A eulogy delivered at the funeral of a well-known Castleblayney man – who made Armagh city his home for many years – spoke of a man “most witty, talented and compassionate”.
Conor Greenan, who was a former staff photographer at the Ulster Gazette, a member of Armagh Theatre Group, and a chef – among many things – passed away on Monday.
During Requiem Mass in his hometown of Castleblayney on Thursday morning, Fr Stephen Duffy spoke of an overwhelming sorrow at the loss of a man so many had “the warmest of memories of”.
“Monday is not the totality of Conor’s life – it doesn’t define him,” said Fr Duffy.
“Our community has been very saddened by the news of Conor’s death, all too early in his journey of life. That sadness and empathetic love was also very much there for [parents] Mary and Seamus, because this is a day that every parent dreads. For a sister and brothers, this day is filled with sorrow because a link in the family chain has now gone.”
Fr Duffy spoke of Conor’s childhood growing up in Tullynacrunnatt, surrounded by other families, ensuring “there was constant shenanigans”.
Conor was a talented underage goalkeeper for a hugely successful Castleblayney Faughs team – it was one of his happiest memories; something he often reminisced about with friends and colleagues. From the age of 10 to 18, he was part of a team that went largely unbeaten in Monaghan for years – “he looked back on this time with great affection and great warmth,” said the priest.
Fr Duffy said Conor was “very caring and had a very sensitive side to him”, telling a story about how, one cold January day, as a teenager, “he noticed that a little robin was down on the ground, flapping away”.
He continued: “So he brought it home, and he actually nurtured the little robin back to life – so much so that they had a bond.
“He’d only have to put out his hand and the robin would come up and perch on it.”
Fr Duffy spoke of Conor’s many talents – “he was a fantastic cook, a talented guitarist, entertaining on stage, and had a tremendous eye behind the camera”.
He also read out a message from a very good friend who had known Conor for most of his life.
“Conor was one of the most witty, talented, compassionate and intelligent people I ever knew. Even during the last few years, when he was suffering, it was never about him,” the message read.
“He liked to reminisce about the better times instead of dwelling on his current circumstances. We had great times with him over the years – he was a gregarious guy, and you literally could have put him in any company and he would have been able to talk on any subject.
“He was so deeply passionate about music and the arts, and he especially loved film. He was also very interested in current affairs, and the recent genocide in Gaza broke his heart – as it does everyone’s.”
Fr Duffy referenced the fact that Conor “had his own share of suffering in this life”, but that “we’re not here to judge him, because none of us truly know the fine line that any of us walk”.
“Life can be like being on a tightrope,” he said. “We can have the best balance in the world, but some event, some hurt, some painful experience can throw us off at any time, because we’re fragile. We’re vulnerable – and getting back onto that tightrope can prove to be very difficult and even sometimes impossible.
“But the thing about all of this is, Conor kept trying, and he always remained a good guy, a good person – well liked. It might have been one foot forward and two steps back, but he kept trying all the same, until his body would not allow him to try anymore.”
Fr Duffy reserved a special mention for Conor’s mother, Mary – “one person who never gave up on Conor, not for one minute”.
“Your family, Mary, publicly acknowledges everything that you did for Conor and for the rest of the family, right up to this very moment.
“With a mother’s heart, over and over again, you encouraged, explored new opportunities, and went the extra mile – over and over again.”
Following his funeral service in St Mary’s Church, Conor’s remains were taken for private cremation at Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan.
Deeply regretted and sadly missed by his parents Seamus and Mary, his sister Marie (Niall), brothers Jim (Mairead), Lorcan (Laura) and Daragh, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.
May he Rest in Peace.
