Obituaries 04-08-2012

PJ Stenson, Longwood On Thursday last, Longwood came to a standstill as PJ Stenson made his final journey from his home at Boleykeogh to the Church of the Assumption and adjoining cemetery. The chairman of the local GAA club had died on Monday of last week, 23rd July, one week after suddenly taking ill. His son, Joseph, walked behind the hearse, carrying a black and white flag, the colours of Mr Stenson's beloved club. Each side, club players and officials escorted the hearse down the street, wearing their jerseys of the same black and white. The motto on their sleeves read 'Our time is now'. PJ Stenson's time had come before he expected it, and the village and county was shocked at the death of the popular community figure a day before he was to mark his 60th birthday. His remains were received at the local church by Fr Patrick Kearney, PP, Longwood, assisted by Fr Michael Whittaker, PP, Enfield-Rathmolyon, Fr Michael McGrath, PP, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim, Fr Derek Ryan of the Redemptorist Order, and Fr Timothy, Rathmolyon. Symbols of the his passions in life were brought by family members, the green and gold cap he wore to every Meath football game, the football and hurley displaying his passion for the GAA, and a model vintage tractor, highlighting his love of restoring old Fergusons. Fr Kearney said that the community was shocked by the sudden passing of PJ Stenson, and there had been an extraordinary amount of help, support and sympathy extended to the Stenson family by those who had not been able to say their goodbyes to PJ. He recalled how the deceased had been very helpful to him, facilitating the local primary school with extra classroom space at the GAA clubhouse some years back. Mr Stenson was delighted with everything the club achieved, from major championships to underage success, and was always to be seen at the gate collecting at matches, or working around the club grounds. Joseph Stenson, son of the late club chairman, said how his father had a great team around him and his talent was being able to pull everyone together. He paid tribute to his mother, Una, for being "the great woman behind the great man", and to the deceased on behalf of himself, Michelle and Paul. A native of Longwood village, PJ Stenson was son of the late Patrick and Margaret Stenson, both of whom passed away in the last decade. Thirty years ago, he married Una Greaney of Baconstown, Enfield. Deceased worked as a group manager with Listers Machine Tools Ltd, a company he had spent 40 years with until taking a step back in December. In recent months, he had got involved in some hobby farming, and one of his great prides over the years was restoring vintage tractors. He had a Ferguson 20 and a Massey Ferguson 135. He had been involved with Longwood GAA's executive for at least 20 years, spending a long time as treasurer before becoming chairman. He was chairman for the club's great run through the county junior championship of 2009, when they won the county and Leinster titles and went on to an All-Ireland semi-final. They won the Meath intermediate hurling title in the same year. In addition to his wife, Una, and family Michelle, Joseph and Paul, Mr Stenson is survived by his brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, mother-in-law, Mary Greaney, cousin Mary Farrell, nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of friends. The funeral took place from the Church of The Assumption, Longwood, to the the adjoining cemetery, where his remains were once again escorted to by a Longwood GAA guard of honour. Club vice-chairman, Stephen Ennis, read 'The Hurler's Prayer' at the graveside following the burial. Meath Co GAA Committee was represented by Mr Pat Clerkin and Mr Cathal Seoighe. ____________________________________________________________ Jacqueline Roche, Trim The regretted death occurred on 10th July last of Mrs Jacqueline (Jackie) Roche (nee Somerville), Manorlands, Trim, at her home. Mrs Roche (69) was a native of Scotland and was a housewife, career cook and sailor with the Merchant Navy. She is survived by her husband Patrick Roche. The funeral took place on 12th July from St Patrick's Church, Trim, to St Loman's Cemetery. ____________________________________________________________ Patrick Andrews, Trim Much sadness was occasioned by the death of Mr Patrick (Podge) Andrews, Summerhill Road, Trim, at Heatherfield Nursing Home, Dunshaughlin, on 11th July last. Mr Andrews (85) was a native of Trim and worked at J&E Smyth, Market Street, Trim. He had also been a member of Trim Musical Society. Mr Andrews had a keen interest in horse racing and enjoyed a bet. A well known character around Trim, he will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Deceased is survived by his sister, Frances O'Callaghan, Trim; nephews John Regan, Dunderry, Aidan Regan, Trim, William Fay, Laracor; nieces, Kathleen Farrell, Trim, and Liz Fay, Enfield; grandnephews, grandnieces and great grandnephew. The funeral took place on Saturday, 14th July from St Patrick's Church, Trim, to St Lomans' Cemetery. ____________________________________________________________ Eilish McNally, Harmonstown There was great sadness at the recent death of Mrs Eilish McNally of Harmonstown, Hayes, Navan at her home at the age of 61. A member of the Smyth family of Emmet Terrace, Slane, she was married to Mr William McNally. She is survived by her husband, and by her daughters, Gillian McNally and Louise Reilly; her sons, Keith, Stephen and John; her brother, Vincent Smyth; and sisters, Brenda Galvin, Marie Maher, Geraldine Rogers and Celine Smyth; extended family, relatives and friends. Her funeral took place to St Erc's Cemetery, Slane and her months mind mass will be held in St Patrick's Church, Slane on Saturday 18th August at 7pm. ____________________________________________________________ Tessa Geoghegan, Suffolk The death occurred peacefully on Thursday 19th July of Mrs Tessa Jean (Tessa) Geoghegan of Haverhill, Suffolk, England, in Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, aged 82 years. Mrs Geoghegan was wife of the late Larry Geoghegan, of College, Nobber, and mother of the late Micheal Geoghegan. She is survived by Kathleen and Gary, Susan and Bill, Richard and Irene, Barry and Jacqueline and John and Karen, and was a dearly loved grandmother of three generations, and a dearest sister. The Funeral Service takes place today (Wednesday 1st August) at St Mary's Church, Haverhill, at 12 noon, followed by interment in the cemetery.