Obituaries 10-03-2012

The sudden death of Mrs Bryde Irwin, (78) 'Roebank', Roestown, Drumree, on 15th February last, at Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown, came as a great shock to her family, neighbours and friends. Born Bryde Kelleher on 27th May 1933 in Cork city, she was raised by two aunts following the deaths of her parents during her childhood years. Deceased was fiercely proud of her Cork roots. She worked in Roches Stores in Cork and during the 1950s met a student teacher studying in Cork called Jack Irwin from Belmullet, Co Mayo. They married on 26th July 1958 and moved to Co Meath, raising their family in the neighbourhood of Roestown, Drumree. She was one of the original 'neighbours' and was central to a close knit community for over 50 years. Mrs Irwin was actively involved in the community during these years as a member of Dunsany ICA during the 1970s at a time when Lady Sheila Dunsany chaired this group of progressive women. Deceased was involved in many charitable organisations over the years from the Friends of Drumcar to the Salesian Cooperators, to fund raising for a number of causes including, more recently, supporting the Irish Cancer Society through Daffodil Day. For those who had the privilege of knowing Bryde Irwin, she was not shy about sharing her origins from her beloved Cork or her political leanings. She was a member of the local Fianna Fail Cumann having grown up in the 'Rebel County' with childhood experiences of a different Ireland. She was extremely proud of her family and had a amazingly close relationship with every one of her grandchildren whose exploits she was more than willing to share with whoever she met. Equally, deceased was a great neighbour and friend always available to listen to anyone in need and had a great ability to connect with people on a one to one basis. The sad days following her unexpected death were filled with wonderful stories from her many friends and neighbours of a loving, caring helpful and supporting mother, wife, grandmother, neighbour and friend. It is hard to refer to Bryde Irwin without mentioning her husband, Jack. They were the perfect 'double act' for 54 years - soulmates who built a home, raised a family and together were an integral part of the Dunshaughlin and Drumree communities. Mrs Irwin is survived by Jack; family, Mary, Massachustesses, USA; John, Warrenstown, Drumree; Emer and Deirdre, Florida, USA; sons-in-law, Jack Harrison, Lance Hart; daughter-in-law, Brenda Irwin; grandchildren, Colin, Alison, Laura, Chloe, Sam, and Roisin Irwin, John and Clare Harrison, Eliott and Roz Jones, Sarah, Tiernan, and Ronan Hart; cousins, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law and many friends and neighbours. The funeral was celebrated by Fr Tim Wren SDB in Ss Patrick and Seachnall's Church, Dunshaughlin, followed by burial in Dunshaughlin Cemetery. A month's memory Mass will take place on St Patrick's Day, Saturday 17th March at 12 noon in St Patrick and Seachnall's Church, Dunshaughlin. ____________________________________________________________ Phil Carolan, Boyerstown The death occurred unexpectedly, but peacefully, on 19th February last of Mr Phil Carolan, Ongenstown, Boyerstown, Navan, at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan. A native of Rathmore, Athboy, he was aged 88 years and moved to Boyerstown as a young man where he spent the rest of his life farming. Deceased attended Moyaugher National School where he never missed a day, for which he was given a rosary beads. He was a man of great faith and carried the rosary beads with him every day for the rest of his life. Mr Carolan had a great love of the land and through hard work expanded the farm over the years. He was a good neighbour and was always willing to help anyone in need. A great follower of Gaelic football, especially the Meath team, he also loved soccer and never missed a game on television, whether it was cross-channel of League of Ireland. His children were involved in athletics when young and he spent many Sundays driving them to events all over the country. In later years, he took great pride in his grandchildren, especially their sporting achievements. Deceased also had a great interest in current affairs and read the paper every day right up to his death. He loved music and dancing and he and his wife, Eileen, spent many Saturday nights socialising with their friends while listening to their favourite bands. A devoted family man, Phil and Eileen were rarely apart and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2010. His passing came as a great shock to his family, but they take great comfort from the fact that they were with him when he died. He is survived by his wife, Eileen; sons, Hubert, Ongenstown, and Philip, Blackwater Abbey, Navan; daughters, Mary Watters, Shambo, Robinstown, and Deirdre Smyth, Cloneymore, Athboy; daughters-in-law, Theresa and Collette, Athboy; sons-in-law, Seamus and Willie; grandchildren; brother-in-law; sister-in-law; nephews; nieces; relatives and friends. The funeral took place in St Cuthbert's Church, Boyerstown, followed by burial in St Lawrence's Cemetery, Rathmore. _____________________________________________________________ Joseph O'Toole, Trim and Swords The regretted death occurred on 3rd January last of Mr Joseph O'Toole, Swords, Co Dublin, aged 69. Mr O'Toole was a native of Railway Road, Trim, and died at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin. He had suffered long illness and was cared for by the palliative care team. Deceased is survived by his wife, Breda; sons; daughter; daughters-in-law; grandchildren; sisters; and brothers-in-law. The funeral took place from St Cronan's Church, Brackenstown, to Rolestown Cemetery, and was attended by many from both his native and adopted towns, to whom the family is most appreciative. _____________________________________________________________ Brigid Johnson, Kilmessan The sudden death of Mrs Brigid (Buddy) Johnson, Kilcarty Road, Kilmessan, at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, on Thursday 23rd February last, was the source of widespread sadness. Aged 69, Mrs Johnson was a member of the Reilly family of Killeen, Dunsany, one of the oldest in the area, a daughter of the late Agnes and Patrick Reilly. Deceased was involved in the Kilmessan community through her work over the years as caretaker of the village hall, and as sacristan in the Church of the Nativity for a period. She was involved in running the local bingo in the hall for a time, and supported all community activities. Deceased worked as a housekeeper in many residences in the area. Mrs Johnson is survived by her sons, Mark, Bective Walk, Kilmessan, and Paddy, Killeen; granddaughter, Gwyneth; sisters, Nancy, Peg and Agnes; brother, Seamus, all Birmingham, England; in-laws, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her brothers, Val, Birmingham, and Noel, Kiltale, and sister, May Lynch, Killeen, Dunsany. The funeral took place from the Church of the Nativity, Kilmessan, to Glasnevin Crematorium. _____________________________________________________________ Mary Kate O'Reilly, Tierworker There was considerable sadness following the passing on 10th February of Mrs Mary Kate O'Reilly, Tierworker, Kells, at Virginia Healthcare Centre. Aged 91, she was a daughter of the late John and Bridget (Gaynor) Rogers of Carnans, Bailieboro, and was predeceased by her husband, Terence O'Reilly, in 1993. Deceased worked on the family farm with her husband, Terry, and was especially interested in rearing poultry. She was a lifelong member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association, and a member of the local guild of the Irish Countrywomen's Association and senior citizens' club, and enjoyed many outings with friends and neighbours. Mrs O'Reilly was a woman of strong faith and she had a wonderful memory, often reciting poetry and verse from her school days. She is survived by her daughters, Bríd Lynn and Geraldine Carragher, both Cootehill, Co Cavan; Lily Conway, Corradooa, Bailieboro; and sons, Peter and John O'Reilly, Tierworker; 15 grandchildren and a great grandson. She was predeceased by her daughter, Bernie Conlon, Ardee. The funeral Mass took place from St Patrick's Church, Tierworker, to Moybologue Cemetery. _____________________________________________________________ Tony Monaghan, Navan and Canada The death has occurred in Sudbury, Canada, of Mr John Anthony (Tony) Monaghan, who was a native of Navan. Born in 1932, deceased emigrated to Canada in 1957 and lived in Sudbury for over 50 years, He initially worked for the Inco mining company, and subsequently for a number of motor companies in Sunbury. Mr Monaghan was an active member of the Irish Heritage Club of Sudbury for decades, holding several offices over the years including president and social convenor. He carried his love of his Irish roots, and particularly Navan, with him until the day he died. He was the self-declared 'Irish Ambassador for Sudbury'. He was a lifelong sports fan, and while retaining his great interest in sport in his native Meath, he was also a loyal Sudbury Wolves season ticket holder and Chicago Blackhawks fan. An athlete in his younger years, he was a member of the much celebrated Polish White Eagles soccer team in the 1960s, and was a member of the team when they won the Anderson Cup in 1966, and in 1969, when they won the All Ontario Championship. He had a lovely singing voice, and often entertained family and friends with many old Irish favourites. Following retirement, he spent many summers on Cape Brereton. Mr Monaghan is survived by his daughters, Siobhan Arnold, Damhnait Morris, sons, Barry and Sean; their mother, Gabrielle; grandchildren, Kyle, Michael and Kate Arnold; Ben and Rebecca Morris and Emily and Sarah Monaghan; sons-in-law, Colin and Nigel; daughter-in-law, Brenda; long-time companion, Chris Moroso; sisters, Mary Gaughran, Brigid Healy, Vera Boyle, all Navan, Betty Smith, Celbridge; brothers, Jim and Raphael Monaghan, both Navan; and Joe and Peter Monaghan, both Canada; and their families. He passed away on Monday 27th February and his funeral Mass took place on Saturday 3rd March at Our Lady of Church, Brennan Street, Sudbury.