Mullingar Mourns Beloved Figure: Con Gilsenan Remembered at Moving Funeral
The city of Mullingar, Ireland, gathered in solemn remembrance on Monday as they bid farewell to Con Gilsenan, a man fondly described by Father Phil Gaffney as "a man of decency and integrity who touched the lives of so many people.”
Gilsenan, deeply connected to the community through his nearly four-decade stewardship of the landmark Con’s pub on Dominick Street, his successful undertaking business, and his esteemed role as a funeralDIRECTOR, passed away peacefully at his Mullingar home on November 20th.
His passing, following a period of illness that he met with dignity and strength, drew a huge crowd to both his removal and his funeral service. Father Gaffney noted that the outpouring of grief reflected the profound esteem in which Gilsenan was held throughout the community.
"He’d be delighted looking down at the crowd here today," Gaffney said, gesturing to the packed cathedral, “so many of his great friends and colleagues gathering in this beautiful building which he was so fond of, where he felt at home.”
Gaffney poignantly recalled how Gilsenan, a native of ‘The Float’ in Multyfarnham, proudly called Mullingar home. "For him, place was always about openness, welcoming, and belonging," Gaffney shared, adding that Gilsenan held an unwavering dedication to leaving the world a better place’.
Those sentiments were echoed in tributes from Revd Canon Alastair Graham, who painted a picture of a man deeply devoted to his community and his faith. Graham reminisced about Gilsenan’s unwavering kindness, his sharp wit, and his unwavering belief in the goodness of humanity.
“May God welcome Con into His heavenly dwelling where we pray he may rest in peace and rise in glory.” Graham said, offering condolences to Gilsenan’s wife Joan, son Conor, daughter-in-law Megan, and his wider family.
Con Gilsenan’s legacy is enshrined in the hearts of those he touched with his generosity, his warmth, and his dedication to service.
Following requiem Mass, Con’s remains were interred at the cemetery at Whitehall.
## Remembering Con Gilsenan: A Life of Service and Community Leaves lasting Legacy in Mullingar
Mullingar, Ireland mourns teh loss of a beloved figure: Con Gilsenan, a man who touched countless lives through his unwavering dedication to the community. His passing on November 20th drew a huge turnout for both his removal and funeral, a testament to the profound esteem in which he was held. Gilsenan’s legacy extends beyond his nearly four-decade stewardship of Con’s pub on Dominick Street. He was a prosperous undertaker and esteemed funeral director, and, as Father Phil Gaffney so poignantly noted, “a man of decency and integrity who touched the lives of so many people.”
To delve deeper into the life and impact of Con Gilsenan, we speak with two individuals who knew him well: Father Phil gaffney, who delivered the eulogy at Gilsenan’s funeral service, and historian and longtime Mullingar resident, Aileen O’Brien.
### A Life Defined by Service and Belonging
**Father Phil Gaffney**, what was it about Con Gilsenan that made him such a beloved figure in Mullingar?
**Father gaffney:** Con was truly one of a kind. He had this incredible ability to make everyone feel welcome and valued. Weather you were a regular at Con’s pub, someone he assisted through his funeral director work, or simply someone he encountered on the street, Con had a way of making you feel seen and heard.
His dedication to service was truly remarkable. Beyond his businesses, he was actively involved in numerous community initiatives and was always willing to lend a helping hand.
**aileen O’Brien**, could you share some insight into Con’s impact on the social fabric of Mullingar?
**Aileen O’Brien:** Con’s pub was more than just a place to grab a drink; it was a true community hub. People from all walks of life came together there, sharing stories, laughter, and moments of both joy and sorrow. con fostered that sense of belonging, creating an surroundings where people felt genuinely connected to one another.
### A Legacy of Kindness and Openness
**Father Gaffney**, you mentioned that Con had a profound belief in the goodness of humanity.
Could you elaborate on that?
**Father Gaffney:** Con always saw the best in people. He had this unwavering faith in their capacity for kindness and compassion.
Even in challenging times, he remained optimistic and hopeful, and that positivity radiated outwards, inspiring those around him.
**Aileen O’Brien**, Con’s loss is being felt deeply by the community. What do you think his enduring legacy will be?
**Aileen O’Brien:** con’s legacy will be one of kindness, generosity, and a deep love for Mullingar. He taught us the importance of community, of looking out for one another, and of making our town a better place for all.
### Looking Ahead: The Enduring Spirit of Con Gilsenan
**Father Gaffney**, what message do you believe Con would want to leave with the people of Mullingar?
**Father Gaffney:** Con would want us to remember the importance of connection, of coming together as a community, and of treating one another with kindness and respect. He would want us to keep his spirit of generosity alive by continuing to support each other and make Mullingar a place where everyone feels welcome and valued.
Con Gilsenan’s passing is a great loss to Mullingar, but his spirit of service, kindness, and community will continue to inspire generations to come.His story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have on their community. How will you honor Con’s legacy? Share your memories and thoughts in the comments below.
For more stories on inspiring individuals and the impact thay have on their communities, visit our “Local Heroes” section.
