Obituaries 15-10-11

All Ireland winning Dublin goalkeeper Stephen Cluxton was among those who took part in the offertory procession at the funeral of Mr Seamus Reilly (44), in St Martin's Church, Culmullen, on Monday morning. Carnaross native Mr Reilly, who lived in Dunshaughlin, is credited with introducing the captain of the 2011 International Rules Series to Gaelic football and goalkeeping at St David's CBS in Artane, where deceased was teaching. He passed away peacefully on Friday of last week following a long illness. Jerseys representing Carnaross GFC, St David's CBS and Dunshaughlin GFC, where Mr Reilly was involved in the under-age set up, were among the gifts brought to the altar. St Martin's Church was packed to capacity, and the surrounding churchyard full, as mourners joined his wife Geraldine, son, Tomas, daughter, Petra, parents, Tom and Mary, sisters, Angela, Helen, Olivia and Aine, and parents-in-law Gay and Maureen Kenny for his final farewell, celebrated by Fr Joe McEvoy, PP, Moynalty. Seamus Reilly was a key member of the Carnaross junior championship winning team in 1991, and the 1993 intermediate championship winning team. In a tribute this week on its website, Carnaross GFC said he was a dedicated player who gave everything on the pitch and supported all the activities and functions of Carnaross GFC even after he moved to live in Dunshaughlin. In recent years in Dunshaughlin, he became involved with the under-10 structure at Dunshaughlin GFC, as his twins began playing. He will be remembered as being gifted with children. Teaching chemistry and mathematics in St David's in Artane, Mr Reilly was a co-author of the Junior Certificate Science textbook Exploring Science and the Exploring Science Workbook and Experiment Book. He also regularly set exam papers for the pre-Junior Certificate examinations. It was while at St David's that he got Stephen Cluxton involved in goalkeeping, by chance. Cluxton was more involved in soccer and badminton, but with one Gaelic keeper away and another suspended, Seamus Reilly drafted Cluxton in, to much protest from the young student. However, under Mr Reilly's tutelage, he developed his net-minding skills. Dublin selector and fellow St David's teacher, Brian Talty, acknowledged Seamus Reilly's role in Cluxton's development in an interview following the All-Ireland victory by Dublin in September. Deceased was also one of the teachers leading the St Davids Immersion Project since October 2007. The project involves four teachers and number of students from St David's working in a school called Br Beausang CBS in Embulbul, near Nairobi in Kenya. His family was joined by colleagues and past and present students from Artane and mourners from Carnaross and Dunshaughlin, including the club's under-age footballers, for his funeral Mass and burial in Culmullen. ____________________________________________________________ Thomas O'Connell, Hill of Skryne The death has occurred of Mr Thomas (Tom) O'Connell of the well-known Skryne family of that name. He was son of Mr James O'Connell (deceased) and Mrs Mary O'Connell, whose hostelry nestling on top of the Hill of Skryne is known the length and breadth of Ireland and features prominently in the annual Guinness television advertisement. Mr O'Connell, who was aged 67 years, passed away after an illness of a short duration. He was President of Royal Tara Golf Club for 2011 and 2012 and in that capacity was a well known personality among the golfing fraternity of North East Leinster. But to those who knew him, deceased was first and foremost a family man. He was devoted to his wife, Anne; his children, James and Rachel; his mother, Mrs Mary O'Connell and in recent years his two grandchildren who each brought great joy to his life. His premature passing from this life robbed Royal Tara Golf Club of not just an outstanding officer but of one of the most popular members of the club. His unfailing courtesy, allied to a constant sense of good humour, endeared him to all members, men and ladies. Add to that the commitment which he invested in his role as president and his loss becomes incalculable. After his education in Skryne National School, Franciscan College, Gormanston, and Terenure College, Mr O'Connell spent some time working in Canada, the US, Europe and the UK, before returning to Ireland and joining the network design division of the ESB in the late 1960s. He worked with the company in Drogheda, Dundalk and Finglas, until his retirement two years ago. His early sporting career saw him play Gaelic football with Skryne and Leinster Colleges' rugby with Terenure College. Two of his team mates from that era, Eddie Coleman and Brendan Sherry, went on to national prominence in the rugby world. Mr O'Connell joined Royal Tara in the early 1970s and quickly became a golfer of note and an excellent administrator as his election to the then council of the club in the mid '70s proved. He busied himself with administration in the area of competitions and handicaps, with emphasis also on the social side of Royal Tara. He was a very successful team manager and was one of the pioneering managers of the Duggan Cup in which he invested so much energy. His golfing ability saw him finish as winner and runner-up in consecutive years of the men's fourball matchplay with his good friend, Dominic O'Brien. In 1990, he was elected vice captain, and captain for 1991, and for two years invested a huge amount of energy and inspiration into finally completing the club's transfer from 18 holes to 27. His love of, and dedication to, matters Royal Tara were legendary. His elevation to president for 2011 and 2012 was a rich reward for somebody who invested so many hours in its ongoing development and who supported it in every way he could. But while matters Royal Tara were of great import to Tom O'Connell, family life came first and foremost at all times. The arrival in recent years of two grandchildren, Muireann and Grace, gave a whole new dimension to his enjoyment of that family life and his stories of their growing and developing years were part of all conversations with him. His leaving of them so early in their lives was his only complaint when illness took over his destiny. He is survived by his wife, Anne; family, James and Rachael, and her partner, Tom Connolly; mother, Mrs Mary O'Connell; sister Marguerite; brother-in-law, George Gleeson, his adored grandchildren, and a wide circle of relatives and friends. His internment took place in the O'Connell family grave in Skryne Hill Cemetery after Requiem Mass celebrated by Fr Thomas O'Mahony, PP, in St Colmcille's Church, Skryne. ____________________________________________________________ Joe Sheridan, Castletown There was widespread sadness following the passing on 4th September last of Mr Joe Sheridan, Leggagh, Castletown KP, Navan. Mr Sheridan suffered a stroke in 2008 but recovered well to live out the remainder of his life in comfort and peace at home. Aged 72, he passed away at his residence. Deceased's livelihood and passion was for farming and was a regular face at the local livestock sales marts. Before his health failed him, he loved nothing better than being in Leggagh and surrounding countryside spending time with his family and friends. Predeceased by his father, Matthew; mother, Mary; brother, Hugh; and sister, Ann; he is survived by his wife, Margaret; daughters, Colette and Elizabeth; brothers Tom, Leggagh, and Matthew, Canada; sister Mary, Cork; brother-in-law, Pat; sisters-in-law Bernadette, Nan, Phyllis and Ann; nieces and nephews, extended family, friends and neighbours. His funeral Mass took place on 8th September in St Patrick's Church, Castletown to the adjoining cemetery. A month's memory Mass will be celebrated this coming Saturday, 15th October at 7.30pm Mass in St Patrick's Church, Castletown. _____________________________________________________________ Christopher McCabe, Kilmessan The regretted death occurred on 16th September last of Mr Christopher (Christy) McCabe, Bridge View, Kilmessan, at Millbury Nursing Home, Navan, aged 74. Mr McCabe was a native of Walterstown and had also lived in Navan, and at Killeen, Dunsany. He was the recipient of the Walterstown GFC Hall of Fame Award 2006 and was a member of the club's 1961 junior county championship winning team, when they overcame Ratoath. He also came on as a sub in the 1962 intermediate final against Kilbride. Poignantly, he passed away the same weekend that Walterstown was hosting a 50th anniversary reunion of the 1961 team, and at his burial, Walterstown club veteran Mick O'Brien presented the late Mr McCabe's award to his family, having paid a graveside tribute. It was on All Ireland senior football final day, which would have drawn a wry smile from the deceased. Mr McCabe also enjoyed horse racing, and attended many race meetings, and was very proud of the success of local jockeys. He played bingo in Navan and Skryne, and whist in Summerhill. He was extremely devoted to his nine grandchildren. Mr McCabe was predeceased by his wife Josie (nee Barry) in December 1976, and his partner, Mary Meade, in March 2007. He is survived by his sons, Matthew, Anthony and Richard; daughters-in-law, Ann, Karen and Linda; grandchildren, Sarah, Shauna, Kyle, Jamie, Sarah, Chantelle, Annie, Jonathan and Alex; sister, Biddy; brothers, Maithin, Sean and Patrick; nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. Deceased reposed at Matthew's home, Knightfield, Dunsany, prior to removal to the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Kilmessan, for Funeral Mass. Burial took place in St Mary's Cemetery, Navan. A month's memory Mass takes place this Sunday, 16th October, in Kilmessan Church, at 11am. _____________________________________________________________ Mary O'Connor, Navan Mrs Mary O'Connor, Belcourt Estate, Navan, who died on 29th August last, was a member of the Clarke family who ran a green grocers on Watergate Street, Navan, for many years. Daughter of the late Philip and Mary Clarke, deceased left Watergate Street to work in Park Lane, Kensington, London, where she met her late husband, Paddy O'Connor, from Ballylongford, Co Kerry. While in London, she was a very active member of the Union of Catholic Mothers in the Church of Our Lady of Fatima, White City. The couple returned to Navan and Belcourt Estate in 1982. Mrs O'Connor regularly attended St Mary's Church on Fridays for the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and never missed Mass on Sundays or holy days in St Oliver's Church, Blackcastle, as her faith was her life. Paddy O'Connor died in June 1988, and Mrs O'Connor was also predeceased by her brothers, Tommy, Jimmy, Benny, Phil, Br Paul, Paddy, Reggie, Billie, Christy; and sisters, Anne, Kitty and Bridie. She is survived by her sons, Thomas and Philip; daughters-in-law, Marion and Phyllis; grandchildren; great grandchildren; sister, Rita Ryan in Monaghan; extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends. Deceased lived the last year of her life at the home of her son, Philip, in Ballinasloe, Co Galway, where she passed away peacefully on 29th August last, in her 95th year. Her remains were removed to St Killian's Church, New Inn, Ballinasloe, for funeral Mass, followed by burial in St Mary's Cemetery, Navan. _____________________________________________________________ Jane Griffin, Ballivor There was widespread sadness following the death on 27th September last of Mrs Jane (Jenny) Griffin, Robinstown, Ballivor, aged 87 years, at Mullingar General Hospital. Mrs Griffin (nee Dunne) previously lived at Corballis, Kildalkey, and Palmerstown Avenue, Dublin. She was renowned for her knitting skills, in particular her Aran sweaters. She was a member of Ballivor Active Retirement, which she thoroughly enjoyed, particularly its many holidays and trips. She was a loving and generous mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, who got great pleasure out of helping other people. Deceased is survived by her daughters, Caroline Burke and Ann Corrigan, Ballivor; grandchildren, Kevin and Sinead Burke, Sean, Jennifer and Anita Corrigan; great grandchildren, Max, Blathnaid, Hayley and Robyn; brother, Edward Dunne, Corballis, Kildalkey; sons-in-law, Toby Burke and John Corrigan, Ballivor; relatives and friends. Her husband, Liam Griffin, passed away in October 2002. The funeral took place from St Columbanus Church, Ballivor, to the local cemetery. _____________________________________________________________ Mary Agnes Kearns, Castletown A month's memory Mass for the late Ms Mary Agnes Kearns, Knock, Castletown, Navan, will take place on Friday 14th October at 7.30pm, in St Patrick's Church, Castletown. The passing of Ms Kearns was the source of widespread regret in Meath and in her native Co Mayo. Aged 71, she died at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, on 9th September last. Deceased was a native of Owenwee, Westport, Co Mayo, and is survived by her brothers, Packie, Westport, John and James, Knock, Castletown; sister, Anne Cassidy, Shancarnan, Moynalty; brother-in-law; nephews, nieces, in-laws, friends and neighbours. The funeral took place from St Patrick's Church, Castletown, to the local cemetery. _____________________________________________________________ Sheila Brady, Navan Mrs Sheila Brady, McDermott Villas, Navan, who died on 12th September last, as a member of the Dunne family of Rathmore, Athboy. Aged 96, she passed away at Ratoath Manor Nursing Home. Deceased was employed at Navan Carpets for all her working career, until her retirement in the mid 1970s. Predeceased by her husband, Tom, and son, Tom, she is survived by her sister, Kathy Gaynor; grandchildren; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. The funeral took place from St Mary's Church, Navan, to St Mary's Cemetery. _____________________________________________________________ Mary Clince, Rathbeggan The passing of Mrs Mary (Maisie) Clince of Rathbeggan, Dunshaughlin, at the age of 93 on 1st October last, was the source of widespread sorrow. She died at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown. Deceased was a native of Ratoath and was daughter of the late Patrick and Mary Sherry. She was the oldest surviving past pupil of Ratoath National School, and was a familiar sight on her bicycle in the neighbourhood in past years. She was predeceased in 1982 by her husband, Tom Clince, and is survived by her son, John, Rathbeggan; daughters, Marie Finnegan, Dunboyne and Rosaleen Cantwell, Ratoath; sister, Nellie Barker, Finglas; brother Nicholas Sherry, Mooretown, Ratoath; grandchildren, great grandchildren; sister-in-law, brother-in-law, daughter-in-law, sons-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. The funeral took place from The Holy Trinity Church, Ratoath, to Ratoath cemetery. A month's memory Mass will be held on Saturday 5th November at 7pm in Ratoath Church. _____________________________________________________________ Elizabeth Lynch, Curraha The regretted death occurred on 18th September last of Ms Elizabeth (Lizzie) Lynch, of Curraha and Crestwood, Ashbourne, at Kilbrew Demesne Nursing Home, Curraha. Deceased was a daughter of the late James and Elizabeth Lynch, and attended school in Curraha. In 2000, she wrote an article for the Curraha Jubilee Book on her schooldays there, as she loved recalling her memories of times past. Deceased first worked in Cannings of Ballymacarney, and in 1948, she went to England to work and spend time with other family members who were living there. She returned to Ireland in 1961 to take care of her elderly parents. She later worked in Dublin for many years, her last job with Dr Brooks in Dun Laoghaire. Deceased was held in very high esteem by his family, who always maintained contact with her and visited her. Ms Lynch retired to Crestwood, Ashbourne, in 1994, where she lived until moving to Kilbrew Demsense in 2008. She was an active member of the Ashbourne Senior Citizens and always looked forward to club days and activities on Thursdays, as well as the Easter and Christmas parties. With Maureen Lawless, she won the waltzing competition at one of these parties. She is survived by her brothers, Tom and Christy, both Curraha; sisters, Brenny and Molly, both Dublin; brothers- and sisters-in-law; nieces; nephews; grand nieces, grandnephews; relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her brothers, Jimmy, John, Pat and Joe, and sister, Josie. The funeral took place from St Andrew's Church, Curraha, celebrated by Fr Phil Gaffney PP, to Ratoath Cemetery, where she was laid to rest with her parents.