PEOPLE ALL over Co. Wexford are in shock this week following the sudden passing on Saturday, of noted historian, author and school-teacher, Dr. Billy Colfer.

A native of Slade, Mr. Colfer (73), was married to his beloved wife, Noreen, and had five sons: Paul, Donal, Eamonn, Niall and acclaimed international best-selling author, Eoin.

Noted for being an authority on Wexford history Mr. Colfer was a gentleman in every sense of the word.

A graduate of St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra (1961), he later graduated from Trinity College, Dublin, where he completed his doctorate in research on medieval Wexford.

He spent his teaching career in Wexford CBS Primary school where he was one of the most popular teachers to ever take charge of a classroom. He retired as a teacher in 1997.

The comments and tributes paid to Mr. Colfer on social media sites since news of his untimely passing became public at the weekend bore testimony to his popularity as a person and as an academic.

Mr. Colfer was extremely proud of his family and he was also very proud of his county and in particular, his home area of Slade, Fethard-on-Sea.

Such was the high level of respect in which he was held by everyone who knew him that he was in great demand for lectures and official launches.

He was a prolific writer whose articles documenting the history of Slade, Hook and Co. Wexford in general will remain forever testaments to his enduring legacy as a person who was truly ‘one of a kind’.

His articles of historical interest, written for some of the country’s leading publications, remain prized among historical societies and many are archived as definitive source material for future generations of researchers.

Mr. Colfer’s remains were removed to All Saints Church, Templetown, Fethard-on-Sea, yesterday evening at 6 p.m. His Requiem Mass was held on today at 2 p.m.

He is survived by his wife, Noreen, sons, Paul, Donal, Eoin, Eamonn and Niall, brothers, George and John, grand-children, relatives, and very large circle of friends.