Recent deaths 24-04-10

The death occurred on 31st March last of Mrs Margaret Casey McNamee, Cnocán, Mullaghey, Kells, who operated as a solicitor for many years, based in Dunshaughlin. Mrs Casey McNamee, wife of Mr Paddy McNamee, also lived at Lagore, Dunshaughlin, and Liscarton, Navan, prior to moving to Kells. Originally from Clifden, Co Galway, her family ran a general store on the town's main street. The second daughter of a family of three daughters and three sons of Jack Casey and Helena O'Toole, she had attended the Ursuline Convent Boarding School in Sligo before going on to study law at University College, Galway. Following her training in a legal firm, she received her solicitor's parchment in 1959. Poignantly, the January-February issue of the Law Society Gazette carried a photograph of her 1959 graduation class. Mrs Casey McNamee's first job as a solicitor was in Leixlip, before she moved to McMahon and Tweedy in Dublin. There were periods in the Land Registry and the Incorporated Law Society, and she was famous for bringing her Irish wolfhound dog, 'Tara', to work with her. Her next position was in TP Robinson Solicitors, and she specialised in conveyancing. In the late 1970s, deceased moved to Lagore, Dunshaughlin, and set up her own practice at Main Street, Dunshaughlin. Shortly after her move to Dunshaughlin, where she lived in the lodge at Lagore House, she joined the Meath Archaeological and Historical Society, and was to become its excursion organiser, a position she held for almost two decades. It was through the society that she met her husband, Kells builder Paddy McNamee, whom she married in 1991 in Ratoath. A tribute in Riocht na Midhe, the society's journal, when she stepped down as organiser after 19 years in 2000, said she organised tours to sites of major historic interest all over Ireland. It read: "The variety and scope of these trips arose from Margaret's own deep interest in the history and heritage of the country. Because of Margaret and Paddy's meticulous planning and close attention to detail, every trip was a triumph of good organisation." These trips included the Burren, Kilkenny and Boyle. She was secretary of the society for a number of years while her husband is a past president. Mrs Casey McNamee herself was a keen traveller, and in her youth had travelled the Nile. Later, with her husband, she returned there, and also visited Australia, Thailand, Cuba, America, New Zealand, Fiji, Portugal and even Siberia. Deceased was also a regular attender of the Wexford Opera Festival. She will be remembered as a discreet and private person who also had a great sense of humour. She is survived by her husband, Paddy; brothers, James and Frank; sister-in-law, Rose; nephews and nieces; nephews-in-law, nieces-in-law; relatives and friends. A funeral liturgy took place on Easter Saturday in Mullaghey Church, followed by burial in St Colmcille's Cemetery, Kells. Monsignor John Hanly, PP, Carnaross, officiated. A month's memory Mass takes place in Mullaghey Church on Sunday 9th May, at 11.15am. _____________________________________________________________ Nina Cully, Trim The death occurred on Tuesday of last week of Mrs Nina Cully, Wellington Place, Trim, founder of Nina's Fashions on Market Street, Trim, in Knightsbridge Care Home, who was known to all as Nina. Originally from Killucan, Co Westmeath, Nina's brother-in-law, the late John Smith of Navan, who ran a shoe shop on Market Square, introduced her to the McConville family, Trim who offered her an apprenticeship in their drapery shop in 1939, when she was 21. In 1953 the opportunity arose for Nina to take over the business in her own name and she rose to the challenge. She married Kildare man Tom Cully that same year and together they started off family life in High Street. She successfully ran her business in a leasehold premises on the north side of Market Street until 1960 when she and Tom purchased Farrell's pub opposite and converted it into the fashion store that trades there to this day. Nina was very progressive and introduced Trim to its first of many fashion shows in the 1960s. Always using professional models, comperes like Grace O'Shaughnessy and Kathleen Watkins graced the stage in Trim Town Hall, which would be transformed beyond all recognition on the night. Occasions like these always raised substantial sums of money for various charities. Nina could often be spotted tending her geraniums and prize-winning window boxes which she loved and took great pride in. In 1970, Nina extended her premises to cope with the growing town and in the 1980s she was joined by her daughter Ann-Marie. Together, with the help of a very loyal staff, they grew the business further and doubled its size in 1990. Nina was very active in public life in Trim. Her involvement in many committees included Trim Handicapped Organisation, St Vincent de Paul Society, Trim Apostolic Society, Trim Red Cross, Our Lady of Trim Statue Committee, District Nurse Association, Meals on Wheels and many more. She had boundless energy and was "born smiling". She was always willing and ready to do a good turn. She was a terrific wife, mother and grandmother. Nina was a committed Catholic, who attended daily Mass and was very active in the local St Patrick's Church. Deceased was a member and past Lady Captain of Co Meath Golf Club. She will be sadly missed by her family, staff, and a large circle of loyal and great friends. Predeceased in 1995 by her husband, Tom, she is survived by her daughter, Ann-Marie O'Donnell; son-in-law Gerry; grandchildren Tony and Charlotte; and nephew Chris Glennon (Tullamore). She was also predeceased by her brother, Ned Glennon (Westmeath), and sisters, Kathleen Smith (Navan), Molly Fitzgerald (Kilskyre) and Sr Andree OSA (Waterloo, Liverpool). The funeral took place from St Patrick's Church, Trim, to St Loman's Cemetery, on Thursday last. _____________________________________________________________ Annie Murtagh, Bohermeen Mrs Annie (Nancy) Murtagh, Durhamstown, Bohermeen, Navan, who has died aged 86, was wife of the late Tom Murtagh, who died in June 1996. A member of the Farnan family, Quarry Road, Ardbraccan, she died on 23rd March last at the residence of daughter, Carmel Dolan, Hillview Grove, Bohermeen. She was also predeceased by her daughter Marion; son, Noel; and brother, Chappy Farnan. Deceased is survived by her daughters, Carmel Dolan; Bohermeen; and Bernadette Brady, Reask Drive, Navan; sons-in-law, Paul, Martin and Paddy; daughter-in-law, Patricia, grandchildren; great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and neighbours. The funeral took place from St Ultan's Church, Bohermeen, to St Ultan's Cemetery. _____________________________________________________________ John O'Connell, Navan The regretted death occurred on 27th March last of Mr John O'Connell, Blackcastle Estate, Navan, at his residence, aged 80. A native of Athlone, Co Westmeath, he moved to Navan in the 1960s, employed by Claytons and later by Balmoral Textiles. In the late 1980s, he opened up his own textile supply business, John O'Connell & Son Upholstery Supplies in Balmoral Industrial Estate. Deceased had a great interest in music and in his younger years in Athlone, was a member of the Athlone Brass Band. When he moved to Navan, Mr O'Connell spent some time in the Navan Silver Band, which he enjoyed immensely. He was also a keen gardener and enjoyed growing seeds and planting his much-admired window boxes, and took pride in maintaining his garden. He also loved to travel and enjoyed heading off to warmer climates to spend a couple of weeks in the sun whenever the opportunity arose. Mr O'Connell will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather who played a big part in the family. He is survived by his wife, Maura; son, Peter, Portlaoise; daughters, Martina Keegan, Grange Bective, Navan; Paula Coyle, Ardbraccan, Navan; Linda Crosbie, Rathkenny; Anne Marie Fitzsimons, Navan; Hazel O'Connor, Navan; Shirley Connell, Cahir, Co Tipperary; sons-in-law; daughter-in-law; grandchildren; brother, Paddy O'Connell, England; relatives, and friends. The funeral took place from St Oliver Plunkett's Church, Navan, to Bohermeen Cemetery. A month's memory Mass will take place on Saturday 24th April in St Oliver Plunkett's Church, at 7pm. _____________________________________________________________ Helen Tormay, Kells and London The death occurred peacefully in King's College Hospital, London, of Ms Helen Tormay, formerly of St Colmcille's Villas, Kells, aged 49. Deceased had moved to England almost 20 years ago. Remembered as a friendly, happy person, she made many new friends in London and regularly kept in contact with her family in Kells. Five years ago, she had a serious accident which took away a certain amount of her independence, yet she was able to continue to live independently with the support she received from her family in England and Ireland. Ms Tormay is survived by her mother, Josie; daughter, Nicola; son, Robert; sisters, Marcella, Noelle, Martina, Siobhan, Lorraine; brothers, Pa, Bryce, Tom, John and Paul; nephews, nieces, and a large circle of family and friends. The funeral Mass took place from St Colmcille's Church, Kells, to St Colmcille's Cemetery. Fr Liam Malone, CC, Kells, officiated. _____________________________________________________________ Johanna Smyth, Enfield The regretted death occurred, at the age of 86, of Mrs Johanna (Josie) Smyth (nee Swaine), Blackwater Bridge, Enfield. A native of Durrow, Co Laois, Mrs Smyth was predeceased by her husband, Malachy, in 1994. She loved dancing and won many dancing competitions with numerous plaques and cups to her credit. Deceased also loved her garden and kept it beautifully. When she wasn't in the garden, Mrs Smyth was spending time with her family. She was a wonderful mother to her four children and it broke her heart when her eldest son, Jim, died, aged 56 years. Mrs Smyth had 13 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. Deceased is survived by her son, John Smyth, Mornington Green, Trim; daughters, Mary Sherry, Capdoo Park, Clane, Co Kildare, and Ann Murray, Johnstownbridge, Enfield; sister, Rita Kirwan, Tallaght, Dublin 24; daughters-in-law, May Smyth, Dunderry, and Marian Smyth, Mornington Green, Trim. Her remains were removed to the Church of the Assumption, Longwood, and the funeral took place to Longwood Cemetery, on 4th February last. _____________________________________________________________ Kathleen McEntaggart, Oldcastle The death occurred on 8th April last of Mrs Kathleen McEntaggart, St Brigid's Terrace, Oldcastle, at the age of 97 years. She passed away at St Joseph's Nursing Home, Virginia. Mrs McEntaggart, a member of the Bohan family and a native of Oldcastle, was predeceased by her husband, Joseph, in 1944. She is survived by her daughters, Myra Carr, Oldcastle and Tess Cullen, Dublin; son-in-law, Peter Carr; grandchildren, great grandchildren; nieces; nephews; neighbours and friends. The funeral took place from St Brigid's Church to Ballinacree Cemetery. _____________________________________________________________ Moira Lalor, Kells and Athlone Mrs Moira Lalor, The Rise, Kiltoom, Roscommon Road, Athlone, Co Roscommon, who has died, was a member of the Butler family of Oliver Plunkett Road, Kells. She passed away on 22nd March last at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe. Deceased is survived by her husband, John; daughters, Gwen Power, Kinsella Hall, Collegewood, Castleknock, Dublin and Ursula Irwin, Laurel Lodge, Barrymore, Athlone; sisters, Patsy Eccleston, Drumconrath, Navan and Rosie Lynch, England; brother Patrick Butler, Kells; grandchildren, Evan and Julian Power and Nigel, Candice and Hayley Irwin. The funeral took place from the Church of the Risen Christ to Kiltoom Cemetery. _____________________________________________________________ Peter Mooney, Kells The death occurred suddenly in Luton, England, recently of Mr Peter Mooney, Normanstown, Kells, and Magdalene Court, Kells, causing widespread shock. His death came just 18 months after that of his younger brother, Kenneth. Deceased will be remembered as a gifted craftsperson, a qualified plumber, but who was capable of carrying out any work with great professionalism. Mr Mooney is survived by his parents, Patsy and Ann; daughter, Lorraine; son, Peter; brothers, Joseph and Martin; sister, Caitriona; partner, Mary; aunts, uncles, nephews, and a large circle of family and friends. The funeral took place from St Colmcille's Church, Kells, to St Colmcille's Cemetery. Fr John Byrne, PP, officiated. _____________________________________________________________ Della Reynolds, Moynalty There was widespread regret following the death on 4th April last of Mrs Della Bridget Reynolds, Billywood, Moynalty, Kells, at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown. Aged 71, she was predeceased in 2008 by her husband, Patrick. Deceased was a member of the Reilly family, Dyrallagh, Newcastle. She is survived by her sons, Patrick, James, and Raymond; daughters, Joanne and Bridget; brothers, Phil, Mickey, Paddy, Noel and Jim; sisters, Lill, Rodie, Anna; 10 grandchildren; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. The funeral took place from St Mary's Church, Moynalty, to Moynalty Cemetery.