Obituaries 14-05-2011

The village of Kildalkey came to a standstill last week to pay tribute to community activist and GAA figure, Brendan Davis (78), who died on Monday 2nd May, peacefully at his residence, following an illness. As well as being a loyal servant to Kildalkey Hurling Club, Mr Davis was a former chairman of the Meath Hurling Board and Juvenile Hurling Board. Deceased was involved in almost every aspect of community life in Kildalkey, and many of the groups, organisations and clubs that he was involved with turned out to provide guards of honour at his final farewell last week, lining the roads of Kildalkey for his removal and funeral. Chief amongst these was Kildalkey Hurling Club, which had presented him with its hall of fame award at the club dinner dance just three weeks prior to his passing, and to which he had dedicated a lifetime's work, delighting to see them winning the county senior hurling championship for the past two years. Kildalkey-Ballivor Credit Union, of which Mr Davis served as chairperson for 29 years, the Active Retirement Group, local scouts and Kildalkey National School pupils also provided guards of honour. Mr Davis oversaw the expansion of the credit union to two offices, Kildalkey and Ballivor, and the building of impressive new offices in Ballivor. He was involved in all aspects of parish life, including the recent drive to renovate the church, parochial house and village hall, and oversaw the local FAS scheme. Anybody who needed a key to access any building knew that Mr Davis was the man to go. Even up until recent weeks, he continued to be active in the community. Mr Davis joined the Torc Manufacturing Company Ltd in 1951, when he left Trim CBS. In 1982, he became works manager there. The company manufactured carbons, ribbons and paper rolls, exporting to Europe, Africa and the Middle East. When it was threatened with closure, deceased led a buy-out with a number of other individuals, and the company continued for a further number of years. At the time of his passing, Mr Davis was still involved in the paper roll business, supplying paper for ticketing to Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus, as well as various parking machine firms. He is survived by his wife, Rose (nee Potterton); family, Thomas, Donal, Cathal and Brenda; brothers, John, Pat, Billy and Seamus; sister Mary Wiseman, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and many friends. The funeral took place from St Dympna's Church, Kildalkey, to St Dympna's Cemetery. At the graveside, Brendan Harmon, chairperson of Kildalkey Hurling Club, paid tribute on behalf of the club, and deceased's nephew Frank Davis read 'The Hurler's Prayer'. An appreciation Kildalkey Hurling Club have paid tribute to the late Mr Davis with the following appreciation: "There was widespread sadness in Kildalkey and throughout the county as news filtered through of the death of Brendan Davis. Brendan was one of Meath hurling's greatest Gaels and served as chairman of the hurling board during the seventies and juvenile chairman in the eighties. He was selector for the Meath Minor B All-Ireland win in 1996. Brendan was a true Meath gael but it was his beloved Kildalkey that he immersed himself in. When he finished playing the game he loved he served in many positions in the club. He was secretary in the '50s and '60s, and chairman in the '70s, '80s and '90s. At different times he was also treasurer, county board delegate, committee member, president and recently hall of fame recipient. Brendan was part of the committee who secured the land where our pitch is now and it was officially opened in 1960. He was very proud of this fact. Brendan was also part of the lotto committee in our club from its start. When he finished his playing career he was also a noted referee. Whether it was filling his car with youngsters for underage games, or making out the pitch, Brendan filled every position in our club and we will be forever grateful for that. Kildalkey's back to back SHC wins over the last two years were surely the highlights for him after all the years of frustration and heartbreak. The large crowd that attended his funeral on Tuesday evening and Wednesday was a fitting tribute for one of Meath's greatest Gaels and gentlemen. He will be sorely missed by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. To his wife, Rose, sons, Tomas, Donal and Cathal, daughter Brenda, and all his family, we extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathies. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam." __________________________________________________________ Marie Walsh, Navan There was widespread sadness following the death on 19th April last of Mrs Marie Walsh, St Mary' Park, Navan, after a short illness. Deceased was a daughter of the late Michael and Annie (nee Bradley) Coyle, originally of Gas Lane at The Mollies, Navan. She worked in the binding department of the Meath Chronicle for a period, and later at Marsh's clothing factory. In her early days, she performed with the Rathkenny Revels. In 1975, Marie Coyle married Tony Walsh, a compositor with the Meath Chronicle. Deceased is survived by her husband, Tony; son, Gary; daughter, Michelle; granddaughter, Shauna; Michelle's partner, John; brothers and sisters, Dolores Kerrigan, Joseph, Anthony, Micheal, Gerard, Brendan and Patricia Coyle; in-laws, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. The funeral Mass took place from St Mary's Church, Navan, to St Mary's Cemetery, celebrated by Fr Michael McGrath and Fr Joe McGrath, Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise and natives of Navan; Fr Michael Sheerin, PP, Lobinstown; and Fr Stephen Kelly, CC, Navan. Brendan Blake was the soloist. A month's memory Mass takes place on Sunday 22nd May in St Mary's Church at 1pm. __________________________________________________________ Brigid Reilly, Dunboyne The death of Mrs Brigid (Betty) Reilly, St Mary's Terrace, Dunboyne, at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, on 16th April last, was the source of widespread sadness. Aged 85, deceased was a native of St Mary's Terrace and was predeceased by her husband, John Reilly, in April 1984. She was a dressmaker in Sloweys of Henry Street, and after its closure, in Roches Stores, until her retirement. A member of Dunboyne ICA for many years, Mrs Reilly was a member of the Dunboyne Active Retirement Club until her illness. Her hobbies were gardening and flowers. Deceased is survived by her nieces, Deirdre, Helen, Margaret and Michele, and nephews, Michael, Noel, Stephen and Martin, and their families. The funeral took place from the Church of Ss Peter and Paul to Rooske Cemetery. __________________________________________________________ Margaret O'Brien, Moynalty The regretted death occurred recently of Mrs Margaret O'Brien (nee McDaniel), Hermitage, Moynalty, and formerly of Kingscourt. Aged 84, Mrs O'Brien was predeceased by her husband, Edward, in November 1974, and her son Eamon, in January 2007. She is survived by her son, Martin, Moate, Carlanstown; daughters, Ann O'Brien, Hermitage, Moynalty, Mary Clarke, Cormeen, Moynalty, Mairead Coldrick, Hermitage, Moynalty, Breda Shields, Rathloghan, Kingscourt, Catherine Bond, Beauparc, Navan and Frances Olwill, Shancarnen, Moynalty; sons-in-law and daughters-in-law; grandchildren and greatgrandchildren; sisters, Bridget O'Brien, Teltown, Navan and Catherine Tully, Ardamagh, Kilbeg; nieces, nephews, neighbours, relatives and friends. A large crowd attended at her home and the funeral Mass in The Church of the Assumption, Moynalty, which was celebrated by Fr Joseph McEvoy, PP, Moynalty, Fr Mattie Reilly, Columban Fathers, Fr Séamus " Duthsaigh, Fr Noel McConnell, Fr Gerry White and Fr Gerry MacCormack. Her burial took place in Moynalty Cemetery. A month's memory Mass will take place in The Church of the Assumption, Moynalty on Friday 13th May at 8pm. __________________________________________________________ Mai Callaghan, Walterstown The regretted death occurred on 13th April last of Mrs Mai Callaghan, Gerrardstown, Garlow Cross, Navan, at St Vincent's Hospital, Dublin. Mrs Callaghan was a daughter of Rebecca and the late Brendan Burke, and was predeceased by her husband, Pat Callaghan, in March 2003. She is remembered as a loving and remarkable daughter, mother, sister, grandmother, and aunt, who loved so many and was loved by so many, and who leaves memories of a genuinely good person that will be cherished forever. Deceased is survived by her mother, Rebecca Burke; daughters, Linda, Sandra and Denise; sons, Pat, Paul and Sean; sons-in-law; daughter-in-law; family partners; brothers, Frank, Patrick, Tommy and Michael; nine grandchildren; in-laws; nieces; nephews; and dear friend, Carmel. The funeral took place from the Church of the Nativity, Johnstown, to Old Kilcarne Cemetery. A month's memory Mass takes place in Johnstown on Saturday 14th May at 5pm. __________________________________________________________ James Kelly, Kildalkey The death occurred on 3rd March last of Mr James (Jim) Kelly, Baskinagh, Kildalkey, at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, in his 93rd year. Mr Kelly lived for the first 30 years of his life in Crowenstown, Delvin, Co Westmeath where his father, a native of Kildalkey, worked. Following his marriage to Julia Kelly, Meadstown, Dunderry in 1953 he moved to Baskinagh, Kildalkey. Deceased worked with local builders and also in agriculture. In his spare time, he kept livestock and grew fruit and vegetables. He delivered the vegetables to the Dublin market in the early hours of the morning before setting out for his regular day's work. In his younger days, he cycled great distances to watch Meath and Westmeath GAA teams in action. In his retirement, Mr Kelly saved his plot of turf on the bog which he greatly enjoyed doing and he had a vegetable garden for his own use until he was aged in his mid to late 80s. His great interest in his grandchildren, meeting people, current affairs and listening to traditional music kept him active during this time. Predeceased by his wife Julia, Mr Kelly is survived by his sons Tony, Frayne, Athboy; Pat, Baskinagh, Athboy; daughter, Agnes Ayres, Baskinagh, Athboy; brother Michael, Derby England; daughter-in-law, son-in-law, sister-in-law, Marcella Bennett, Woodlands, Navan; grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. His funeral took place from St Dymphna's Church, Kildalkey to the local cemetery. __________________________________________________________ Eileen Cullen, Kilcloon The sudden death of Mrs Eileen Cullen, Harristown, Kilcloon, was a source of shock and extreme sadness in Kilcloon and her native Moy, Lahinch, Co Clare. Mrs Cullen (57) will be fondly remembered as a kindly neighbour and a good friend to all, and will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Deceased attended the Mercy Convent Secondary School in Ennistymon and began her working life in the Civil Service in Dublin. She later qualified as a nurse and worked abroad for a number of years, particularily in the United Arab Emirates and in Manchester. She spent many years working in St Luke's Hospital in Rathgar. In her later years, she worked in St Mary's Hospital, Phoenix Park, until her retirement. Her sense of adventure was very evident and in her early years she visited many countries, including India, Australia, USA, Egypt. Deceased was an exceptional, bright woman and was an ardent reader. She was a keen gardner and her greatest love was flower arranging. She was a very friendly and outgoing person and had very many friends. Daughter of John and Margaret Vaughan, Mrs Cullen is survived by her husband, Thomas; daughters, Laura and Michelle; sisters and brother; sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. Large crowds attended her removal and funeral Mass to St Oliver Plunkett's Church, Kilcloon. A Memorial Mass will take place in Kilcloon on Sunday 29th May at 11am. __________________________________________________________ Catherine Meade, Smithstown Mrs Catherine Meade, Smithstown, Drogheda, who died in her 97th year, had a long and full life. Deceased was a woman proud of her longetivity and often remarked that she was looking forward to receiving the President's cheque when she reached 100. That was not to be and she passed away peacefully with her family present at Sunhill Nursing Home on 25th March last. Mrs Meade (nee Flood) was the youngest of a family of ten from the townland of Collegehill, in Rathkenny parish. She went to school through the fields to Stackallen and recalled happy memories from those times of how her older siblings looked out for her. She had a varied career, working in a shop in Laytown, as an assistant on an ambulance, and as a priest's housekeeper. The latter was where she honed her skills as an accomplished cook, skills which she passed on to her family. She also had a love of Gaelige and had fond memories of a month she spent in the Gaeltacht in Spiddal, which 75 years ago would have been the equivalent of young people going to Australia for a year nowadays. It was during her time as a priest's housekeeper that she met her husband to be, Kit Meade of Painstown. They moved to Smithstown to start a family and a new life on the land. In those days it seemed a long way from their home place. They were blessed with a family of seven children, with six surviving. Mrs Meade, or Katie, as she was known to her family, turned her hand to many things to make ends meet in the 1950s and '60s, such as jam making, poultry and egg sales, to augment the family income. She also sewed and knitted for her family and provided tasty meals from homegrown produce. In later years she was involved in the running of the cafe in Smithstown where her brown bread and scones were legendary. Throughout her lifetime, her faith gave her strength and she was a great believer in the power of prayer. She drove to Daily mass in the Augustinian church until she partially lost sight in her late 80s. Driving was second nature to her as she had learned to drive as a young married woman when there were few vehicles on the roads. Mrs Meade had a great appreciation of nature and loved the countryside. She was happiest when pottering about with her flowers. She still enjoyed her books and reading the daily newspaper. But most of all she loved the company of her children, grandchildren and great grand children. Mrs Meade is survived by her family, Mary, Oliver, Bernadette, Noeleen, Christy, and Josephine; daughter-in-law, Margaret; sons-in-law, Pat, Tom and Peter; grandchildren and great grand children; sisters-in-law, Kathleen Flood and Mary Flood, nieces and nephews. The funeral took place from St Mary's Church, Julianstown, to Rathkenny Cemetery. __________________________________________________________ Francis Sherlock, Drumbaragh Mr Francis (Frank) Sherlock of Drumbaragh, Kells passed away peacefully at his home on 4th April causing great sadness to his family and friends. Mr Sherlock suffered a stroke 18 months ago but recovered well to live out the remainder of his life in comfort and peace at home. His wife Margaret passed away two years ago. Born in 1927 and raised at Wardstown, Athboy, deceased was the youngest of five children. He grew up on a farm and always loved farming and indeed nature in general. He also loved music and played many instruments and was a wonderful singer. In 1959, Mr Sherlock married Margaret Brady from Longford and they settled in Crossakiel, where they raised their seven children. They set up a successful dairy and beef farm and started a commercial egg production business, later raising turkeys for the Christmas market. Deceased was a member of the National Farmers Association (now the IFA) and actively participated in the NFA campaigns of the late 1960s for farmers' rights and was one of the 200 farmers imprisoned for six weeks during this campaign. He was a very keen bridge player and a member of the Kells, Virginia and Oldcastle clubs, where he and Margaret enjoyed their bridge immensely and made many wonderful friends. Mr Sherlock was also an active and committed member of Fine Gael and remained, throughout his life, a devout and practising Catholic. In 1995, Frank and Margaret Sherlock retired from their busy lives to live out their remaining years in Drumbaragh. They were happy there, above all during the traditional Sunday visits of their children with their families. Deceased will be remembered as a loving father, father-in-law, and an adored and adoring grandfather. He is survived by his family, Marina, Rita, Bernie, Peter, Liam, Ursula, and Brian and their spouses; 27 grandchildren; and his brother Peter. The funeral took place in St Colmcille's Church, Kells, followed by burial in Ballinlough Cemetry. A month's memory Mass takes place on Sunday 15th May at 12.15pm in Kells. __________________________________________________________ Barney Connor, Navan South O'Hanlon Athletic Club has paid tribute to long serving member Mr Bernard (Barney) Connor, who passed away in February. It's trubute states: "Originally from Trim, Mr Connor collapsed shortly after competing in the Armagh 5KM Road Race at which South O'Hanlon Club had eight athletes competing. He received excellent immediate attention from the emergency services at the scene and was subsequently transferred to Craigavon Hospital where he remained on life support until his untimely passing on Tuesday 15th February. "Barney was well known in Meath athletic circles and he very rarely missed any opportunity to compete in local club races. Barney always wore his club colours with great pride, whether he was competing locally or further a field. Distance was never an issue with Barney; he successfully completed a number of Dublin City Marathons and more recently competed in the Edinburgh City Marathon in 2010. Barney was never one to stand back when the jobs had to be done, this was very evident in the South O'Hanlon annual club race. Barney was a committed clubman and will be very sadly missed by all the club members. As a club we wish to offer our sincerest sympathy to the Conner family. May he rest in peace."