Recent deaths 15-05-10

Michael Smith, Senator Farrelly Avenue, Kilmainhamwood, who died on 22nd April last, aged 70, was a native of Kilbeg, Kilmainhamwood. Mr Smith, who was a farmer, loved farming and the outdoor life, especially walking. He was a member of Kilbeg GFC and trained the under-12 and under-14 youngsters in Kilmainhamwood. Deceased suffered from motor neurone for the past six years, and his family would appreciate any donations to the Motor Neurone Society. He was a loving father to his five daughters, Olivia, Theresa, Noreen, Jennifer, Evelyn; and is also survived by his sister, Tess, 11 grandchildren, nieces and nephews. The funeral took place from the Church of the Sacred Heart, Kilmainhamwood, to the local cemetery. _____________________________________________________________ Pat Byrne, Kilmessan There was widespread regret following the passing on 18th April last of Mr Pat Byrne, Kilcarty, Curtistown Road, Kilmessan. Mr Byrne died at St Joseph's Hospital, Trim, aged 77. A native of Dublin, he was educated at Terenure College, and was an avid supporter of rugby. Deceased worked in Rhodesia (later to become Zimbabwe) for 12 years before returning to Ireland to farm at Kilmessan with his wife, Nora. Mr Byrne also enjoyed Gaelic football and was a loyal supporter of his native Dublin. Mr Byrne was one of the founding members of Tara and District Credit Union, where he worked on a voluntary basis for a long number of years. He is survived by his wife, Nora; daughters, Áine Maguire, Kilmessan; Deirdre Byrne, England; Roisin Byrne, England; Fiona O'Malley, Mayo; Niamh Byrne, Kilmessan; son, Cormac, Kilmessan; sister, Una, Dublin; grandchildren, Pádraig and Fionn Maguire; Honoria and Sadhbh O'Malley; Callum, Ronan and Ryan Watson; sons-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. The funeral took place from the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Kilmessan, to the adjoining cemetery. In a tribute, Tara and District Credit Union said that Pat Byrne was a key figure in the establishment of the credit union branch in the late 1970s. He was a member of a study group panel set up around 1977 to look at the possibility of setting up a credit union in the area, and this led to the setting up of Tara and District CU in 1978, covering Kilmessan, Dunsany, Kiltale, Moynalvey, Skryne and Rathfeigh. His training as an accountant was an invaluable help. Mr Byrne was treasurer of that group and became treasurer of the board of directors, with responsibility for setting up the accounting and office system, spending many hours dedicated to ensuring that everything ran smoothly, and that cashbooks, ledgers and financial statements were all balancing. It was no easy task as the credit union rose very quickly to around 1,300 members in a short space of time at that time, and transaction had to be manually recorded. Mr Byrne was treasurer of Tara and District for many years and remained involved until his health began to fail. _____________________________________________________________ Phyllis Reilly, Slane The regretted death occurred on 23rd April last of Mrs Phyllis Reilly, Ledwidge Terrace, Slane, aged 72. Deceased, who was wife of the late Liam Reilly, passed away at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. Predeceased in 2008 by her husband, she was a member of the Heary family, Dean Hill, Beauparc, and was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her sons, Sean, Christy, Ken, Colm, and Davy; daughters, June Cooke, Marie Goodwin and Tina Reilly; 40 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren; sister, Maureen Matthews, Kentstown; brother, Sean Heary, Dean Hill; extended family and many friends. She was predeceaased by her brothers, Hugh and Dick Heary. The funeral took place from St Patrick's Church, Slane, to St Erc's Cemetery. ______________________________________________________________ David Cottrell, Drumree Widespread sadness followed the death of Mr David Cottrell, Knockmark, Drumree, at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, aged 64, on 1st May last. A member of the Cottrell family of Dunsany, he is survived by his wife, Anne; daughters, Helene Gleeson; Louise Donnelly; Leanne and Tara Cottrell; son, Wayne; grandchildren, Dylan, Jason, Saoirse, Connor, Taylor and Kirsty; brothers; sisters; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; nieces, nephews, uncle, aunt-in-law; neighbours and friends, Warren, Richie, Peter, Chuckie and Mary. The funeral took place from Culmullen Church to Knockmark Cemetery.