness in the Carnmore community with the death of Mick McGrath earlier in the week. Mick was a proud Mayoman and was hugely popular in the Carnmore community. A wonderful mechanic at large machinery he built up a huge reputation among that industry. The people of the area extended sympathy to his family.
Before John Abbot was laid to rest at Renville cemetery news came of the passing of Martin Joe Creaven of Cahernahoon. The entire Cahernahoon and surrounding community were numbed by the passing of the popular businessman. Martin worked in the hardware industry for a number of years before going on to set up his own business. Martin ran a hugely successful company over many years until his recent retirement from years on the road to take up farming full time.
Martin loved life and people and was always a man with a huge smile and a good word for everyone. He participated in several motor rallies around Ireland over many years and a rally car that he personally built escorted his remains from his home to the church. Members of the Motor Club of which Martin was a staunch member and members of Claregalway football club formed a guard of honour at his funeral.
Lackagh Church was packed to capacity on both days of his funeral, which was evident of the high esteem in which Martin was held in the community and surrounds.
Martin Creaven is survived by his wife Marie, sons Jamie and Ben, mother Rosaleen, brothers Peter, Bernard and Jimmy, godson Oisin, mother-in-law, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-laws, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
