A LIMERICK farmer who died following a tragic farming incident last weekend has been described as a “kind, hard-working, and loyal” man, as he was laid to rest today (Thursday January 29).
Family and friends gathered for the funeral of 38-year-old TJ Sweeney, a former resident of Broadford, in Our Lady of the Snows Church to remember his life.
Mr Sweeney tragically lost his life following an incident on a farm in Dromcollogher on Saturday last (January 24).
Emergency services attended the scene but Mr Sweeney was pronounced dead a short time later.
The Health and Safety Authority and An Garda SÃochána launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic death.
Among the items offered to celebrate TJ’s life were a television remote control and an Only Fools and Horses model to represent the “laughs, light-hearted moments, and smiles” he shared with those around him.
The congregation also heard about his love of farming and how it “shaped the man he was”, represented with his trusty farm wellies and a model truck.
Tributes were also paid to TJ’s wife Tara.
His fours brothers also paid tribute, commenting on the love shared between the two.
“Anyone who knew them could see how deeply connected they were. He was happiest by her side, whether they were working, chatting, or simply spending time together. They came as a pair, it was always TJ and Tara,” one of his brothers shared.
“She was TJ’s heart, his life, his everything, and he was hers.”
TJ’s love for his parents, Pat and Eileen, was also referred to, whether it was out working on the farm with his father or getting a delivery of home-made apple tart from his mother.
“If TJ was doing a job, you could be sure he had plenty of tea breaks. He loved his tea as much as he loved having the chats. Meal times were no different. Dinner was never completed without a mountain of his favourite thing, ketchup.”
TJ’s love of GAA, including hurling, and his ability to stand out even as a baby, with the brothers joking about him being crowned the winner of The Most Beautiful Baby competition in the 1980s.
A cremation service for TJ took place at Shannon Crematorium at 4pm today.
He is survived by his wife Tara, parents Pat and Eileen, siblings Aiden, Padraig, Darren and Shane, wide extended family and friends.