Obituaries 11-02-2012

Mr Joe Lynch, the former director of the Artane Boys' Band, who died in November, was a native of Kells. Aged 65, he was musical director of the Artane Boys' Band, best remembered for conducting the band at Croke Park on All-Ireland final days from the early 1960s to his retirement in 1995. Deceased had been rehearsing with the Senior Band right up to his death, fine-tuning them for a packed Christmas schedule. He was born in 1946 and lost his mother at an early age. He went St Kyran's School, Rathdrum, Co Wicklow, and from there he went to Artane Industrial School to complete his education, along with two of his brothers. He joined the school band at the age of 11, mainly playing the clarinet but mastered many other instruments. At the age of 14, deceased first conducted the band at a concert in Kilrush, Co Clare. He got a job at the famous McCullough Piggot music store off Grafton Street, and perfected his skills repairing instruments. After completing his training with the Artane Boys' Band, he continued his musical education studying under Professor AJ Potter and Col JP Brennock, director, Irish Army School of Music. On completing his studies, Mr Lynch returned as musical director of the Artane Boys' Band, where he built and developed the band until his retirement in 1995. Artane Industrial School was closed in 1969 and the band began recruiting members from northside Dublin schools. The band's future, however, was threatened after a fire that year which destroyed all its instruments, uniforms and sheet music. But with the help of many friends, particularly in the GAA, the band survived. By the 1980s it had 150 members, divided between three band units, the first being the main performing unit. Lynch arranged the repertoire and the band's versatility found expression in classical concerts, Strauss balls, choral works and even jazz sessions. The band's long association with the GAA, dating from 1886 when it played at the association's first major function in Dublin, brought him to Croke Park at least a dozen times a year. He conducted the band at engagements in all parts of Ireland and overseas. On a tour of the US in 1974, Arthur Fiedler, conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra, took the rostrum at a performance. He was highly impressed: "You cannot judge these children as children; you must judge them as musicians, and fine musicians they are." In 1993 the band led the first St Patrick's Day parade to be held in Moscow. Mr Lynch was proud of the many bandsmen who made careers in music. These include U2 drummer Larry Mullen, Hothouse Flowers saxophonist Leo Barnes and Robert Arkins of The Commitments. Under his direction, the band performed with artists such as Neil Diamond, James Last, Frank Patterson, Perry Como and Bing Crosby. The band also performed for every serving taoiseach and president of Ireland while he was musical director, as well as United States presidents John F Kennedy, Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton. The band played in Croke Park with Irish artists such as Foster and Allen, Declan Nerney, Finbarr Wright and Johnny Carroll. Singer-songwriter Pete St John was also involved in musical collaborations with the band. In 1988 he was one of the founders of the Artane Senior Band, of which he was musical director until his death. He stepped down as musical director of the Artane Boys' Band in 1995. After working for Clerys and Pigotts (later McCullough-Pigott) he set up his own business, Joe Lynch Musical Instruments. At his funeral in Dublin, there was a huge turnout as the north Dublin community surrounding Artane gathered to say thanks and goodbye to a legend. Taoiseach Enda Kenny paid his respects at the family home, while President Micheal D Higgins sent the condolences of Aras an Uachtaran. Mr Lynch is survived by his wife Dolores, daughters Shelly, Mandy, Trish and Aimee, and five grandchildren. The funeral took place from the Church of Our Lady of Consolation, Donnycarney, to Glasnevin Crematorium. ____________________________________________________________ Phyllis Maguire, Navan There was widespread sadness following the death of Mrs Katherine Philomena (Phyllis) Maguire, Antylstown, Navan, at Beaufort Nursing Home, Navan, on 3rd January last. Her departure came less than two months after the passing of her granddaughter, Ruth, also of Antylstown, in November. Mrs Maguire (nee Hegarty) was a native of Dublin, and was a well-practised nurse. She completed her nurse training in London between 1950 to 1953. She worked as a staff nurse in England and won the Nurse of the Year Award 1953 in St George's Hospital, London. She returned to Ireland and practised in Our Lady's Hospital Navan, Loughlinstown and the former St Kevin's Hospital (now St James'). Deceased married Nick Maguire in 1958 and lived in Windtown, Navan before moving to Antylstown, rearing a family of 10. She loved travelling abroad and visited many countries, including America and Australia, England and France. She was actively involved as secretary of the Wilkinstown Active Retirement Group and helped organise many trips both abroad and around Ireland for its members. Mrs Maguire was a woman who liked to keep fit and completed the mini-marathon twice in her sixties and also went back to school to complete her Leaving Certificate English examination, which she successfully passed. Her love of life included playing bridge with Wilkinstown Bridge Club, painting, playing cards, knitting, sewing and making clothes for her children when they were young. Other hobbies included gardening with her late husband, walking, cooking, crochet, and drama with Wilkinstown Drama Group. Mrs Maguire was a minister of the word at St Oliver Plunkett's Church, Navan. She loved to help others, and acted as a volunteer nurse in the Alzheimer Day Care Centre for a time and in earlier years, weekly at St Mary's Special School, Athlumney and whenever the staff and children went on day trips. Predeceased by son, Louis, and on 3rd January 2004 by her husband, Nick, she is survived by her sons, John and Aiden; daughters, Therese, Elizabeth, Bairbre, Mary, Margaret, Jennifer and Emma; sons-in-law; daughters-in-law; grandchildren; nieces; nephews; friends and neighbours. The funeral took place from St Oliver's Church, Blackcastle, Navan, to St Mary's Cemetery, Navan. ____________________________________________________________ Kathleen Brady, Ardbraccan Former taoiseach and Fine Gael leader John Bruton has paid tribute to the late Kathleen Brady of Grange, Ardbraccan, Navan, who died on Sunday last. Mr Bruton said: "I was deeply saddened to learn of the death, after a long illness, of Kathleen Brady. Kathleen was one of the first people I met when I first joined Fine Gael in Meath in 1965. Her values were exemplified by the exceptionally brave way in which she faced up to her illness. Right to the end, notwithstanding her own suffering, Kathleen remained concerned for, and interested in the needs of other people. "As an employee of the Health Board, and in her own family, Kathleen lived her life for others. The same spirit motivated her interest in politics and her service to the Fine Gael party. She dedicated her time and organisational talents selflessly to the needs of the party. In times when others would have been discouraged, Kathleen never wavered. She helped build up Fine Gael over the years, and was very proud when her work culminated in someone from her own parish, Damien English, being elected to Dail Eireann." Ms Brady passed away at Beaufort House, Navan, on Sunday. Daughter of the late John and Annie, she is survived by her sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives and many friends. Her funeral took place on Tuesday from St Ultan's Church, Bohermeen, to Martry Cemetery. ____________________________________________________________ Tilly O'Brien, England The death occurred, after a short illness on 8th January last, of Mrs Teresa (Tilly) O'Brien, Penshaw Close, Pleckgate, Blackburn, England, at her residence. Deceased was a member of the Devine family of Cabragh, Garlow Cross, Navan, and was daughter of the late Nicholas and Mafie Devine. She was aged 81. Mrs O'Brien is survived by her husband, Sean, also a native of Garlow Cross; family, Michael, Margaret, Mavis and Paul; grandchildren; great grandchildren; in-laws; brothers, Noel and Ultan; sister, Rita Guerin; sisters-in-law, Ellen, Agnes and Emily. She was predeceased by her brother, Michael. Deceased went to England with her husband around 60 years ago and always loved to return home to her native locality and family members every year, especially the Hill of Tara area. Her funeral in Blackburn included hymns to St Patrick and memories of her native county. Requiem Mass was celebrated at St Alban's RC Church, Blackburn on Monday 16th January, prior to interment at Pleasington Cemetery. ____________________________________________________________ Maureen Hogarty, Clonee The death of Maureen Hogarty of Clonee saw the loss of one who was devoted to her church and community over the years, the parish priest of Dunboyne, Monsignor Dermot Farrell, said at her funeral Mass in the Church of Ss Peter and Paul, Dunboyne, last week. Ms Hogarty passed away on Sunday of last week at Kilbrew Recuperation and Nursing Care Home, Curraha. Daughter of the late Julia (nee Cahill) and John Hogarty, she was a well-known face in both Clonee, where she lived, and Dunboyne, where she worked behind the counter in a number of stores. Mons Farrell recalled how she was baptised in the old church in Dunboyne 81 years ago, and was later very involved in the building of the new church, assisting in the fundraising efforts in the 1950s and helping to leave a legacy for many generations to come. Deceased was also active in the local guild of the Irish Countrywomen's Association, and a very successful pitch and putt player with the Royal Meath Club in Clonee, acting as Lady Captain in 1996. Bingo was also a favourite pastime of the deceased. She worked for almost 30 years in the well-known Brady's grocery store, adjoining the public house in the centre of Dunboyne, and later in the nearby Yourell's shop, and then afterwards in the 'Bus Shop' in Clonee, Mons Farrell remarked on her generosity to children who always received a treat when collecting messages. Symbols of her lifetime's activities were brought to the altar in the Offertory procession. Ms Hogarty is survived by her brother, Larry, Clonee; cousins, relatives, friends and neighbours. The funeral took place from the Church of ss Peter and Paul, Dunboyne, to Rooske Cemetery. ____________________________________________________________ Marie King, Longwood The passing of Mrs Marie King, Longwood, at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, at the age of 78, was the source of widespread sadness. Aged 78, she was a member of the Ennis family, Clongiffen, Longwood, daughter of the late Jack and Evie Ennis. She is survived by her husband, Dennis; son, David; brothers, PJ Ennis, Cullentra, Longwood; Tommy, Clongiffen; Anthony, Cullentra; Martin, Clongiffen and Gerry, Clongiffen; sisters, Joan Parker, England; Sheila Fisher, Longwood; Betty Eagle, Kilmianhamwood; sisters-in-law; brothers-in-law; nephews; nieces, cousins; relatives and friends. She was predeceased by sister, Kathleen Walsh, Tullamore. The funeral took place from the Church of the Assumption, Longwood, to the adjoining cemetery on 30th January last. ____________________________________________________________ Oliver Carey, Drumconrath Mr Oliver (Ollie) Carey, de Valera Park, Drumconrath, died suddenly after a short illness on Thursday 5th January, at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, aged 62. Deceased was born on 24th July 1949 to parents, Patrick and Elizabeth Carey, Shanlis, Ardee. He attended Ballapousta National School and then worked in Castleguard Textile factory and later in Ardee Chair factory. He then took up employment as a lorry driver at a young age and enjoyed his work, always in early and doing his job in a very professional manner. He met Agnes and the couple had a daughter, Emma. Mr Carey loved going to Santa Ponsa on holidays and enjoyed dancing most weekends. He had a wide circle of friends and always loved to have a laugh and to play a joke. He was a very jolly and loving man and has left those dear to him some wonderful memories to cherish. He is survived by his wife, Agnes; daughter, Emma; stepsons, Patrick, Noel, Seamie and Michael; step-grandson, David; brothers, Kevin and Colm; sisters, Maureen and Eileen; son-in-law, John; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. After reposing at his residence, his remains were taken to Ss Peter's and Paul's Church, Drumconrath, for Requiem Mass celebrated by Fr Finian Connaughton. Family members took part in the ceremony and music was provided by Patsy Breen and Eamon Cooney. Burial took place in Drumconrath Cemetery. A month's memory Mass will be held on Sunday 12th February, in Drumconrath Church, at 11.15am.