Recent deaths 24-01-09

Fr Martin Burke, Clara Fr Martin E Burke, who passed away on 31st December last, was the first parish priest of the newly formed Donaghmore-Ashbourne parish in 1982. He served as parish priest there until his appointment to Clara in Co Offaly in 1998. A native of Coralstown, Kinnegad, he was educated at St Finian"s College, Mullingar, and St Patrick"s College, Maynooth, and was ordained in 1954. Following ordination, he was on loan to the diocese of Kildare and Leighlin. On return to the diocese of Meath, he was appointed curate in Kilcloon in 1963, and remained there for three years before moving to Mountnugent. In 1970, he became curate in Clara, and in 1980 moved to Kilcormac. He became PP in Clara in 1998, retiring in 2005. He remained active in the parish, living in Horseleap, where he passed away. Deceased is survived by his sisters, Mona Nolan and Nuala O"Toole, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. The funeral took place from St Brigid"s Church, Clara, to Horseleap Cemetery, when Bishop Michael Smith was joined by over 50 members of the clergy for the obsequies. Tom Heffernan, Killyon It is with deep regret that we record the sad passing of Mr Tom Heffernan, Killyon, and late of Abbeylaoise, Co Laois. He was aged 64, and died unexpectedly at St James" Hospital, Dublin. Mr Heffernan and his wife Barbara both joined the Community Committee on their move to Killyon and immersed themselves in community activities and work. His love for animals prompted his wife and family to take him on his final journey in a carriage hearse drawn by two black horses from Killyon Church to his final resting place in Killyon Cemetery. Deceased is survived by his wife, Barbara, sons, Mark and Derek, Dublin; Liasa and Shannon; grandchildren, Sean, Mitch, Jack and Luke; relatives and many friends. Richard Hanrahan, Trim The death occurred at his home recently of Mr Richard (Dick) Hanrahan, Somerstown, Laracor, Trim. Mr Hanrahan (66) was a native of Laracor and worked for many years as a stockman at the TE Potterton sales yard, Trim. He began his working career with horses in some of the top stables such as those run by Dermot Weld, Charlie Rodgers, Aubrey Brabazon and Mr Bryce Smith. He also rode in races and retired from the horse world to TE Potterton"s mart in Trim where he spent many years, and was a popular figure. Deceased is survived by his brothers, Robert and John; sister, Kate; brother-in-law, Paddy Gantley; nephew, Declan Gantley, and nieces in the USA. His remains were removed to Dangan Church, Summerhill, for the funeral Mass and burial took place afterwards in Dangan Cemetery. Teresa Phoenix, Kilcock The regretted death occurred at Our Lady"s Hospital, Navan, on 31st December last of Mrs Teresa Phoenix, Pheopotstown, Kilcock. A native of Dunboyne, she was predeceased by her husband, Jack, in 1997. Deceased is survived by her niece, Florrie McLoughlin, and her husband Pat; nephews, nieces and extended family. The funeral took place from the Church of the Nativity, Moynalvey, to Dunboyne Cemetery. Tony Woods, Kinnegad The regretted death occurred at his home on 4th January last of Mr Tony Woods, Griffenstown, Kinnegad. Mr Woods (50) was a native of Athboy and worked as a carpenter. He was a keen Meath football supporter and was also a boxing supporter. A kind and generous man, he is greatly missed by his family. Deceased is survived by his partner, Yvonne Kelly; brothers, Frankie, Robbie, Pat, Teddy, John, Kevin and Michael; sisters, Noeleen, Jackie, Ann, Valerie and Jennifer. His remains were removed to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Girley, and burial took place after requiem Mass there to Girley Cemetery. Eileen Donnelly, Kells Ms Eileen Donnelly, The Grove, Farrell Street, Kells, whose regretted death occurred on 22nd December last at Our Lady"s Hospital, Navan, was the last surviving member of the Rogers-Donnelly family of Bective Street, Kells. Aged 84, she spent over 20 years in the nursing profession in London before returning home to her native county. Deceased is survived by her nephews, nieces, and extended family. Following her funeral Mass in St Colmcille"s Church, Kells, on Christmas Eve, Ms Donnelly was laid to rest in St Colmcille"s Cemetery, Kells.