Master brewer who died in house fire in Cork put more into life than he took, funeral hears

A master brewer who died in a house fire in Cork last week knew the importance of time and “put more into the life of others than he took out,” his requiem Mass has heard.

Peter Lyall, who was remembered as a “gentle giant with a big heart,” died when a fire broke out at his home in Ardcullen estate in Hollyhill in Cork city in the early hours of July 21 last.

Mr Lyall worked at the Franciscan Well brewery in Cork city for over two decades. The 57-year-old coach at Fr Mathew’s Basketball club in the city was pronounced dead at the scene. His beloved dog Charlie also perished in the fire.

His partner Anna managed to get out of the property. She was assisted by neighbours before being transferred by ambulance to hospital.

Celebrant Fr Sean O’Sullivan told mourners at St Mary’s on the Hill Church, in Knocknaheeny in Cork today, that Peter learned a lot about life from the brewing process.

“There is something about that process of brewing that probably has something to say to us today, because it involves choosing the finest ingredients and raw materials, blending them together in the right proportion, achieving the right mix, the right balance, and then allowing them the time to ferment, giving them time. It can't be rushed.

"And Peter knew that not in just in his work as a brewer, but in his life.

"Family, friendship, his passion for work, his love of basketball and coaching, his love of fun and a bit of craic - they were the ingredients of his life he blended them into something that, like his beer, will last long beyond them.” 

Fr O’Sullivan stressed that Peter understood the value of time.

“He gave time to each of those elements, allowing him to ferment and to develop, to grow richer. And one of his great gifts seems to have been his ability to make time for people to chat, to coach, to enjoy a pint or to help a colleague. One of the legacies he leaves, is to remind us how important it is to give time to what is truly important to us.” 

Shane Long, founder of The Franciscan Well bar and brewery, said that Peter was a modest man who “never claimed credit for anything”. 

“There are several people in here that he did favours for. The only people who ever knew that was the person he did the favour for and himself.

"One of the beers he was instrumental in producing was a beer called Sunbeam. And it is in Benny McCabe’s bars. And he never took credit for that. But it will be in the (Franciscan) Well today. And when everybody else is gone from here his beer will still be there. A lasting memory for the amazing man he was.” 

He said that Peter met “the love of his life” Anna over three decades ago and adored her, their children and grandchildren.

Meanwhile, his grandson Paul said that Peter had an infectious laugh which could be “heard across a room and maybe even through the walls”. 

“As a child I remember thinking you were a giant and I would hold your hand and feel so huge. Now we are faced with such a huge loss but I know you will be watching over us. We will always think of you.” 

Granddaughters Chanice and Kia said that Peter was a ‘magical’ grand father who made them feel safe and loved and always told them how proud he was of them.

Offertory gifts at the mass included a basketball, a mug, glasses and a packet of Tayto and a bottle of Coke “which he couldn’t live without”. A picture of his late dog Charlie was next to a photograph of a smiling Peter on the coffin.

Mr Lyall is survived by his partner Anna Neville, his daughters Sarah and Johann, his five siblings, grandchildren, relatives, neighbours and friends. Burial followed 10am mass at St Mary’s cemetery in the Curraghkippane in Cork.