Death of John Greally

Earlier this week I had the unpleasant task of attending the funeral of John Greally in Blanchardstown.While there really is no convenient time to die the mid forties really is far to young.And that was John's age,far too young to be found unexpectedly dead in his bed,to the great distress of his misfortunate mother,brothers Gerry and Michael and sister Anne and his nephews , nieces and a very wide circle of stunned friends.
Better known as the "bear"to his friends in St.Brigids,where I first met the extended family many moons ago,he was a prison officer by profession and his colleagues turned out in force to pay respects to what was clearly a well respected and admired work colleague.They had a guard of honour and a piper played his farewells.
There were as many people outside the Church as inside ,such was the respect and esteem in which he was held and he was buried in Mulhuddart alongside his father Mick who predeceased him by two years.His mother was distraught by the hammer blows rained down on her by the double burden of losing a husband and son so closely in time and by the un natural burden of being predeceased by a child.God help her.
The bear was a decent and straight man.His word was his bond.I have reason to know.This is no surprise as his father and mother were of similar trait and the apple never falls far from the tree.
I had the pleasure of playing football with both father and son.Both showed a determination in the tackle which would put the fear of God into the bravest opponent,the father more so than the son it must be said.
And while the father won All Irelands and represented Connaught in his day and John didn't ,he was nevertheless a solid and inspiring corner back at club level for Brigid's.
I would have to say that his father was one of the toughest men I ever played with and honest to his fingertips on the field of play.He served as Chairman of Brigids when it was dangerous to do so and steered the Club through some very choppy waters.
Ar dheis De go raibh anam dilis Eoin.