Recent deaths 06-02-10

The funeral took place in Virginia on Saturday afternoon last of Mr Mick Higgins, the legendary Cavan footballer who had many connections with Meath. Former Garda Sergeant, Mr Higgins (87) was captain of the last Cavan team to win an All-Ireland senior title in 1952, beating Meath, and was the last remaining player from the county to have played in the famous 1947 All-Ireland against Kerry in the Polo Grounds in New York. He also held a 1948 All-Ireland medal. Mrs Higgins' wife, Margaret (Mag), is a native of Stahalmog, Carlanstown, and two of his daughters currently reside in Meath, Jean Bradley, Augherskea, Drumree, who is married to Gerry, and Brenda Tully, Trim, who is married to Ray Tully. Born in New York, Mr Higgins' family moved to Kilnaleck when he was young, and after attending St Mary's College in Dundalk, Mr Higgins joined the Gardai. In Dundalk, he played colleges football and was on a team with Paddy Meegan that won the McRory Cup in 1938, a man who he was to face in Croke Park in the 1952 final. Deceased was stationed at the barracks at George's Cross, on the outskirts of Wilkinstown, for a two year period from 1945 to 1947, and it was at this time that he met his wife, Margaret O'Connell, of the well-known Carlanstown family whose nephew Martin was to star for the Royal County some decades later. He moved from Drogheda, where he was based until 1951. Cavan's All-Ireland run of 1947 and '48 was brought to an end by Meath in 1949, with the Royals winning their first ever title, and the neighbours met again in the 1952 decider, which went to a replay. The centre forward lifted the Sam Maguire after scoring seven of Cavan's nine points in the 0-9 to 0-5 defeat of Meath. The two teams were brought to Mills Restaurant beside the Shelbourne Hotel for a meal afterwards, the first ever post-match 'celebration' to have been held in Dublin. Having the two teams together after the game "wasn't a good idea" Higgins recalled afterwards, but had great praise for players like Paddy O'Brien, Peter McDermott and Paddy Meegan. After retiring from the playing field, deceased went on to coach Cavan to three Ulster titles, and coached Longford to its most successful phase, winning a National League title in 1966 and the county's only Leinster title in 1968, when Dublin and Meath were claimed as scalps. Later, he helped Donegal win a first Ulster championship in 1972. Mr Higgins played with Mountnugent/Kilnaleck, and was more recently a member of Ramor United in Virginia. In later years, he became very involved in greyhound racing as a trainer and was a frequent visitor to the Navan track. Mr Higgins, of Cavan Road, Virginia, and formerly Tullyvin, Cootehill, passed away peacefully at his residence following a brief illness, on Thursday last. He is survived by his wife, Mag, son John, daughters Jean, Terry and Brenda, brothers, in-laws including the members of the O'Connell family of Carlanstown, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. The funeral took place from Mary Immaculate Church, Virginia to the adjoining cemetery. _____________________________________________________________ Una Duignan, Navan Mrs Una Duignan (83), Rathaldron, Navan, who has died, is sadly missed by her family, friends and all those who knew her from the grocery/newsagents business which she started at Abbeylands, Navan, in the 1970s. For several people who moved into this area of Navan, Mrs Duignan was often the first person they got to know in the town. Her genuine interest in people and the community, at a time when Navan was undergoing many changes, made her a well-liked figure. She was daughter of the late Patrick and Ellen Matthews, Rathaldron, and was predeceased 38 years ago by her husband, Peter Duignan, Abbeylands; by her brother, Commdt Joseph Matthews, Dublin, in 1974, and in 1981 by her sister, Mrs Helen Hughes, Navan. Her alma mater was St Joseph's, Convent of Mercy, Navan, and her daughters and, more recently, granddaughters all have been pupils of the school. As a schoolgoer, she was a member of the Children of Mary. She had a deep faith in her religion which she maintained throughout her life. She was a daily Massgoer and Communicant. A wonderful letter-writer and family person, she kept family members living away from Navan fully in touch with local life. She was deeply interested in family history and in her Irish heritage. Her interests also included her membership of St Michael's Bridge Club, and she travelled to the theatre in Dublin and enjoyed reading. Mrs Duignan also was a skilful exponent of crafts such as knitting and embroidery. As someone who followed the Meath senior football team to the county's first All-Ireland victory in 1949, she never lost her enthusiasm for the county teams and took great delight in their successes over recent decades. She also took an interest in the activities of Navan O'Mahonys teams. Deceased is survived by her daughters, Joan Duignan, Abbeylands, and Helen Duignan, Rathaldron; sons, David Duignan, Ferndale, Navan, and Brian Duignan, Silverlawns, Navan; daughters-in-law, Anne Louise Duignan and Anna Duignan; grandchildren, Emily, Ellen, Mollie and Tom; brother, Pat Matthews, Toronto, Canada; sister, Eithne Williams, Wellington, New Zealand; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews. Young pupils from St Paul's NS, Abbeylands, Navan, neighbours to her shop over the years, formed a guard of honour as her remains were brought from her home to St Mary's Church, Navan, for the funeral Mass on 12th January. Burial took place afterwards in St Mary's Cemetery, Navan. _____________________________________________________________ Patricia Gorman, Ballivor The death recently occurred of Mrs Patricia Gorman (71), Kinnegad Road, Ballivor. Widow of the late Tony Gorman, who predeceased her in 2006, Mrs Gorman was originally a member of the Bennett family of Ballinalee, Co Longford. Deceased is survived by her daughters, Mrs Martina Dixon, Kilmurray, Trim; Mrs Avril Stellini, Kildalkey Road, Trim, and Miss Denise Gorman, Trim; sons-in-law, Damien and Peter, and grandchildren, Daryn, Evan, Kyle, Michela, Adam, Jack and Rhys. The funeral took place from Ballivor Church to the local cemetery. _____________________________________________________________ Bernadette McCabe, Beauparc The death occurred peacefully on the 13th January last of Mrs Bernadette McCabe, Dollardstown, Yellow Furze, Beauparc, Navan. Wife of the late Micheal McCabe, who passed away in 1998, deceased was a member of the Sheridan family of Dollardstown, Beauparc. Known locally as Detta, she was involved in the community as a key holder of the local church and had warm and friendly greeting for all who called to her home over many years. As a member of the active retirement group, deceased enjoyed meeting friends and playing bowls. Throughout her life her dedication to her family was paramount. She will be remembered as a caring mother and true friend. Mrs McCabe, aged 80 years, will be sadly missed by all her family. She is survived by her daughter, Rose; sons, Micheal, Thomas, Francis, Charles, Matthew, Paul, John, Declan and Noel; sister-in-law Kathleen; brother-in-law, Matthew; daughters in-law, nieces, nephews, grand children, great grandchildren, cousins, relatives and friend. The large numbers who called to her home and attended her funeral was a fitting tribute to one who touched so many lives. The funeral took place from the Church of Assumption, Dollardstown, Beauparc, to the adjoining cemetery. A month's memory Mass will take place in the Church of Assumption on Saturday 13th February at 7pm. _____________________________________________________________ Susan Cummins, Kilcloon The regretted death occurred on 13th January last of Mrs Susan Cummins, Killeaney, Kilcloon, at the age of 80. A member of the Carr family of Fanad, Co Donegal, she was wife of the late Kevin Cummins, who died in 2003. Her family moved to Killeaney in the 1940s and she took an active part in the parish, enjoying her time with the altar society and church duties. Deceased was a keen bingo player and enjoyed the senior citizens' group outings. Mrs Cummins was a very special lady who will be sadly missed by family, relatives and friends. She is survived by her sons, Michael, Killeaney, Sean, London, and Stephen, Killeaney; daughter, Mary, London; brother, Jimmy, Raheny; in-laws, relatives and friends. The funeral took place from St Oliver Plunkett's Church, Kilcloon, to the adjoining cemetery. _____________________________________________________________ Kathleen Meleady, Navan Mrs Kathleen Meleady, Proudstown Road, Navan, who died peacefully at her home recently, was aged 95 years. Mrs Meleady was a member of the Dowdall family, Donaghmore, and was wife of the late John Meleady, who died on St Patrick's Day, 1948. She will be remembered as a friendly and kind neighbour and a devoted and caring family matriarch. Deceased is survived by her daughters, Kitty McKeown, Proudstown Road, Maura Martin, Martry, Kells; son, Jim, Clusker Park, Navan; sister, Olive Brady, Kimmage, Dublin; sons-in-law, Paddy McKeown and Ollie Martin; daughter-in-law, Mary; sister-in-law, Mary Dowdall; 12 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. The funeral took place from St Mary's Church, Navan, to St Mary's Cemetery, on 30th December last. _____________________________________________________________ Angela Mulvanny, Oldcastle The sad death recently occurred at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, of Mrs Angela Mulvanny, Fennor, Oldcastle. She was 39. A member of the Smyth family of Oldcastle, she worked as a hairdresser. Deceased is survived by her husband, Fergus; sons, "ran, Rían and Fergal; father, Noel Smyth; brother, Enda, and sisters, Annette, Monica and Majella. She was predeceased by her mother, Monica. The funeral took place from St Brigid's Church, Oldcastle, to the local cemetery. _____________________________________________________________ Michael Timmons, Oldcastle Great sadness was occasioned over a wide area following the recent death of Mr Michael Timmons, Bolies, Oldcastle, who passed away in Sheelin Nursing Home, Mountnugent, at the age of 92. A native of Bolies, he served with the RAF and was stationed in both India and Malta. After the Second World War, like his father and grandfather before him, he worked on the railway until Oldcastle station closed in 1963. He spent the last 10 years of his life in the comfort and care of the dedicated nurses and staff in Sheelin Nursing Home. Mr Timmons was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth, and by his sons, Sean and Paul; daughter, Bernadette, as well as by his sisters, Mary and Rose, and brothers, Paddy and Sean. Deceased is survived by his sons, Michael, Moat, Oldcastle; PJ, Castleknock, Dublin, and Oliver, Foxrock, Dublin; daughters, Anne Gilhooley, Tallaght, Dublin; Betty McEnroe, Newcastle, Oldcastle, and Rose Timmons, St Joseph's Hospital, Clonsilla, Dublin; brother, Frank; sister-in-law, Maura; grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces. The funeral took place from St Brigid's Church, Oldcastle, to the local cemetery. A Month's Memory Mass for Mr Timmons will be held in St Brigid's Church on Sunday 21st February at 11.30am.