A man of many talents throughout his long life, he was 89, he made great use of those talents in life. Born into one of the oldest families in Lorrha, Bobby served in the signal corps in the army for a number of years. He married Sheila (nee Bowes from Birr) in 1956 and built a house and filling station in Lorrha village where after twelve years they moved to their new home and filling station at The Ferry where they were to spend the next 29 years. During his life time, he served as chairman of the local G.A.A. club, but it is through his membership of the Fianna Fail party and his time spent as County Councillor for the parish that he will be best remembered. During his political career, he represented Ireland at the International housing conference in Hamburg, served on the censorship appeals board and was also a Peace Commissioner for a number of years. After retiring from business ten years ago, he and Sheila went to reside in the town of Portumna but he returned to attend and support functions until recent years.
Bobby passed away on Thursday January 8th 2009 at the Portumna Retirement Village.