Fiacc O'Rourke is laid to rest

The community of Graiguecullen is mourning the passing of Thomas (Fiacc) O'Rourke, 11 Oakley Park, who died at his home on Tuesday 7 December at the age of 54.

Fiacc was diagnosed with cancer last January and had waged a brave battle against the disease. He was hospitalised during his illness in St James's Hospital, Dublin, St Luke's Kilkenny and the whitfield clinic in Waterford.

A native of Graiguecullen, Fiacc was a dedicated GAA man. A talented footballer in his younger days, he played club football for Graiguecullen and was honoured with selection as a Laois county minor. He played either at left-full-back or left-half-back.
Injury brought a premature end to his playing days but Fiaac continued to loyally serve the red and green of Graiguecullen GAA, being involved with the juvenile section and serving on the juvenile committee.

Fiacc had worked in Lapple Ireland ltd, Carlow, before taking over the running of the O'Rourke coal yard in Graiguecullen. Failing health forced him to retire some ten years ago.
Fiacc was a devoted family man his passing represents an enormous blow to his wife Marie (nee Kinsella) and their three sons, his three brothers and two sisters.
His brother-in-law Pat ensured that throughout his final illness, Fiacc had his daily copy of The Sun first thing in the morning, while almost on a daily basis his brother-in-law Sam went with Fiacc down to the thatch for his glass of Guiness, where he (Fiacc) studied form for his regular flutter on the horses.

He was an individual who enjoyed deserved popularity within his local community, where he will be sadly missed.
The remains were removed to St Clare's Church, Graiguecullen on Thursday, where they were received by Fr John Dunphy, PP, Graiguecullen-Killeshin, assisted by Fr PJ Madden, CC.

The Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday morning by Fr Dunphy. On both occasions, Fr Dunphy paid fitting tribute to the qualities that Fiacc O'Rourke brought to his life. Fiacc was a spiritual man who attended Mass almost on a daily basis.
The hearse was flanked by members of Graiguecullen GAA Club and close friends of Fiacc's, from St Clare's to Killeshin Cemetery, where he was laid to rest in the family plot, with Fr Dunphy reciting graveside prayers. A guard of honour had also been formed at the removal of the remains.

Fiacc's mother, the former Annie Haughney from Graiguecullen, died on 4 January of this year. His father, also Thomas Fiacc O'Rourke, passed away a number of years ago.
He is deeply mourned by his wife Marie, sons Mark, Thomas and Brian (all Graiguecullen), brothers Liam (Carlow), Marty (Carlow) and Paul (Arles), sisters Mary Jo O'Rourke-Walker (Graiguecullen) and Anna O'Rourke ('98 street, Graiguecullen). Fiacc is also survived by his grandchild, two-year-old Abbie, daughter-in-law Sandra by Brian's partner Lisa, Mark's partner Jenny, uncle, aunt, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends, including two special friends, John and Davy.

The O'Rourke family wish to express their deep appreciation to the Graiguecullen GAA Club and to Ursula and Joe Hayden for their tremendous support at such a sad time for the family.

Courtesy of the Carlow Nationlist 21/12/10 Tweet

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