The funeral takes place today of tragic Ramelton man Terry Toland.
The untimely death of Terry from Whiteleas, Ramelton on Sunday in a workplace accident at a Connemara harbour has stunned the community in his native town where the family roots are deeply embedded over many generations.
Aged 41, Terry, a father of four children was working on the installation of pontoons at Rossaveal Harbour in the Connemara Gaeltacht at around four o’clock on Sunday evening when he was reportedly injured by a piece of industrial equipment.
The Irish Coast Guard administered first aid at the scene of the accident and Terry was flown to University Hospital, Galway by the Shannon-based Sikorsky air/sea rescue helicopter.
He was pronounced dead later on Sunday night.
by John McAteer
Terry had spent his working life in the steel fixing trade and has been described by family and workmates as a highly skilled and dedicated professional.
In one of Ireland’s most closely knit communities, the Toland family circle has paid their heartfelt thanks to all their relations, neighbours and all who’ve called to the wake.
They’ve said the presence of the community has been a great source of comfort and inspiration to them in this most difficult of traumas.
And as Terry battled for his life, the family has thanked the officers who provided them with a Garda escort as they rushed to his bedside in Galway late on Sunday evening.
After his apprenticeship with Houston Engineering in Letterkenny, Terry was employed by Quinn Piling in Downpatrick and worked in many parts of the UK and in Ireland.
He was also instrumental in the construction of the steelworks on the new town hall stage some eleven years ago and he is so fondly remembered for his contribution to this community effort.
He was a highly respected member of the community and lived and worked for his family and his passing has left the community traumatised.
The Requiem Mass is at 11am today, February 2nd in St Mary’s Church, Ramelton followed by interment in the adjoining cemetery.
Terry’s home was in Ramelton with his partner, Rosie and children, Jay (13) Breena (6) Quinn (2) and ten month old Adeline.
He is also survived by his stepdaughter Jamie Lee, by his parents, Kevin and Kathleen: brothers and sisters, Brian, USA and Joe in Australia and Joanne and Shauna in Ramelton: brother and sisters in law, Terry, Marian and Zoe: his uncles, Lawrence, Patsy, Ferdie, Adrian, Danny and Charlie: his aunt, Eileen, cousins nieces and nephews, close friend, Noel Byrne and an extended family circle to whom deepest sympathy is extended.
Since Tuesday morning his remains reposed at the home of his parents Kevin and Kathleen at Whiteleas and many hundreds of mourners have travelled from near and far to offer their condolences: to say a silent prayer and to remember a wonderful friend and neighbour whose passing leaves a deep void in community life in the area.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is investigating the incident. A second man was also hurt in the incident, but his injuries were described as not life threatening.
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