Athy's Reggie Lalor 'genuine, decent & grounded'

A BELOVED figure in Athy was warmly remembered and celebrated at his funeral yesterday (Monday) at St Michael’s Parish Church in Athy.

Former public representative and publican Reggie Lalor was a highly regarded and popular community member in Athy.

Mr Lalor was involved with a host of local good causes including the Lions Club, Irish Wheelchair Association and Golf Club.

Mr Lalor was predeceased by his sons Fintan and Baby Neil, parents Michael and May his brother Aidan and his sister Anne.

He is survived by his wife Liz, sons Derek and Aiden, grandchildren Niall, Clodagh, Caoimhe and Sadbh, daughters-in-law Orlaith and Liz, sisters Gertie, Honor, and Mary, extended family and friends.

Two heartwarming tributes from the funeral celebrant, Fr Frank McEvoy and his son Aiden.

“Reggie was a man that couldn’t stop giving – he gave so much of himself,” said Fr Frank McEvoy.

Fr McEvoy described Reggie as “sincere” and said: “He would tell it to you straight – you know you would get the truth.”

He continued: “Reggie knew what a cross was like and what it was to bear it. He fought the good fight.”

Reggie’s son Aiden spoke words about his father and was “deeply grateful”, thanking Naas Hospital and St Brigid’s Hospice for the wonderful care he received in his final days.

He said: “Dad touched the lives of so many, whether it was behind the counter or around the table of the council.

“He was a great man – genuine, decent and grounded.”

“Derek and I are so proud to call him our father. We will all miss you dearly, Dad. Rest in Peace,” he concluded.

There was a host of tributes paid online since he passed away last Tuesday.

Minister Martin Heydon wrote a tribute to the former Fine Gael councillor and described him as a “gentleman, a mentor and a friend” on social media.

“He cared passionately about Athy, as a county and town councllor, as a businessman in the town with his pub and then working in insurance, he served Athy with distinction”.

Minister Heydon added: “His smile and quick wit will be greatly missed by all of us who had the pleasure to know him, no more so than for Liz, Derek and Aiden.”

Mr Lalor’s passing has made a huge impact on the community, with floods of condolences posted online about the great man he was and the great changes he brought to the community.

May he rest in peace.