There was a overwhelming sadness around Gowran and beyond with the passing of Robert (Bobby) O’Leary on Monday night 4th November following a long illness bravely borne.
The son of Alice and James, Robert was born on 8th May 1949 and he grew up in Fr. Murphy Square, before moving to Gowran where he married Gretta O’Leary on 25th August 1978.
They had four children, Bridin, Michael, Roseanne and Ursula, and three grandchildren Elodie, Sean and Ted who was born on Fathers Day this year.
He is also survived by his sisters Marguerite and Alicia, and his brother Tony, and he was predeceased by his sister Breda and his brother Jimmy.
Robert or Bobby as he was most known around Gowran – was a great parish stalwart, and he was centrally involved in so many activities over the years.
He was a painter/decorator and he was well known not just around Gowran but across the county, where his hard work and dedication saw him apply the finishing touch of houses and businesses in particular to most positive effect.
Music was one of Robert’s favorite pastimes, and for several years he was Organist in Gowran Parish Church as The Choir sang every Saturday Evening for weekend Mass.
Robert and the Choir also sang at major occassions like Christmas, Easter, Confirmations and Communions, and annually he would volunteer outside Gowran Church to collect for cancer on behalf of The Irish Cancer Society having suffered family bereavements to the dreaded disease in the mid-late 2000s.
In December 2018, he received The Benemerenti Award from the then Bishop of Ossory Dermot Farrell for his services to Gowran Parish Choir on a very special night in Gowran Church.
He also played the accordion where he performed alongside Mick Power, JohnJoe Kelly and Noel Butler, and for two years they were successful in winning a prize at The St. Patrick Day Parade in Kilkenny.
Robert was also a regular performer at the music sessions in Dalton House on Wednesday nights where he performed with fellow musicians Andy Kennedy, Ben Walsh, Paul Brett and Moira Kennedy among others.
He was also a regular in The Gowran Pantomime Society throughout the years both on stage and back stage, and one year he gave a memorable performance of Running Bear that was a chart topping hit for Johnny Preston.
Sadly, Robert was plagued by illness in recent years having suffered a stroke while the past few years were most difficult having battled with Dementia, as he was treated with phenomenal care by the wonderful staff at the day care staff in St. Columbas in Thomastown.
His passing on November 4th was sudden but not unexpected, and as mentioned there was a overwhelming sadness around Gowran and beyond with his passing.
He made such a massive contribution to Gowran Parish, and above all he was a most wonderful family man especially around Christmas, where favorites like Jim Reeves and Perry Como would be played annually on the record player.
His legacy will live on and he will never be forgetten for his loyalty, genorosity, friendship and love with the way he touched the hearts of so many.
His months mind will be held in Gowran Church tomorrow evening (Saturday) at 6pm.
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