Freeman's Journal/1879/Death of Mr. E. T. Lefroy

DEATH OF MR. E. T. LEFROY

We deeply regret to announce that _yesterday Mr. Edward Thomas Lefroy died at his residence, 33 Abbey-street, in this city, of congestion of the lungs. The illness to which _Mr. Lefroy succumbed was so brief in its duration that some friends will _hear for the first time at once of his attack and of its deplorable close. In many circles and by many devoted friends the news that a career so bright and promising has closed at the early age of thirty-sis will cause the most heartfelt and profound sorrow, but by none will tho death of Edward Lefroy be mourned for as keenly as by his old friends and comrades of the newspaper Press. Devoting himself to the journalism profession at a very early age, Mr. Lefroy joined tho literary staff of the "Freeman" going ten years ago; and was up to a few months since one of the principal contributors to our leading literary, and critical columns. He brought to his profession great gifts—varied culture, true critical insight, a brilliant style—and no more accomplished newspaper man has ever appeared in Dublin journalism. Last year the long connection between this journal and Mr. Lefroy was terminated by an event which promised moat favourably for his future—his appointment to the very important post of Manager of the Queen's Printing Office in Ireland. Determining to devote himself entirely to his new duties, Mr. Lefroy, to the deep regret alike of the proprietor of this journal and his old colleagues withdrew himself from the "Freeman" staff. Brief, unhappily, was his career in his new avocation, and in the midst of the labours of a busy and successful life Death has struck him down. The tidings of his death caused yesterday throughout the city a sensation surprising in tho casa of a private individual, but explicable trom the fact that his generous, loyal, and manly nature had made for "Ned Lefroy" hosts of attached friends. Lot us add, that if the voice of universal sympathy could pierce through the agonised woo of bereavement, some consolation would be borne to the home where the widow and little children mourn for the most loving and fondest of husbands and fathers.