On the 25th August 2017 our world was rocked to the core when Eamonn was diagnosed with a brain tumour called Anaplastic Astrocytoma. Initially it was thought the tumour was small and operable. Unfortunately, on further examination that was not the case. Over the next four months our family went through a living nightmare watching Eamonn desperately try to remain positive and strong but his health declined rapidly and on 8thJanuary 2018 he died peacefully at Northwest Hospice.

Eamonn was the second child in his family, born to loving parents Peggy and Jimmy. He grew up in Kilronan, Ballyfarnon, with his two brothers, Seamus and Daire and sister Caitlin. Eamonn had a very happy childhood. There was many a story from these times relayed over the years, some involving his good friends and hairy incidents! Eamonn loved everything about life. He worked in London for a number of years and inter-railed around Europe before coming home to work in Dublin. He worked hard but also enjoyed his spare time. He had an admirable dedication to any task he undertook, always planning ahead, be it the next business deal, marathon or mountain to climb, he enjoyed the challenge.

He worked for a great company formally known as AGB and was fortunate enough to be able to set up work and home in Carrick on Shannon in 2001. In 2007, he decided to set up his own business, Element and although the recession was looming, Eamonn pushed ahead and came out the other side with the help of some great colleagues. He was honoured to be asked to become Captain of the Carrick on Shannon Golf Club in 2015. He was already very involved with the Club and commitment certainly wasn’t restricted to his captaincy alone. The Club was something he was very passionate about and he took great pride in it. Here he met some amazing people who he regarded as true friends. This is one of the reasons we are here today.

Despite travelling to many exotic parts of the world, Eamonn loved returning home to Carrick on Shannon. He was immensely proud of this little town and enjoyed getting out there and involved with the community. Carrick Carnival brought him the utmost satisfaction, getting together with likeminded people and organising a festival for the greater good of the community.

Eamonn spent his last few weeks in the North West Hospice and we are truly indebted to them for the care and compassion shown not just to Eamonn but to the family also. For this reason, we hope to repay a little of that kindness back through this event in the knowledge that it may assist another family who unfortunately find themselves in a similar situation to ours.

Lastly, we are overwhelmed and so extremely grateful to everyone that has helped us through the last year. To our amazing kind family, friends, neighbours, businesses and even strangers who we may never get to say a personal thank you to, please know we are forever grateful.

Thank you.

Tara, Callum, Jo and extended McGirl and McDermott families