Obituaries 18-08-2012

Mary Farrelly, Kells The sudden death recently occurred of Mrs Mary Farrelly, 13 Beechlawn, Kells. She was 72. Originally from Crossdrum, Oldcastle, Mrs Farrelly was daughter of the late Edward and Kathleen Gavin. She worked hard all her young life, including in Kilroy's in Oldcastle where she met her late husband, Jimmy Farrelly, from Castlerahan, Mountnugent. They both moved to England for a time but returned to Ireland and settled in Kells, where they reared their children and made many new friends. Mrs Farrelly received a severe blow in January 1986 when her husband died suddenly, leaving her a widow at a very young age. However, she did a great job rearing her 12 children, all of whom will sadly miss her. Deceased was an avid member of Gaeil Colmcille GFC in Kells and attended many functions in the local GAA centre. She was one of the club's main fundraisers, selling club lotto tickets every week, and will be sadly missed by all who knew her in the club. She was also a member of the Kells Active Retirement Group and an active participant in events and outings organised by the club. Deceased is survived by her sons, Patrick, Eamonn, Paul, Declan, Sean, Fergal, Damian and Francis; daughters, Catherine, Noeleen, Suzanne and Martina; sons-in-law, daughters-in-law and extended family. Her funeral took place from St Colmcille's Church, Kells, to St Colmcille's Cemetery. _________________________________________________ Sr Nancy Hilliard, Navan and Drogheda Great sadness was occasioned following the recent death of Sr Nancy (Pauline) Hilliard of the Medical Missionaries of Mary at the age of 83, at Aras Mhuire Nursing home. A daughter of former government minister, Michael Hilliard and his wife Kate, she had been in ill health. Her death occurred just the day before her sister, Kathleen Hughes of Farganstown, Navan, who died at Our Lady's Hospital in Navan. Mick Hilliard instilled in his children what he practised himself, a principle of fair-mindedness. Born in Maio in her mother's native Moynalty, deceased went to the Loreto Sisters for her primary education and it was a certainty that she would continue with them to Leaving Certificate. Then, in 1947, she joined the fledging congregation of the Medical Missionaries of Mary with a desire to serve the sick and less fortunate. She made her first profession in 1951 and her final profession in 1957. She studied medicine at UCD and, having qualified in 1955, this was the beginning of a very rich and varied life in many missionary countries overseas. She was the doctor-in-charge in Chala and Mpala in southern Tanzania for six years, after which she was transferred to Uganda to relieve another sister for a year. The next country where she pitched her tent was Malawi. She again made the transition and served the people in Mzuzu and Nkhata Bay for 15 years. There is no knowing how many people's lives Sr Nancy touched during those years. Returning to Ireland in 1981, she studied for a Diploma in Public Health from UCD and USC, and a Diploma in Tropical Medicine in Liverpool. She spent four years as a Palliative Care Research Fellow in St Luke's Hospital, Dublin, and was granted a membership in the Faculty of Public Health Medicine by the Royal College of Physicians. Sr Nancy later established St Brigid's Hospice on the Isle of Man - the first on that island. She knew fragility and illness herself and so could relate well with her patients. She was much appreciated for her gentleness and understanding of their pain. She spent seven years as Medical Director of St Bridget's Hospice on the Isle of Man and obtained a Diploma in Palliative Medicine from the University of Wales. In 2003, she joined the Motherhouse community in Drogheda. In the last few years, she lived in the Medical Missionaries' nursing facility and, in the last few month,s the local palliative team assisted in her care. Her quiet strength throughout her illness was an inspiration to all. Deceased is survived by her sisters, Mary Locke, Dublin; Sr Fidelis, Holy Rosary Sisters, Dublin, and brothers, Ronan and Oliver, Navan; Cormac, Limerick, and Ben, England. and their families. She was predeceased by her sister, Attracta, and brothers, Enda and Colm, also a former TD for Meath. Her funeral took place in the Medical Missionaries of Mary Convent, Beechgrove, Drogheda, and she was buried afterwards in St Peter's Cemetery, Drogheda. _________________________________________________ Bernard Hand, Kells There was widespread sadness following the recent death of Mr Bernard (Benny) Hand of North Lodge, Headfort, Kells, at the age of 76, which occurred at St Joseph's Community Care Centre, Trim. A native of Normanstown, Carlanstown, deceased was employed for 36 years at Headfort Demesne, Kells. He was chief herd, responsible for the welfare of over 900 sheep. He loved his work and, like a true shepherd, his sheep always came first. It was fitting, therefore, that the readings at his funeral Mass were all about being a good shepherd. Mr Hand knew his sheep. When the psalm 'The Lord is my Shepherd' was sung by Paddy McGillick, it seemed especially apt. In his youth, deceased was a keen Gaelic footballer. He played played underage football with Carnaross and senior football with Carlanstown. He also played football for Meath minor and junior teams. He was a keen athlete and won medals for long distance and cross-country running. He loved 'the dogs' and, in 1982, trained 'Slaney Maid' to win the Respond 2000. Unfortunately, 19 years ago, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. He was in no way dismayed, but instead bore his disability with great fortitude and grace. Above all, Mr Hand was a great family man. He loved children and was delighted when people called and brought their children with them. He loved to show them round the garden where exotic birds like Guinea hens, peacocks and bantam fowl lived happily with more conventional chicken, hens and rabbits. His funeral Mass was attended by an extremely large cross-section of friends and neighbours from near and far. The prayers of the faithful were read by his grandchildren, Dean and Sarah. Gifts were brought up by his grandchildren, Rebecca, Keefe, Emer and Wayne. Following Mass in St Colmcille's Church, the funeral took place to St Colmcille's Cemetery, Kells. Deceased is survived by his wife, Rosie; sons, Bernard, Hermitage Glen, Kells, and Finbar, Rathaldron, Navan; daughters, Caroline Clarke, St Colmcille's Villas, Kells, and Jackie Carolan, Coolnahinch, Moynalty; daughters-in-law, Karen and Bernie; sons-in-law, Sean and Noel, and grandchildren, Daniel, Conor, Rebecca, Sarah, Wayne, Dean, Keefe and Emer. _________________________________________________ Phil O'Brien, Crossakiel The death occurred at his home on 18th July last of Mr Phil O'Brien, Hamlinstown, Crossakiel, Kells, at the age of 85. A farmer who could still be seen out on his farm until shortly before his death, Mr O'Brien continued to have an interest in all events and advances in farming throughout his lifetime. He was very involved in the GAA. Originally from Lobinstown, he was a member of the Syddan team that won the Meath SFC in 1951, 1952 and 1956, as well as a Feis Cup in 1952. Following his move in 1963 to Crossakiel, he became involved with the Ballinlough club, serving on the committee there for many years. At the time of his death, he was president of both Syddan and Ballnlough GFCs, and the attendance of so many of his colleagues from both clubs and the extended GAA organisation, at his home and his funeral, showed the esteem and respect in which people held him. A lifelong member of the PTAA, his social life revolved around the GAA, and he and his wife, Bernadette, could be seen regularly at matches throughout the county and further afield. Not only did they follow Ballinlough at all age groups, but also the teams that many of the younger members of their extended family were involved with. Mr O'Brien was a devoted family man, who loved nothing more than to be in the company of family and friends in the home where he was so happy. Deceased is survived by his wife, Bernadette (nee Donegan); daughter, Deirdre Maguire, Stackallen; sons, Kieran, Houston, Texas, and Philip, Crossakiel; sister, Madge McEntee, Nobber; brother, Andy, Lobinstown; son-in-law, Tommy; daughters-in-law, Leanne and Lorraine, and his seven beloved grandchildren, as well as a large extended family. The late Mr O'Brien was predeceased by his sisters, Monica Rowe and Sheila Meade, and brothers, Tom and John. His funeral took place from the Church of St Alphonsus Ligouri, Kilskyre, to the adjoining cemetery. A guard of honour was formed by members of Ballinlough GFC. Mass was concelebrated by Fr Daly, Fr Houlihan and Fr Sheeran, who paid a very fitting tribute to Mr O'Brien. Following burial, his old friend and football colleague, Paddy Meegan, gave a very moving and thoughtful oration at the graveside. His Month's Mind Mass will take place in Kilskyre Church this coming Sunday, 19th August, at 11.15am.