The late Sean Geraghty pictured with Ellie-Mae, grandaughter of his good friend Eamon McElroy and his dogs.

Memorial mass to remember tragic house fire victim

Oldcastle native Sean Geraghty who tragically lost his life following a fire at his Monaghan home will be remembered at a memorial mass in St Patrick's Church, Bawn, this evening (Wednesday) at 7.30pm.

Sean (66), was known to many by his nickname ‘Red’.

He was originally from Oldcastle but lived in the Bawn area on the Cavan/Monaghan area for the past decade. A fire broke out in the home he rented at Shantonnagh, Castleblayney, on Saturday, 14th January and while Sean made it out of the house, it is understood he went back in to rescue his beloved dogs. He was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, but sadly passed away the next morning. A service was held at Lakelands Crematorium on Wednesday of last week.

Sean was a popular member of the local community in Bawn, where he was described as a gentleman who was always willing to lend a hand. His neighbours and friends in the area are holding a memorial mass to remember Sean tonight at 7.30pm.

The mass is being organsed by Sean's good friend and neighbour of the past ten years, Eamon McElroy.

Eamon told how Sean often helped him out on the farm if he needed a hand and would look after things for him if he was ever away. "He loved being out on the farm."

"He was a gentleman. He was a very quiet, easy going man and was very knowledgable about sport. He could talk on any subject and was big into sport. "He had a lot of friends around the area. He was always very helpful and willing to lend a hand "

Eamon told how Sean works as a sales rep for a furniture company for many years and also was in the army in his younger days.

He played football for Oldcastle in his youth and the juvenile club paid tribute to Sean on their facebook page writing: "Everyone at Oldcastle GFC were saddened to hear of the passing of former player Sean ‘Red’ Geraghty. Sean was a likeable man with a wide circle of friends, who made an impression on everyone he met.

"He played with Oldcastle GFC from juvenile up to senior level, and was a formidable corner-back, making the No. 4 jersey his own. He was always there when the ball came in, a reliable lynchpin of the team for many years. Sean moved to Co Monaghan in recent years, but will be sadly missed in Oldcastle by his many friends."