Obituaries 22-09-2012

Pádraic Lynch, Trim and London The chairman of the Meath Association in London, Pádraic Lynch, who passed away last Friday, was described by a councillor in Kells this week as " an extremely loyal, energetic and supportive individual" who had helped many Meath people trying to find their feet in the city. Mr Lynch, whose funeral takes place in Trim this weekend, was made a Freeman of Kells in 2009 for his work among the county's emigrants in the British capital. Members of Kells Town Council meeting on Monday passed generous tributes to a man who they said was held in high esteem throughout the county. Cllr Tommy Grimes said that Padraic Lynch had worked tirelessly for the exiles and helped many a family when contacted. Cllr Grimes, who was in contacted with Mr Lynch on a weekly basis, said that Co Meath had lost a great friend and a marvellous ambassador. He had become chairman of the London association in 2002. Mr Grimes said that in 2005 when the society's banner was being carried in a parade it had fallen apart. The county manager Tom Dowling had taken the matter seriously and a new banner was proudly carried at the following St Patrick's Day parade in London. Cllr Bryan Reilly said that Mr Lynch was "a proper gentleman" who would be known widely for his work among Meath emigrants to London. "He was a wonderful link for the penniless and the jobless, a man who did trojan work for others". Cllr Brian Collins described Mr Lynch as a humble man. He said the reason he had proposed the Freedom of Kells for him was because he had seen the warmth people had for Padraic Lynch. He said he knew of many instances where Mr Lynch was a true friend to anyone suffering difficulty or illness. Cllr Conor Ferguson said that Padraic Lynch was "a shocking proud Meath man, in football and everything else". "An energetic, loyal and supportive individual" was how Cllr Brian Curran remembered Mr Lynch. He told how Mr Lynch "had his finger on the pulse as far as Meath was concerned" and said that "the Meath Chronicle was his bible" for keeping in touch with events at home in the county. Cllr Frankie Lynch said that he had not known Mr Lynch personally, he knew he was a good man who had proud and strong associations with Meath. Cathaoirleach Cllr Sarah Reilly extended the condolences of the members to the Lynch family on behalf of the council. Mr Lynch, of Harlesden, North West London, was aged 64 and a native of Tullaghanogue, Trim, and left for London in 1968. As chairman of the Meath Association of London, he presided over the 50th anniversary celebrations of the association in the Old Darnley Lodge Hotel in 2008, a gala event attended by many dignatories and political representatives. He had been diagnosed with illness in recent years. He is survived by his wife, Mary (neé Purcell, Ballivor); mother, Ann; daughter, Karen; granddaughter, Ròisìn; son-in-law Des; brothers, Brendán, Fionán, Seán; sisters, Cáit, Áine and Caroline; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and wide circle of friends. A special Memorial Mass is being held in London tomorrow (Thursday), and Mr Lynch's remains will repose at Heffernan's Funeral Home, Trim, from 4.30pm to 6.30pm on Friday evening, with removal to St Patrick's Church for 7pm. The funeral will take place on Saturday in St Patrick's Church, Trim, at 11am, followed by burial in St Loman's Cemetery. ____________________________________________________________ Martin O'Connor, Navan The regretted death occurred on 19th August last of Mr Martin O'Connor, Bridge Street, Navan, at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan. Aged 51, he was son of the late Joe and Peg O'Connor, and was known by the nickname 'Buller'. Deceased worked in furniture manufacturing all his life and was an excellent pool player. He is survived by his brothers, Barry, who is his twin, Joseph, Fergus and Kevin; sisters, Deirdre Coyle, Finola Dungan and Brenda Byrne; sisters-in-law, Pat, Ann; brothers-in-law, Louis and Cormac; nieces and nephews; grandnieces and grandnephews. The funeral took place from St Mary's Church, Navan, to St Mary's Cemetery. A month's mind will take place in St Oliver's Church, Blackcastle, Navan, on Sunday 23rd September at 12 noon. ____________________________________________________________ Margaret Owens, Ballivor and Mayo The regretted death occurred on Wednesday of last week of Mrs Margaret Owens, Cloonbook, Brickens, Claremorris, Co Mayo, a member of the Rattigan family of Ballivor, and formerly of Ballinadrimnagh, Broadford, Co Kildare. Mrs Owens is survived by her husband, Paddy; family, Caroline and Seamus; grandchildren, Ethan, Eoin, Sarah, Eamon and Erica; son-in-law, Luke; daughter-in-law, Denise; sisters, Eileen Davis, Bernadette Dempsey, and Chris Diviney; brothers, Willie, Michael and Jarlath; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; nieces; nephews; uncle; aunt; relatives; work colleagues and a wide circle of friends. The funeral took place on Friday from St Mary Margaret's Church, Bekan, Co Mayo, to Tulrahan Cemetery. ____________________________________________________________ Michael Gray, Navan There was widespread sadness following the passing on 28th August last of Mr Michael Gray, Bella Vista, Dunmoe, Navan, at his home. Aged 81, deceased was a native of Skryne, and was a builder. His projects included the renovation of St Oliver's Church in Navan, and Rathfeigh Church, and he was also the contractor for building of the new Parochial House in Trim. Mr Gray was a founding member of the Rathkenny Revels, and also of the Stackallen Tennis and Pitch and Putt Club, of which he was president. He is survived by his wife, Marie (nee Curtis); daughter, Caroline; son, Mervyn, son-in-law, John McCabe, Moynalty; daughter-in-law, Caitriona Coffey, Rath Chairn; brother, Jimmy Gray, Greenpark, Dunshaughlin; sisters, Maureen Walls, Ballintra, Donegal, and Kathleen McGarrigle, Lucan; in-laws, nephews; nieces; relatives and friends. The funeral took place from St Colmcille's Church, Skryne, to Rathfeigh Cemetery. A month's memory Mass will take place on Saturday 29th September at 6pm in Rathfeigh Church. ____________________________________________________________ John Noone, Kilmessan The regretted death occurred on 31st July last of Mr John (Jap) Noone, Curtistown, Kilmessan, at Beaumont Hospital, aged 70 years. Mr Noone was well known in sporting circles through his involvement with greyhound racing, horses and hurling. The Noone family came to Kilmessan when their father was appointed garda sergeant in the village, and like most other youngsters around Kilmessan, deceased played hurling with the local club at underage and adult level. He also played with Ratoath for a period. Mr Noone bred and trained greyhounds, and was a successful handler for various owners, with dogs such as Unsinkable Boxer, Billionaire and Perseus. In the days when Navan Greyhound Track was in existence, he was one of the most prominent handlers there, a very shrewd judge of a dog who always ensured that it was fully ready to race. The name JP Noone regularly appeared on race cards and results. He had a racehorse, Society Queen, with Stamullen trainer Peter Casey, and its successes included a win at the Bellewstown Races festival. Mr Noone was also involved with the local syndicate that owned Linden's Lotto for a period. Deceased is survived by his wife, Reena; sons, Michael and Barry; daughters, Breda, Helen, Pauline, Sinead, Catherine, Antoinette, Patricia, and Laura; sister, Veronica Moran; brother, Ray Noone; grandchildren; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; relatives and friends. The funeral took place from the Church of the Nativity, Kilmessan, to the adjoining cemetery.