Obituaries 20th July 2013

James Power, Trim

Tributes were paid at last week’s meeting of Trim Town Council to the late James Power, Newtown Close, Abbeyview, who died on Saturday 6th July, aged 48.

A member of a well-known Trim business family, who were former publicans in the town, deceased was a brother of a former chairman of Trim Urban District councillor, Maurice Power. James Power was production co-ordinator at Trimfold until recent years.

Son of Sheila and the late Maurice Power, the family ran the public house where the Haggard Inn is now located, up until the early 1980s.

The young James attended the Convent Primary School, followed by St Michael’s CBS. He was a member of the Trim under-14 hurling team that won the county championship in 1979, and a junior hurling championship in 1983, and played football and hurling at all levels.

While working at Trimfold in his early days, Mr Power also worked part time in Lenihan’s James Griffin Pub on High Street.

However, in October 1991, he had a traumatic life-changing experience when involved in a road traffic accident which saw his spinal chord severed. This lead to a long period of recovery and rehabilitation, which Mr Power dealt with with a braveness and determination to live life as normally as possible, and he returned to work with Trimfold where he looked after ensuring that all orders and deliveries were properly co-ordinated.

As a wheelchair user, he continued to pursue his interest and hobbies, using a specially adapted buggy to play golf at Knightsbrook, often with friend, Aidan Hatton, and followed GAA and horseracing with great interest.

But for the circumstances, the family would have enjoyed greatly last Sunday’s GAA action across the country, as their late father, Maurice, held All-Ireland hurling medals with Limerick, both at a junior and senior level, as well as National League titles, from the 1930s, and they are also keen supporters of the Royal County. Mr Power also maintained his loyalty to Trim GAA club.

James Power will be remembered as somebody who loved life and loved living, and faced up to what life threw at him with great fortitude.

At last week’s town council meeting, Cllr Gerry Reilly recalled his great sense of humour and determination to live as normal during his 22 years since the accident, especially enjoying his round of golf. Mr Power was diagnosed with the Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma form of cancer two years ago. On Tuesday night, councillors expressed sympathy with the Power family.

Mr Power is survived by his loving mother, Sheila, who resides at Knightsbridge Retirement Village, dedicated family, brothers, Maurice, Castle Awbbey, Trim; Michael, Ballyconnell, Co Cavan; sisters, Kay Canty, Castle Close, Trim; and Bridie Murray, The Maudlins, Trim; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncle, nephews, nieces, grandnephew, grandnieces, relatives and many loyal friends.

At his funeral Mass in St Patrick’s Church, gifts brought to the altar included a photograph of James’ mother, Sheila; a photograph of him with a group of friends at a wedding; a golf putter; and a Meath jersey. Guards of honour were provided by Trim GAA and Knightsbrook Golf clubs. Burial followed in St Loman’s Cemetery.

Sean Byrne, Ashbourne

 The regretted passing occurred on 19th June last of Sean Byrne, Ashbourne, at Blackrock Hospital, Dublin, at the age of 80. A tool-maker by trade, he was a very hard and conscientious worker for over 50 years. He had a great love of both amateur and professional boxing, was an enthusiastic Aston Villa supporter and enjoyed a round of golf with his friends.

He is survived by his wife, Breda; daughters, Michelle Hughes and Suzanne Muldoon; sons, Kevin and David; 12 grandchildren; brother-in-law; sisters-in-law; friends and relatives.

The funeral Mass was celebrated in The Church Of The Immaculate Conception, followed by burial in St Declan’s Cemetery, Ashbourne.

Elizabeth Bergin, Kells and Portlaoise

The regretted death occurred on 4th June last of Elizabeth (Lil) Bergin, Castletown, Portlaoise, a member of the Murray family of Irishtown, Balrath, Kells, peacefully at her residence, after a long illness bravely borne.

She is survived by her husband, Jack; son, John; daughters, Paula and Amanda; brother, Shamie Murray, Irishtown; sisters, Mary Gilligan, Dublin, Anne Healy, Irishtown and Rose Mulligan, Kiltale; nieces; nephews; in-laws; relatives and friends.

The funeral took place in Castletown, Co Laois.

 

Christopher Dempsey, Trim

The recent death at Knightsbridge Nursing Home, at the age of 80, of Mr Christopher (Christy) Dempsey, Mornington Heights, Trim, and formerly of Clonbun, Trim, was a source of great regret throughout the town.

A native of Trim, deceased is survived by his wife, Ann; sons, Michael and Christopher; brother, Peter; sister, Anna; grandchildren, Michelle, Sean, Zara and Ryan, and extended family.

The funeral took place from St Patrick’s Church, Trim, to St Loman’s Cemetery, Trim.

Kathleen Casey, Longwood

There was great sadness following the death of Mrs Kathleen Casey, Tanderagee, Longwood, at Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, on 29th June last, aged 77.

Mrs Casey (nee Kelly) was pre-deceased by her parents, Michael and Mary, and husband, Thomas; and is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Gerry Brew, Corballis, Rathmolyon.

The funeral Mass took place on 2nd July from St Michael’s Church, Rathmolyon, to Kill Cemetery, Rathmolyon.