Obituaries 06-11-2010

Mr Gerald Valentine Farrell, known throughout North Meath and beyond as Gerry, died in his home in Moynalty on 21st September, following a short illness, having enjoyed his 80 years of life in the village. A reluctant party-goer until his late twenties, he met his wife, Eileen, in Navan Hospital, when she nursed him, as he recovered from an appendix operation. Fly fishing held a special attraction for him, and he thoroughly appreciated his involvement with various local angling clubs. He fished the length and breadth of Ireland, but it was the Borora River, and all the life within it, which held a special place in his heart. Deceased loved Moynalty with a love that was palpable, devoting himself wholeheartedly to the care of his native village, and the life of the community living there, through his commitment to many local organisations, Muintir na Tire, the Community Council, the Steam Threshing Committee and the Tidy Towns Committee. Blessed with an enthusiasm and energy for life, he loved to embrace new ideas, tackling new projects with gusto along the way as they presented themselves. The 1950s saw Mr Farrell and his wiring equipment, take to his bike, as he brought electricity to many homes in Moynalty and Mullagh , for the first time, thus sowing the seeds of an electrical business, which was to flourish in Moynalty. Then came radio and television, followed by computer technology, and latterly a passion for restoring vintage radios. He was a spiritual man, who was forever quietly appreciative of his family, and often would speak of his love for the times he felt at one with nature. Mr Farrell is survived by his wife, Eileen, son John and daughters Helen, Joan, Valerie and Kathryn. Their first child Noel, died in infancy. His funeral, conducted by his brother, Fr Val Farrell, took place in St Mary's Church, Moynalty, and burial was in the local cemetery. At the deceased's own request, the hymn 'Be still and know that I am God' was sung at Mass, reminding the people present that though he had lived a very active life, he was at heart, a simple country man, never more content than when he was caring for his beloved garden, or spending time with his family. ____________________________________________________________ Martha King, Curraha The regretted death occurred on 23rd October last of Mrs Martha (Flo) King, Crickstown, Ashbourne, at Louth County Hospital, Dundalk. Deceased was a native of Cookstown, Ashbourne, and was a member of the Wilson family. She was predeceased in 2007 by her husband, John. A keen gardener, deceased also had a great love for music, especially the piano, and gave lessons in her younger years. Other hobbies were painting, and arts and crafts. Mrs King is survived by her son, Stuart, Hammondtown, Ashbourne; daughter, Josephine (Jodie) King, Crickstown, Ashbourne; sister, Nancy Farrell, Wyestown, Oldtown, Co Dublin; brothers, Patrick Wilson and George Wilson, both Garristown, Co Dublin, niece, Mary Reilly, Oldtown, relatives and friends. The funeral took place from St Andrew's Church, Curraha, to Curraha Cemetery. ____________________________________________________________ Bridget O'Rourke, Trim The death occurred peacefully on 26th September last of Bridget O'Rourke, late of Rathnally, Trim, at St Joseph's House for Adult Deaf, Brewery Road, Stillorgan, Co Dublin. Daughter of the late Margaret and Peter O'Rourke, she was also predeceased by her sister, Mary. Deceased is survived by her sister, Therese Fitzgerald, Athboy; brothers, Hugh O'Rourke, Derby, England; John O'Rourke, Connell's Cross, Robinstown; sister-in-law, Maura O'Rourke; nephew, nieces, and her many friends at St Joseph's. The removal took place to St Patrick's Church, Trim, where a funeral Mass was celebrated prior to burial in St Loman's Cemetery. Chief celebrant was Fr Sean Henry, PP, Trim, assisted by Fr Gerard Tyrrell, chaplain to the deaf community; and Fr Pat O'Connor, PP, Athboy. A months mind Mass was celebrated by Fr Tyrrell at St Joseph's in Stillorgan.