The Late Eugene Lawlor The death took place on Thursday, the 27th of March of Eugene Lawlor from Boheroe, Abbeydorney at the age of 83 years. Born on tbe 29th ot January. 1925 he was known as Sonny to all his friends and he was held in the highest esteem throughout the parish of Abbeydorney and further afield. As a youth Sonny played minor and junior hurling with Abbeydorney and he also joined the Labour Party in his youth. Throughout his busy life. Sonny was president of tour different soeieties in Abbeydorney the ploughing GAA and coursing clubs and the Labour branch. Abbeydomey GAA Club honoured Sonny back in 2000 when he received the Hall of Fame Award. In 2003 he was honoured by the Ploughing Society for his outstanding contribution down the years. A large turnout at his removal testified to his popularity with all clubs with which he was associated forming a guard of honour which were formed on both days. The cortege was led by a two-horse-drawn plough guided by ploughmen Tom Barrett and Sonny Egan on his final journey at Kyrie Eleison Abbey. Sonn joined the Ploughing Society in 1942 and he was a very active member ensuring the annual ploughing match was run successfully resulting in him becoming the Society's president in 1994. In 1953, he became a member of the coursing club. In 1964 he became helper and coach to John Joe Egan All-lreland Ploughman during which time Sonny travelled all over the country to All-lreland ploughing matches up until 1977 achieving major success. Sonny was passionate about ploughing and saw major changes in the ploughing fields over the years from the traditional horse ploughing to the introduction of tractors in the 1950s. The queues of children that would gather for a lift in Sonny's horse and cart were a sight for many years. It is a rare sight to see one still being used. During the many years, many differant competitions and events have been included at the annual ploughing match and Sonny in his own quiet way helped the society adapt to changing developments yet retaining the traditional atmosphere of a friendly rural occassion. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace. Courtesy of the Kerry's Eye 3 April 2008 Tweet

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