Harry Lynch, a native of Roslea, married in 1962 and came to live on Church Hill in Clones. He began his forty years of service as sexton of the Sacred Heart Church on January 4th, 1963. It was soon clear to all in the parish that Harry’s dedication to his work was motivated by deep respect and faith. He prepared the church for all services, including christenings, weddings and funerals of many generations of Clones people, always with the same care and attention to detail. Every priest arriving in the parish found in him a wealth of local knowledge. He encouraged and guided the teams of altar servers over the years. He was a loyal friend to all.

Harry was known as a gentleman, a deeply religious man, a wise counsellor, a totally committed parishioner and a wonderful father to his family. His wife died in 1984. Thanks to his great strength of character, Harry reared his ten children as well as finding time to be actively involved in the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the parish Bingo Committee and Clones Bridge Club. He also had an interest in current affairs, local politics, gardening and Gaelic Games.

On the evening of our Mass of Thanksgiving we learned of Harry’s death. We had hoped that Harry would recover to enjoy the comfort of our new surroundings. He was a keen observer of the renovations. A week before his death he declared his approval of the work on the occasion of the first services following our return to the church.

Harry shared in the joys and sorrows of our families over the years and we will remember him.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Gerard, Margaret, John, Kevin, Pauline, Martin, Colm, Brian, Roisin and Orna and all his family.