There has been widespread shock and sorrow in Lurgan with the death of a young man just one week after his brother.
Declan McGeown, who was married with two children and lived in the Fox’s Hill area of the town, passed away suddenly on Saturday.
The previous Friday, October 7, his brother Jarlath (Jay), who lived in Taghnevan, also passed away suddenly.
Tributes have been paid to Declan McGeown online, describing him as a “lovely person in every way” and “a lovely man and a good neighbour”.
One person wrote: “Only a week ago you give a beautiful tribute to your brother Jaralth RIP. Thinking of you all at this sad time. RIP Declan.”
Another said: “Devastating for the families. Declan was one of life’s good ones. Such sad news. Prayers with you all.”
Other tributes included: “Devastating for you all. He was such a gentleman and good craic” and “My heart goes out to the McGeown family at this terrible sad time.”
Another wrote: “A wonderful young man who did so much for the community. He ran science workshops for kids for me in the library and also astronomy workshops then local history talk on Molly McGeown at a fundraising night for Southern Area Hospice. Was speaking to him at his brother’s funeral on Monday.”
In a post, Irish traditional organisation, Comhaltas Clanbrassil Branch, Lurgan, said Declan was “such a valued member”, adding “we will remember him fondly and all the help and support he provided to our branch. He was a such a kind and thoughtful man”.
Mr McGeown was the son-in-law of the late Donald Lavery, who died in May and was a founding member of the Clanbrassil Comhaltas branch.
Mr McGeown was the husband of Clare and dad to Fionnán and Eunan.
The family has asked for no flowers, with donations, in lieu, if desired to Lurgan Junior Gateway Club.
Mr McGeown’s funeral will be held on Wednesday at 11.15am from his late residence to St Peter’s Church for 12.00noon Requiem Mass with interment afterwards in St Colman’s cemetery.
In tributes online last week, his brother Jay was described as a “fabulous and kind colleague” and “one of the best”.
The brothers are survived by their parents Jarlath and Phyllis McGeown, sisters Ursula and Fiona, brother Colin, and extended family circle.
