Waterford man who passed away from a rare disease donates his brain to research
The late Seamus Skehan
The Sliabh gCua community and communities far and wide were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of one of the parish’s well-known and popular parishioners, Séamus (Seamie) Skehan, Cahernaleague, Ballinamult.
Seamie passed away suddenly from a rare brain disease, CJD (Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease).
In an extraordinary act of generosity and hope, Seamie donated his brain to the Irish National CJD Research Centre in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, in a bid to assist others affected by this rare and unforgiving illness.
A cornerstone of the community, Seamie served as Chairman of the Parish Council for over 30 years.
His tireless work and commitment to the parish was widely recognised and deeply appreciated.
A devoted family man, Seamie also had a lifelong love for the GAA. He was involved with Sliabh gCua/St. Mary’s GAA Club, as well as Naomh Bríd and Na Déise.
Known as the kind of neighbour who was always ready to lend a hand, Seamie was a member of numerous local committees over the years. Right up until his passing, he served on the Sliabh gCua Community Centre Committee.
The large crowds who attended Seamie’s wake and funeral were a testament to the respect and affection in which he was held by many.
The community extend their sincere sympathies to his wife Breda (née Moore), daughters Tara, Julie, and Eithne, son Jack, sons-in-law Brendan, Derek, and John, Jack’s partner Ella, grandchildren Saoirse, Johnny, Kate, Éirinn, Caoimhe, Willie, Cailín, Seán, and Seánie, brother John, sister Lois (Crotty), siblings-in-law Pat, James, and Linda, as well as his extended family, neighbours and wide circle of friends.
On Sunday last, Séamie’s funeral cortege departed from his home on its final journey to St. Mary’s Church, Touraneena, where a guard of honour made up of members from various local clubs and committees stood in solemn tribute.
Following Requiem Mass celebrated by Fr. Denmead, Séamie was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
