RIP: Emotional tributes paid to Eamonn Langton as Kilkenny bids farewell to ‘legend’
The funeral mass of Eamonn Langton took place in St John’s Church on Friday morning
Kilkenny City came to a standstill at 12noon on Friday, September 18 as one of its most famous sons, Eamonn Langton was laid to rest.
The death of the renowned local businessman has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the county since the news broke on Wednesday morning.
Mourners began gathering at St John’s Church from mid-morning, with family, close friends and many others who had been touched by Eamonn’s immeasurable contribution to Kilkenny attending to pay their respects.
In a fitting tribute, many of Eamonn’s former friends and colleagues from the local Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) paid their respects by forming a guard of honour.
Meanwhile, numerous local dignitaries were also in attendance, including the Mayor of Kilkenny City, Cllr Andrew McGuinness, the Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Joe Malone, and the Chief Executive of the local authority, Lar Power.
Councillors from the Kilkenny City Municipal District were all in attendance and wore their ceremonial robes for the Mass.
During a visibly moving Funeral Mass, Eamonn’s son Eddie thanked everyone who had supported the family for the ‘overwhelming love’ shown to them during his father’s period of ill-health.
He also extended his gratitude to the staff of St Luke’s General Hospital and Carlow-Kilkenny Home Care for the care they provided.
The congregation heard of Eamonn’s ‘full and amazing life’, during which he gave back as much as he earned.
Eddie shared cherished memories of growing up in a family home full of “colour and fun,” adding, they were “wonderful times.”
“He loved being a publican,” he said, recalling how Eamonn continually ‘changed’ and ‘reinvented’ to ensure Langton’s remained the best it could be, noting that winning the 1986 ‘Pub of the Year’ award was particularly special to him.
“He cherished everyone that worked with him and treated them like family,” Eddie continued, hailing his many staff down through the years.
“Thank you for everything you’ve done for us. It’s been a privilege and a pleasure. Until we meet again, sleep well,” he concluded.
Chief Celebrant, Monsignor Fr Dan Carroll also paid tribute to Eamonn, describing him as a “legend.”
“We are gathered here with hearts that are heavy but hearts that are full,” he said.
“Eamonn was known the length and breadth of Ireland and much further afield,” Monsignor Carroll continued, paying tribute to his ‘warmth’, which he displayed to all those he met during his life.
Eamonn’s ‘pride’ and genuine ‘commitment’ to Kilkenny GAA were also recounted during the Mass.
“Kilkenny was a city and county he loved and gave back to generously. Eamonn made Kilkenny and John Street itself much brighter.”
Following the Mass, mourners exited the church to Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’ as they followed Eamonn on his final journey to Foulkstown Cemetery.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.