Obituaries 27-10-2012

Sean Monaghan, Kells Tributes were paid at last week's meeting of Kells Town Council to the late Mr Sean Monaghan, Carrick Lodge, Kells, a well-known businessman in the town, and a former councillor and chairperson of Kells Urban Council. Mr Monaghan died on 1st October last, at the Mater Hospital, Dublin, aged 76. Deceased had a variety of interests, in particular sport, politics, business and music. He opened the first squash centre and gym in the area, and also a pitch and putt course, bringing new sporting facilities to Kells. Mr Monaghan was popular proprietor of the family business, Monaghan's Public House, for many years. He also opened one of the first supermarkets in Kells, and Kells Holiday Hostel. He had a great love of Kells, and was involved in Fíanna Fáil politics for many years. He represented the town on the local council for 16 years, and was chair of the council. Deceased was member of choir for many years and loved music. In his youth he also sang in the chorus of the Dublin Grand Opera Society and enjoyed listening to music all his life. In later years, thanks to a successful heart transplant, he was able to enjoy the arrival of his ten much-loved grandchildren. His family said that they would not have had him so long in their lives were it not for the generosity of a heartbroken family who donated the organs of their beloved son to save the lives of others, 17 years ago. Mr Monaghan was a devout Catholic, and a daily Mass-goer until no longer able to do so. Deceased will be remembered as a loving husband and father who worked hard all his life to look after his family. He is survived by his wife, Frances; family, Shane, Declan, Mella, Madeleine and Peter; brothers, Tommie and Paddy; sisters, Anna Brunnock and Breda McEntee; grandchildren; relatives; neighbours and friends. The funeral took place from St Colmcille's Church, to St Colmcille's Cemetery. The contribution made by Sean Monaghan was acknowledged by members of the town council at their monthly meeting last week. Cllr Brian Curran said that Mr Monaghan had served his town with distinction. He had been involved in every social and community aspect of the town. He also wanted to mark the contribution made by the Monaghan family as a whole to the town. Cllr Brian Collins said that the end of an era had come with the passing of a man who had made great contributions to the educational history of Kells. Cllr Conor Ferguson said that Sean Monaghan was "a great Kells man who gave great service to the town". Cllr Bryan Reilly said that Sean was a Kells man, a very strong Fíanna Fáil man who "did not wear his politics on his sleeve". "He was a colleague and a friend," he said. He recalled how, at Mr Monaghan's funeral, Fr John Byrne, PP, had mentioned deceased's business acumen. He had established Kells' first supermarket, its first gymnasium, and its first hostel. He was also to the forefront in promoting tourism in Kells. "He had such a great interest in the town and he will be such a great loss," Cllr Reilly said. The cllr added that it was wonderful to see how the Monaghan family acknowledged the donor and family who had given Sean extra years of life when he was ill. Cllr Tommy Grimes said that Sean Monaghan was a Kells man through and through. He had been of outstanding assistance when the Kells Handball Club was setting up its annual competition. Cllr Frankie Lynch also paid tribute, saying that the late Mr Monaghan was "so fond of Kells itself". Cllr Oliver Sweeney said that Mr Monaghan was "an institution in the town" and someone who would be remembered for a long time. Cllr Sean Drew said that Sean Monaghan was someone who loved Kells. "He contributed so much - to his own family, to the business and social life of the town". He said that it would be appropriate for the council to give him permanent recognition in the town. Cathaoirleach Cllr Sarah Reilly said that any time she met deceased he was always very encouraging. "He would always sit me down and ask me what I was doing politically. He was very generous with his advice," she said. Area manager Kevin Stewart said that Sean Monaghan was someone who had great commitment to Kells and its people. He extended his sympathy on behalf of the staff of the council. Mr Monaghan's wife, Frances, was also a member of the council for a period. __________________________________________________________ Philip Sheridan, Kells The death of Mr Philip Sheridan, Maudlin Road, Kells, was the source of widespread sadness around the town where he was well known for his involvement in various sporting and community organisations. Aged 82, he passed away at the Butterstream Unit, St Joseph's Nursing Home, Trim, on 3rd October last. A native of Kells, deceased worked in the office of Byrne Farrelly Hardware Store in the town in his early days. He later became manager of Kells Credit Union, where he worked until retirement. He played football with Kells Harps in his youth and then was involved with Gaeil Colmcille Club. He attended all the Meath football matches. Mr Sheridan was a member of the Kells Parish Choir and was involved in the musical society and pantomimes. He was a member of Conradh na Gaeilge and also of the Knights of St Columbanus. Deceased is survived by his family, Philip, Patrick, Christy Tully and Elma Tormey, all Kells; Bernadette Doyle, Moynalty; Noel Tully, Canada; Frances Doyle, Dublin; Patricia Cunningham, Ballivor; Patrick Keogh, Gerr Dunne, Colette Kenny and Michelle Corrigan, all Dublin; and their families. The funeral took place from St Colmcille's Church, Kells, to St Colmcille's Cemetery. Members of the GAA provided a guard of honour. A month's memory Mass will be held on Sunday 18th November at 11am. ____________________________________________________________ Kathy Hickey, Kilmessan and Surrey Mrs Kathy Hickey, (nee Maguire), formerly of Kilcarthy, Dunsany, passed away peacefully at her residence in Chesington, Surrey, England on 12th August last. Deceased spent her formative years in Kilmessan, moving to London in her early twenties. She was laid to rest alongside her husband, Eugene, in Cowling, North Yorkshire. Mrs Hickey is survived by her family, David, Bernadette and Ann Marie; sister, Veronica; brothers, Jack, Tony, Larry and Finny; grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Mass will be offered for the repose of her soul on Friday 23rd November at 8pm in the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Kilmessan. ____________________________________________________________ Peter Duffy, Dunshaughlin There was considerable sadness in the Dunsany and Dunshaughlin areas following the death at the weekend of Mr Peter Duffy, College Park, Dunshaughlin, and formerly of Old Road, Dunsany. From Dublin, Mr Duffy was a painting contractor. He died peacefully at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, on Saturday last. Predeceased by his wife, Ellen, he is survived by his family, Pauline, Doreen, Peter, Des and Helen; sister; brother; daughter-in-law; son-in-law; grandchildren;, great-grandson; nieces; nephews; relatives and friends. Mr Duffy's son, Peter, is well known in the village where he runs the public house, Peter's, formerly Murray's. Removal took place to Ss Patrick's and Seachnall's Church, Dunshaughlin, on Tuesday evening and the funeral is today (Wednesday) at 11am, with burial in the adjoining cemetery. ____________________________________________________________ John McDermott, Navan There was great sadness following the recent sudden death of Mr John McDermott of Reask Drive, Navan, at the age of 54 at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan. Formerly of Rathfeigh and Beauparc, he worked in Tara Mines from June 2001 until his death. Prior to that, he was employed in Robin Booth and Sons Meat Business, Beauparc. Deceased was a genuine, dependable person, He will be sadly missed by his family, friends, work colleagues, and all who knew him. He is survived by his sons, Alan and Barry McDermott and their mother, Ann; sisters, Patricia O'Reilly, Ballyjamesduff, Pauline Smith, Gilltown, Beauparc, and Ann Heary, Beechmount, Navan; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; nephews and nieces. The funeral Mass was held in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Rathfeigh, followed by burial in Rathfeigh Cemetery. ____________________________________________________________ Stephen Ball, Navan The regretted death occurred at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, on 27th September last, of Mr Stephen Ball, Knockumber, Navan, aged 81. Deceased was a native of Knockumber. He is survived by his wife, Teresa; daughter, Pauline; sons, Godfrey, Fintan and Alan; daughter-in-law, Sharon; grandsons; brother; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews. The funeral took place from St Mary's Church, Navan, to St Finian's Cemetery. A month's memory Mass will take place on Sunday 18th November at 11am, in St Mary's Church. ____________________________________________________________ Thomas Connolly, Wilkinstown There was widespread sadness following the death at the age of 80 of Mr Thomas (Timmy) Connolly, Coghalstown, Wilkinstown, Navan, on 12th October last, at Mater University Hospital, Dublin. A native of Rathkenny, deceased was a retired dairy farmer. He was a member of Stackallen Pitch and Putt Club and a well-known ballroom dancer. Mr Connolly is survived by his wife, Maureen; sons, Raymond and Colm; sister, Monnie Eldridge; grandchildren, Barry, Lee, Shauna and Fearghal; daughters-in-law, Louise and Anthea. The funeral took place from St Louis' Church, Rathkenny, to Rathkenny Cemetery.