Recent deaths 26-06-10

The unexpected death of Ms Kathleen Murphy (Kate Ni Mhurchú), a former national school teacher in Rathregan NS, Batterstown, occurred on 28th April last at her home in Phibsboro, Dublin. Aged 86 years, Ms Murphy was a native of Baile Loisce, Dingle, Co Kerry. One of a family of seven, five daughters and two sons, the family were steeped in the traditions of folklore, storytelling, singing and dancing in the old style which was handed down by parents and grandparents alike. Irish was the spoken language of the family which they continue to use to this day with love and pride. Having received secondary school education at St Louis' School, Monaghan, Ms Murphy went on to realise her true vocation in life and became a primary school teacher. Among a number of posts which she held was the one in Batterstown between 1956 and 1964. There she made a great and lasting impression on her pupils who carried with them many of the lessons she taught them through life. Since her Rathregan days, Ms Murphy and Maureen O'Brien of Batterstown continued on a very strong friendship and remained in contact throughout the years, a friendship which she valued deeply . Unable to attend the 50th anniversary celebrations in Rathregan School two years ago, many past pupils were disappointed by her absence. However in June of that year, Ms Murphy attended a gathering with 10 of her past pupils in the Kilmessan home of her niece, Máire Oakes. It proved to be a wonderful evening, as much reminiscing and storytelling went on with laughter and catching up of news about many of the students whom Ms Murphy had taught. She revelled in being the centre of attention and the joy on her face said it all. All those who came did her proud and as it was the day before her 85th birthday, there was a cake. Afterwards, she declared it to be one of the best days of her life. Ms Murphy is survived by her sister Siobhan Gallen, Surrey, England and brother Paddy O Murchú, Baileloisce, Dingle. She is also survived by a large extended family of nieces and nephews, including Mary Phelan, Lagore, Dunshaughlin, Máire Oakes, Kilmessan and Mike Moriarty, Summerhill and their families; grandnieces and grandnephews; great grandnieces and great grandnephews, and many friends. Her remains were removed to Baile Loisce and after a Funeral Mass in Carraig Church, Ms Murphy was laid to rest in Kilmalceadar Cemetery. _____________________________________________________________ Jane Ryan, Navan The regretted death occurred on 9th June last of Mrs Jane Ryan, Academy Street, Navan, aged 74 years. A member of the Cross family, Emmet Terrace, Navan, she is survived by her husband, Chris; daughters, Margaret Sherlock, Cabra, Tara; Geraldine Taaffe, Ardcalf, Slane; Ann Coffey, Castlemartin, Navan; Dolores McCormack, Killeen, Dunshaughlin; Alison Murphy, Maelduin, Dunshaughlin; sons, Dermot Ryan, St Finian's Terrace, Navan; Alan Ryan, The Orchard, Navan; sisters, May Douglas, Trim; Lucy McQuirk, Drogheda; brother, John Cross, Emmet Terrace; sisters-in-law, Olive Ryan, Academy Street and Sr Dolores Ryan, Rome; daughters-in-law; sons-in-law, grandchildren, relatives and friends. The funeral took place from St Mary's Church, Navan, to St Mary's Cemetery. _____________________________________________________________ Kathleen Geraghty, Dunboyne Mrs Kathleen Geraghty (65) of Paceland, Dunboyne, who passed away at her home on Saturday 29th May last, was wife of Mr Noel Geraghty. Deceased was a member of the Hennessy family of Blanchardstown, and in addition to her husband, is also survived by her daughters, Maria and Edel; sons, Brian and Alan; daughter-in-law, Martina; sons-in-law, Patrick and Mark; grandchildren, Daniel, Sean, Adam, Holly and Josh; relatives, neighbours and friends. The funeral took place from the Church of Ss Peter and Paul, Dunboyne, to Rooske Cemetery. _____________________________________________________________ Liam Sheridan, Kilskyre There was widespread sadness in the Kilsykre, Crossakiel, and Clonmellon, areas following the news of the death of Mr Liam Sheridan, Boltown, Kilskyre. Aged 76, he passed away after a brief illness. A native of Co Cavan, Mr Sheridan's family arrived to reside at Boltown, when he was a young boy. Throughout his years he made many friends both young and old. Deceased was a vintage machinery enthusiast and was well known in that field. He was the proud owner of various vintage tractors and had a great knowledge of their history. There were many great qualities about Mr Sheridan and knowing him was a great gift. He was a gentleman at heart and helped anybody in any way he could. His passing has left a void which would be very hard to fill. He is survived by his wife, Mary; brother, Vincent; sister Bea; nephews, nieces; grandnieces and grandnephews; sister-in-law; relatives and a wide circle of friends. The removal took place from his residence to Kilskyre Church, where the funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr John Brogan PP. Burial followed in Kilskyre Cemetery. Mr Sheridan was predeceased only weeks earlier by his sister, Eileen. _____________________________________________________________ Etienne Verhulst, Lismullen The death occurred on 7th June last of Mr Etienne Verhulst, Lismullen, Tara, aged 77 years. A native of Belgium, he is survived by his wife, Lia Verhulst de Munck; son, Patrick, Kigera House, Walterstown, Navan; daughter, Martine Carolan, Boyne Cottage, Athlumney, Navan; grandchildren, Anita and Ronan Carolan; Emily and Eva Verhulst; son-in-law, Michael Carolan; daughter-in-law, Una Verhulst. The funeral took place from St Colmcille's Church, Skryne, to the adjoining cemetery. _____________________________________________________________ Annie Lenehan, Athboy Mrs Annie Lenehan, Otterstown, Athboy, who passed away peeacefully at her residence on 6th June last, was wife of the late Tommy Lenehan, who died in October 2007. A member of the Doherty family, Otterstown, she is survived by her daughters, Teresa Griffin, Otterstown; Ann Griffin, Dressogue; Mary McGourty, Ballinaglara, Co Leitrim; Pauline Roma, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh; sons, Eddie Lenehan, Oakstown, Trim and Thomas Lenehan, Otterstown, Athboy; grandchildren; sister, Mary; brother, Martin; in-laws, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. The funeral took place from St James' Church, Athboy, to St James' Cemetery.