A Tribute to Roger Finnerty

 

 

 

We will all mourn the loss of a true friend and good neighbour in Roger, but he was so much more to everyone who met him.  When I first came to Oughterard eighteen years ago Roger was one of the first people to welcome us and he was most sincere in this, for I have seen many come here since and he always gave them a warm welcome and never a begrudging “ here’s another blow-in”. I think the secret was that he loved people – all shapes, sizes, all colours and creeds.

When my father died in England some years ago now.  Roger sympathised and then asked if I needed anything?  Did I have enough money to go over for the funeral? When any of my family were in hospital Roger was always the first to phone and see if things were alright and continued to do so on a daily basis.  I have heard many more stories of a similar nature since his passing and I am sure of one thing we will never see his like again. I for one am proud to have known such a good man.

Author unknown, (Oughterard Newsletter December 1999)