Farmer who died in fatal incident remembered as stalwart of West Waterford farming community
The late John Cashman: "He won't be very happy, because even though he's in that place where there is only happiness, he was very much tied into Ballinameela," said Fr Kelly.
Tributes have been paid to John Cashman, the Cappagh farmer killed in a fatal incident on Monday, April 13.
At his funeral in St. James' Church, Ballinameela, on Saturday, April 18, John Cashman was remembered as a stalwart of the West Waterford farming community.
In 1997, he had led the movement against the ultimately successful merger of Waterford Foods and Avonmore. John Cashman had previously managed a co-op, and in 1999, he was nominated to join the board of Glanbia.
IFA members formed a guard of honour outside St. James’ Church. John had begun his career in dairy farming, but later pivoted into arable farming.
In 2004, he stood for local election as an independent, courting 5.3% of first preference votes in Lismore.
He was remembered as something of a “shy” man, who would take simple pleasure in unwinding over a cup of tea.
Speaking at the funeral, one of John Cashman’s sons paid tribute to their late father.
“Affectionately known to my children as ‘gra gra’, he was always eager to play, thank and bring them for a drive in the JCB,” his son said.
“Dad loved a good funeral,” he joked.
“Always ready to go the next, he would frequently send me links on WhatsApp and I’d have to ask for the connection.
“Typically, it was when he introduced me to them when I was a child, where he brought me for some tea, Dad loved travelling the country, where he could find the next cup of tea and demand for the best biscuits.
“He would tell stories of ghosts and spirits, long-winded jokes and ceaseless attention to the family lineage.”
His son remembered his father as a man willing to go above and beyond for a favour.
Fr Kelly said, officiating at the funeral: "He won't be very happy, because even though he's in that place where there is only happiness, he was very much tied into Ballinameela."
John Cashman is survived by his wife Gillian, two daughters and two sons, four grandchildren, his siblings Pat, Jim, Catherine, Bill, Norie, Claire, Eileen and Margo, extended family and friends.
May he rest in peace.
