Obituaries 29-10-11

A big-hearted man who had room for everybody, was how Fergus Muldoon was described as his funeral Mass in Drumconrath last Friday. Fr Finian Connaughton, PP, said he loved holding forth at his hostelry in the village's main street, and engaging in the banter, especially when the discussion centred on politics. The former Fianna Fail member of Meath County Council died in the care of Beaufort House, Navan, on Wednesday last, aged 75. Fr Connaughton said that at a time when public representatives were often at the receiving end of criticism, those like Fergus Muldoon who worked hard for their communities should be remembered. And so many stories had emerged of good he had done for individuals too, the priest continued. The old guard of Fianna Fail was joined by current party members to say farewell to the first Meath man to sit on the national executive of the party, then known as 'the Committee of Fifteen'. A guard of honour accompanying his remains from the family home and pub to Ss Peter and Paul's Church included TDs Seamus Kirk and Brendan Smith, Senators Thomas Byrne and Paschal Mooney, former MEP Jim Fitzsimons, former TD Rory O'Hanlon, former Senators Donie Cassidy, and past and present Meath county councillors led by local cumann chairman, Paddy McMahon. Councillors from other parties were also present. The family public house in Drumconrath was used by high profile Fianna Fail politicians for clinics when the area was in part of the Cavan-Monaghan constituency, and Erskine Childers often held clinics there. Mr Muldoon served two terms as a county councillor, from 1979 through to 1991. He was involved with many community organisations and efforts, including Muintir na Tire, as well as Fianna Fail, so his election to the council was an obvious step. He also became a member of the General Council of County Councils, the Dublin East Regional Tourist Board, and served on the library committee. He was very much involved in promoting fishing in the Drumconrath area and the local angling festival. A letter to the Meath Chronicle in 1976, before his election as a councillor, praised his efforts in helping the de Valera Park Residents Association in Drumconrath, and said he was instrumental in having the park named after the former president. An opposition councillor criticised the 'Drumconrath publican and prominent personality in the Fianna Fail party' for claiming credit for achieving things in the estate, while he was not a public representative, around this time. In 1981, with Paschal Mooney, Mr Muldoon took part on a diplomatic visit to Romania as part of the FF national executive, the Chronicle reported. He was son of the late Mrs Annie and Mr Thomas Muldoon of the prominent business in Drumconrath, and is survived by his wife, Kay (nee Kavanagh), family, Anne, Dermot, Ciarán, and Bláth; brothers, sister, grandchildren, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. The funeral took place from Ss Peter and Paul's Church, Drumconrath, to Drumconrath Cemetery on Friday last. _____________________________________________________________ Thomas J O'Reilly, Trim The recent death of Thomas J O'Reilly, Stella's, Knightsbrook, Laracor, Trim, on 29th September last, ends the final chapter in the history of one of Trim's most popular and distinguished families. Born on 10th March 1920, deceased was the eldest of the four children born to Angela and Phil O'Reilly. He was pre-deceased by brothers Fr Anthony, New Zealand, Oliver, Trim, and Ita Goggins, Trim. The O'Reilly family name became closely intertwined with the GAA in Trim, all three brothers having played hurling at competitive level. It was through his association with the Trim Club that Thomas met Kathleen Ward who was to become his wife. The Ward family from Laracor had similar strong ties with sport. Kathleen was just one of the sisters who played camogie for Trim, Meath, and Leinster while the Ward brothers hurled with Trim. One of the Ward brothers, George, was a respected member of the Trim Boxing Club. Between them, the O'Reillys and Wards made a formidable bunch of athletes who brought home many cups and trophies and much honour and glory to the red jersey. Like so many other young people of his generation, Mr O'Reilly chose the emigrant ship, but before doing so he 'served his time' in the local firm J & E Smyth & Co Ltd. When just 22 years old, he married Kathleen and soon afterwards the pair departed for England. World War II was still being played out when they found themselves in London. He found employment on the railway, and Kathleen obtained a job in Singer Sewing Machine Company. They spoke with vivid memories of the paucity of living and working conditions in London at that time. They then decided to explore pastures new and sailed to New York in the 1950s. They had been in London long enough to savour the eclectic cultural experiences that were available outside of Ireland and developed a love for the arts. They both relished the opportunities offered by a life in the 'city that never sleeps', and as well as finding employment, they set about honing their respective talents. Kathleen studied painting and amassed a collection of her work in oils that would be welcome in any gallery, and her husband went to night school, and the young man who left the Trim Model School with his Primary Certificate qualified as an accountant in Brooklyn. It is a testament to the sincerity of their characters that they made enduring friendships during their lives abroad. Preparing for their retirement, they built a bungalow at Knightsbrook, Laracor and returned to their native area around 1982. Ireland in general, and Trim in particular, bore no resemblance to the scene that they had left, and they both slotted in comfortably to the golf and pitch and putt that had grown in their absence. They enthused over the establishment of Lyric FM, and became fans of our National Concert Hall. Those not privileged to know Thomas O'Reilly in a personal way could be forgiven for describing him as somewhat eccentric. He had spent a lifetime living in a society where people showed respect for timekeeping, and was totally unable to understand local indifference to the importance of a clock! It was fitting that he spent his last years as a resident of St Joseph's Carehome, an establishment so lovingly cherished by his late mother Angela when it was simply 'The Home' and indeed was the place where she died. His admission to St Joseph's came within a couple of years of the death of his wife Kathleen, also in the loving care of the staff there. Deceased is survived by nephews and nieces, Phil O'Reilly, Navan; Frank O'Reilly, Trim; Patricia Purcell, Trim; Angela Lowndes, Galway; Michael Goggins, Trim; cousins, Tom Dempsey, Trim; Matt Proctor, Trim; Sr Christine Gilsenan, IBVM, Phoenix; Joe Gilsenan, Dublin; Matt Gilsenan, Trim; and Anne Crinion, Trim. The funeral took place from St Patrick's Church, Trim, to St Lomans Cemetery. ____________________________________________________________ Elizabeth Lynch, Killallon and Mullagh There was widespread sadness in north Meath and Mullagh following the passing of Mrs Elizabeth Lynch (nee Hyland) on 23rd March last following a short illness, at St Vincent's Hospital, Dublin, aged 38. Born in Liverpool in 1972, her family had moved to Ireland when deceased was a young age, to the village of Killallon, where they ran the local Killallon House pub. Educated at the local Killallon national school and later attending Eureka Secondary School in Kells, deceased excelled at her studies and PE and was well liked by both teachers and students alike. As a teenager, she helped with the running of the family pub and that is where she met her future husband, Paul. As time moved on, she worked in James Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown, where she took great pride in her work and made many friends. A very down-to-earth person, Liz Lynch was also very honest and caring and never had a bad word to say to or about anybody and nothing gave her more pleasure than helping others in need, never thinking of herself. Annual holidays to the Canary Islands played a big part of her life in earlier days, where she learned to relax and have a good time with her travelling friends. When the adventure in Dublin was over, Liz and Paul moved and lived in Oldcastle and had three children, Anna, Paula and Aaron. As time moved on, they moved to Mullagh. Deceased always had an open door and made many new friends with her neighbours. Never an outgoing person, she loved the comfort of her home with Paul and the three children. Nothing gave her more pleasure on Christmas morning than walking down the stairs and seeing the smile of her childrens' faces, when they would see their presents. Like most women, she loved her shopping and made many trips to Newry or Jonesboro on cold winter days with sister-in-law Caroline. She loved the TV, especially soaps, 'X-Factor' and her all-time favourite being 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?', where she would seldom have a wrong answer. Her main hobby in life was cooking and not a day would pass but she would fuss over and make sure there was a healthy dinner put before Paul and the children. She also loved all sports and was a keen Liverpool supporter. Mrs Lynch is survived by her husband, Paul; daughters, Anna and Paula; son, Aaron, and the extended Hyland and Lynch families. Her funeral at St Killian's Church, Mullagh was celebrated by Fr John Quinn. Burial followed in Kilskyre graveyard. ____________________________________________________________ Joseph Coyle, Navan The regretted death occurred on 30th September last of Mr Joseph (Joe) Coyle, The Pines, Beaufort Place, Navan, and formerly of Boyne Valley Estate, Navan, at St Luke's Hospital, Dublin, aged 67. Mr Coyle was manager with Pat Reynolds and Sons of Garlow Cross until his retirement in July 2010. A native of St Mary's Park, Navan, he was son of the late Annie and Michael Coyle. Early employment was as a manager with North Eastern Farmers, in Navan and Mullagh. He was operation manager in Wogan's, Dunleer, before opening his own successful supermarket business in Nobber. Having sold the business, he moved to London, where he was an area manager with Whitbread Brewery. On returning to Ireland, he took up the position with Pat Reynolds and Sons, the well-known potato growers and farmers. Deceased loved travelling and went on many pligrimages abroad, to Lourdes, Fatima, Holy Land, San Giovanni, and Rome for the canonisation of Padre Pio in 2002. He also travelled to Australia and toured all of America and Canada. Mr Coyle had a great love of musicals and travelled regularly to the West End in London. He was an avid supporter of the Meath GAA football team and never missed a match in Corke Park. A deeply religious man, he attended daily Mass and his adoration hour in St Mary's Church. Deceased is survived by his wife, Georgina; daughters, Sharon, Avril and Eimear; son, Ronan; grandchildren, Chloe, Megan, Grace, Cormac, Clodagh and Erica; sons-in-law, Peter Fox and Roy Young; Eimear's partner, Franco King; Ronan's partner, Marie Caul; brothers, sisters, brothers- and sisters-in-law; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. The funeral took place from St Mary's Church, Navan, to Kilberry Cemetery. A month's memory Mass takes place in St Mary's Church on Sunday 30th October at 1pm. ____________________________________________________________ Peter Andrews, Trim A huge sense of loss and widespread sadness was felt by all with the passing of a very friendly and familiar face of the farming community, Peter Andrews (73), Kilmuray, Trim, on 16th July last. He passed away peacefully at his home after a short illness, borne with great courage and dignity. At his funeral Mass, Fr Sean Henry, PP, spoke of Mr Andrews' great unending love of the land, nature and his lifelong passion for fishing. Deceased will be remembered for his agricultural services he and his wife Lily provided to the farming community and beyond since the 1960s. He often spoke of knowing every road in Co Meath, such was the extent of his contracting business throughout the years. In the early 1990s, deceased started to plan his retirement with many long days spent in his boat fishing on the beautiful lakes of Co Westmeath in the company of his many great friends, where he regarded as his little bit of heaven. He also used this time to relive his youth with his 20 grandchildren, making time for each one of them, and a special treat was always had from 'Grandad's Shop', a memory his grandchildren will cherish forever. His funeral took place from St Brigid's Church, Boardsmill, to his final resting place at Drinadaly Cemetery, overlooking the River Boyne where he spent many happy hours fishing as a child and adult. Huge crowds called to the family home to pay their respects to a man who immortalised perfection in his daily tasks. Mr Andrews is survived by his wife, Lily; daughters, Elizabeth Diviney, Doolistown; Trish Gavin, Dunshaughlin; Claire Andrews, Ballivor; Linda Ryall, Drinadaly; Angela Bennett, Navan; Enda Kennedy, Kilmurray; Marie Keogh, Slane; and Frances Kelly, Laois; son, Peter Jnr, Kilmurray; sisters, Imelda O'Reilly,Trim; Margaret Christie, Rathmolyon; Dolores Malone, Australia; Bernadette and Mary Andrews UK; brothers James and John, UK; sons-in-law, daughter-in-law; 20 grandchildren, extended family, friends and a the wider farming community. ____________________________________________________________ Michael Farrell, Kells and London The funeral takes place today (Wednesday) in London of Mr Michael Farrell (59), of Bedford Road, Ruislip, London, and formerly of St Bridget's Terrace, Kells, who died on Monday 17th October. Deceased worked at British Rail for over 30 years, and had been a keen amateur boxer in his younger years. He was passionate Meath supporter, and was a member of the GAA Club in Ruislip. He is survived by his wife, Anne; daughter, Alarna; son, Liam; sister, Mary Flood; brothers, Jimmy and Tony Farrell; nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. The funeral will take place on Wednesday 26th October at St Raphael's Church', Hayes, London at 10.15am. _____________________________________________________________ Andrew Brennan, Kiltale and Cavan Mr Andrew J (Andy) Brennan passed away on 20th September peacefully at his home in Antiduff Road, Ballyhaise, Co Cavan, following an illness. He lived for may years at Kiltale, where he was involved with the minor hurling team there. The retired teacher was a native of Donegal, where he was educated at Graffy NS outside Glenties, taught by his father, Frank. He received his secondary education in Colaiste Naomh Eanna, Galway and then progressed to St Patrick's Training College in Drumcondra. As a teacher he was very passionate about education. He had a very good rapport with students, was scrupulously fair and always understanding. Throughout his career, from 1947, he taught in many schools including Clonmel CBS; Portlaoise CBS; Carpenterstown NS; Johnstown NS, Arklow; Wateraughey NS and Scoil Mhuire, Lacken, Co Cavan, where he taught until his retirement in 1985. Deceased originally moved to Cavan in 1959, residing at Coolbawn, Corlismore and after his retirement he moved to Kiltale, Dunsany, where he resided until 1998. His affection for the Breffni county meant a return to Ballyhaise where he resided until death. Outside of the school environment Andy was a passionate sportsman and keen fisherman. He played for Donegal minors in 1939/'40 and won an All-Ireland Colleges Hurling medal with Coláiste Naomh Eanna. He also played senior championship football in Dublin for Erins Hope, the team representing St Patrick's Teacher Training College, Drumcondra. Mr Brennan played for many clubs throughout Ireland while teaching in the various counties. After finishing his playing career he became heavily involved in the administration of the GAA. He was a devoted club member with Lacken Celtic and Arva clubs in Cavan and Kiltale in Meath. He managed both the Lacken Celtic and Arva senior football teams, Kiltale minor hurling team and was involved in coaching and developing underage teams within these clubs. A talented golfer, he had the distinction of achieving three hole-in-ones in Cavan, Trim and Ardee Golf Clubs. A founding member of the Kiltale Golf Society, he was also a club member in Trim, Cavan and Belturbet Golf Clubs and was heavily involved in the Leinster Seniors Alliance Golf Competition representing Trim Golf Club. In his later years, deceased developed a keen interest in the restoration of vintage tractors, his pride and joy being a restored 1952 Massey Ferguson TVO-20 and a 1961 Massey Ferguson 35, which was only completed in 2010. A man of many talents he was a carpenter, farmer, electrician, plumber, gardener, mechanic and was always ready to lend a hand to those who needed it. He had a great love for nature as well as his own heritage and no matter what he achieved he never forgot his roots. His love of the Irish language and history played an important part in his life. Predeceased by his wife, Rose, he is survived by his family, Michael, Neil, Noeleen, Geraldine, Ken, Karena, Gabriel, Eunan and Ann-Marie; 27 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; in-laws; sisters, extended family; relatives and friends. ____________________________________________________________ Jim Lynch, Athboy Frayne, Athboy, lost one of its oldest and most treasured residents, Jim Lynch, on 10th October last. Deceased was a kind, honest and generous person always willing to support any good cause. He worked all over England in his younger days, and returned home in 1959 to take of his elderly mother. He worked as a farm labourer in Moores' of Frayne until he started working for Meath County Council in the early 1970s until he retired. Mr Lynch was cared for in the last few years in St Elizabeth's Nursing Home, Athboy, where he is fondly remember by both staff and residents. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Ann; and nieces and nephews. The funeral took place from St James' Church, Athboy, to St James' Cemetery. A months mind Mass takes place on Sunday 13th November at 11.30am in St James' Church.