Warm tributes have been paid to the man in his sixties whose body was recovered following a multi-agency operation at Boatstrand this week.

Francis ‘Boots’ Casey, aged in his sixties, from Woodstown, Annestown died on Wednesday last, August 13th.

In an online tribute, Fenor GAA Club described ‘Boots’ as “one of the community’s distinctive characters”.

“Having extremely close ties with Kill and Fenor GAA Clubs, he played hurling and football with us later in his long career, while his comedic talents made him a key character in our Scór sketches. In more recent years, Francis watched his sons Peter, Colm and David wear the green and white of both clubs,” the tribute said.

‘Unique character’

“A versatile, tough player, Boots served his native Kill (and in his youth, Éire Óg) with distinction in both codes for many years, playing senior football alongside some great names in the seventies. He also acted in the famous Kill Shows of that decade, and later formed part of the ‘ground force’ that kept the club’s pitch in pristine condition. A master mechanic and fisherman by occupation, his passions and pastimes made him an All-Ireland champion hotrodder and expert turkey breeder, popular singer and set dancer, and much more besides.”
Meanwhile, Kill GAA Club said: “A sense of sadness descend on the local communities, when news broke of the sad passing of Francis (Boots) Casey. Francis was a unique character and was hugely popular in the local communities. In his playing days, with the club, Francis was a no nonsense, teak tough defender who gave his all on the pitch. He was also a talented actor and was part of many a Kill Show and Scór team over the years and was also a great man for a song. In latter years Francis returned to the club and was grounds man for many years.”

Funeral arrangements

Francis’ death notice reads that he was predeceased by his parents Edmond and Bridget, his brother Bernard and sister-in-law Helen and is “deeply regretted by his loving wife Mary, sons Eddie, John Paul, Philip, Ray, Brendan, Peter, Colm, David, Luke and Jer, sisters Anne and Maudy, brother Michael, daughter-in-laws, grandchildren, aunt Eileen, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.”

Francis will be reposing at his residence on Sunday  from 2.00pm to 8.00pm.

Removal from his home takes place on Monday for Requiem Mass on arrival at 12 noon to The Immaculate Conception Church, Fenor, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

His family have requested family flowers only, with donations, if desired, to Bonmahon Lifeboat.

For the latest Waterford News and Sport, tune into WLR News on the hour and download the WLR App for news on demand.