Sean Farrelly Death – We are extremely saddened and devastated to announce the death of Sean Farrelly, of Clear View House, Drumgora, Virginia, Co. Cavan died peacefully after a short illness on 16th August 2022. Virginia Show extends its sincerest sympathy to all the Farrelly and extended family at this time.
Sean Farrelly was more than a cornerstone of Virginia Show, he and his family are at the heart. No matter who arrived to Virginia Show, it was Sean’s smiling face that greeted them at the main gate for over 40 years. He seemed at home in the white coat talking to everyone on the street. With Sean’s unfailing smile and good humour, there was no rush or panic, and everyone knew the gate would run like clockwork. With his firm handshake, he made everyone feel special.
An absolute gentleman, Sean served in a number of senior roles on the Show Committee. His leadership qualities led him to the role of President of Virginia Show in 2013 where he had the honour of leading the show in the celebration of the 75th show in 2016.
His father, Thomas Farrelly, was key to the building of the Farmers Hall and Virginia Vocational School (now Virginia College). Sean followed his father and was instrumental in the building of the Virginia Show Centre and continued as a valuable member of the committee. Sean led the society through far reaching changes which have improved the life of the community in Virginia and surrounding areas.
The Show Society has the honour of having four generations of the extended Farrelly family involved in the show. The Farrelly family are founding members of the show and continue to be at the heart of it. Sean and his grandchildren, no matter what the age, were a familiar sight on the showgrounds ensuring that everything would be ready for the big day. Anthony, Yvonne, Joan, Orla, Emer, John and Aine continue in Sean’s footsteps and hold key roles in the committee. The wider Farrelly family, sons in law Sean, Gerry, Martin, Brendan and Daithi, daughters in law Vivienne and Maggie, his cherished grandchildren, his brother PJ, all play an important role in the smooth running of the agricultural show and have done so for many years.
Sean had attended meetings in preparation for the 2022 Show and was looking forward to our 79th show next Wednesday. There will be lots of heartfelt memories shared about him up to and including show day and long after it. As the marquees go up, we will always remember his legacy at Virginia Show.
