Waterford's GIY pay tribute to 'dear colleague and friend' 

Grow HQ has paid tribute to the centre manager on his passing.

Allen Troy of Grantstown and formerly Ennistymon, passed away on September 7, following an illness.

In a post on social media, Grow HQ said they were saddened by the loss of a “dear colleague and friend”.

“Our thoughts and hearts are with Tracy, Luke, Zoe and Helen at this time.

Allen was one of a kind, and he was hospitality and service to his fingertips. Always first in and last home, he brought honest hard work, passion and a sense of fun and mischief to the job, making sure every team member and visitor was welcomed with a smile, and felt valued and looked after. We were incredibly blessed to have him at the helm at HQ for 5 years, wrote GIY HQ A Book of Remembrance will be at the cafe reception and the centre will be closed on Friday as a mark of respect.

Mr Troy is predeceased by his father Michael and sadly missed by his wife Tracy and children Zoe and Luke, as well as his mother Helen, brother Fergus, nieces Becca and Allie, mother and father-in-law Christine and Richard Coughlan, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, colleagues, neighbours and friends.

Mr Troy was also known as a “brilliant” football player and coach and will be missed by his club, Villa.

Villa Football Club also paid tribute to Mr Troy.

“Allen was a hugely popular player and coach within the club. He was a brilliant Schoolboy player with the club back in the late 1980s. Life and career took him to Ennis, where he settled and had his family.

“Allen returned to Waterford a number of years back and immediately reconnected with Villa. He was an excellent coach and never lost his love of playing, becoming a stalwart of our 4th division team.

“Amazingly, he kept playing throughout much of his treatment, showing how much it meant to him.

“Above all Allen was a true gentleman, he always had time for a chat and friendly word with everyone and that smile was never far from his face.

“Sincere condolences to his son Luke who has carried on the family tradition of playing and coaching with Villa, his wife Tracy, daughter Zoe and his wider family.

“A great one taken too soon. RIP Allen,” wrote Villa on social media.

Reposing at Tom Hennessy’s Funeral Home, Johnstown, Waterford on Thursday, September 10 rom 5pm to 7:30pm.

His funeral mass will take place in in St Mary’s Church, Ballygunner on Friday, September 11 at 11.30 am., with burial to take place afterwards in the adjoining Cemetery.

Family flowers only have been requested, and donations in lieu can be made to The Oak Ward, South East Palliative Care.