Death of well-known agri-contractor, Philip Heary
The community across north Meath and beyond is mourning the passing of well-known agricultural contractor, Philip Heary.
He died peacefully yesterday at the Mater Hospital, Dublin, following a long illness, aged 55.
He is remembered as a man with a large and warm personality and very high standards of work.
The Kells native operated an agri-business and scaffolding company, and ran for Sinn Fein in local elections in 2009. He was a member of Kells Musical and Drama Society, Kells Christmas Lights Committee, Kells St Patrick’s Day Parade, Girley Harvest Festival, Kells Chamber of Commerce and Kells Summer Festival. A committed community activist, Philip was an enthusiastic promoter of the town’s cultural heritage and tourism.
He was involved in many charitable causes for many years, and was a lifelong member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association.
In 2019, he spent 250 days in hospital battling sepsis, thinking initially he was suffering from the flu.
He went public to raise awareness of the deadly blood disease which left him on death's door three times after his organs failed.
The residents’ association at Cherryhill Road, where he lived, wrote: “Very sad day on Cherryhill on hearing of the passing of one of our greatest neighbours, Philip Heary. Philip was the best neighbour and great friend to all of our committee. When the roads were frozen over he made sure our entrance was gritted. During the beast from the East, Philip was the one to clear our way for us. When we were being judged for the Pride of place one year he jokingly drove by and offered a brown envelope to the judges. Philip you will be sorely missed and we are so sad you lost your long battle.”
Philip was predeceased by his father, Philip senior, and his infant sister, Bridget, and is survived by his mother, Katie, his partner, Liz, sister, Catherina, brother, James, brother-in-law, AO, nephews and nieces, aunts and uncles and a large circle of family and friends, particularly his many friends in the farming community in north Leinster.
Philip's funeral cortege will leave his residence on Friday 22nd January at 10am via his birthplace, St Anthony's, Fairgreen, for a brief moment of respect , followed by removal to St Colmcille's Church Kells for private funeral Mass at 11am for immediate family only followed by burial in St. Colmcille's Cemetery, which can be viewed on https://www.kellsparish.ie/our-parish/webcam/
No Mass Cards Please, Donations, if desired, to The Patient Comfort Fund Mater Hospital, C/O Brian Curran Funeral Director.