Appreciation- Seamus Mullally

It is with sadness and regret in Portlaoise that we learned of the untimely death of our friend and colleague Seamus in November 2008.

Seamus was a highly respected colleague, but more than that he was a friend to everyone he encountered. While Seamus struggled with ill health, especially in the last four years he will always be remembered for his love of adventure and zest for life. He did not stop because he was ill, he grabbed life and lived it to the full and captivated us all with stories of his exploits, sporting, foreign adventures, climbing Kilimanjaro, skiing and entertaining us with details of 'The Shannon Cruise'.

We can still hear his hearty laugh as he recalled his days as an apprentice and life in Shannonbridge, Allenwood and Rhode station. While in Rhode he was an active member of the Rhode social club committee and always to the fore in organising associated activities.

During his illness, the mobile phone proved invaluable and we all miss his calls and funny texts. Seamus was a straight talking, no nonsense person, upbeat and optimistic. His love of GAA was well known—his club was Portarlington, and he confused us with his county affiliation-Laois or Offaly cheering for both regardless. His soccer team was Portvilla and he was a proud supporter of Stoke city. Seamus was a great quiz buff and was an expert on music, films and sport.

Seamus first love was his family, Jean Steve and Orlagh, mother Peg, brothers and sisters and the extended Murphy family. Seamus will be remembered in ESB for many years to come. We can truly say we are better for having known him. He showed tremendous resilience perseverance and carried his illness with great dignity. He inspired us all.

Ar dheis de go raibh a ainm.