Obituaries 21st December 2013

Mary Sylver, Dunboyne

The former Taoiseach, John Bruton, led tributes to Mary Sylver, a past Fine Gael member of Meath County Council who died last week, describing her as a woman of resolute convictions and one of his closest friends.

Mrs Sylver (nee Gorham), of Piercetown, Dunboyne, died on Tuesday of last week at Highfield Hospital, Whitehall, Dublin, after a long illness. She served on Meath County Council from 1982 to 1999, and is best known for her campaigning for a rail link to Dunboyne, a dream that was realised in 2010. Mrs Sylver was co-opted to Meath County Council in October 1982, filling the seat vacated by Dunboyne neighbour, Richard Bruton, now Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. She was the treasurer of the Meath Constituency Council of Fine Gael, a member of Dunshaughlin District Executive of the party, and secretary of the Dunboyne branch.

She joined two other female councillors on the council at the time, Mary Wallace of Fianna Fail, and her colleague, Bridget Hogan of Fine Gael, who proposed her co-option in October 1982.

John Bruton said last week: 'I wish to pay tribute to the life of public service of Mary Sylver, of Piercetown, Dunboyne, who served for many years as a Fine Gael member of Meath County Council, representing the then Dunshaughlin Electoral Area, which encompassed all of South East Meath, including Ratoath and Ashbourne.

'Mary was a woman of resolute convictions. She had firm views of political issues, but argued for them in a considerate and moderate way. She had a vision for the development of her locality, and was, I believe, the first public representative of any party to make the case for the reopening of the rail service to Dunboyne, which now is in place, and provides a platform for the economic development of Dunboyne, linking it to the financial and technological hub in Dublin. Mr Bruton said that she had wide cultural interests, was accomplished in flower arrangement, and worked for people with disabilities after her retirement from politics in 1999.

'She will be remembered locally a particularly kind neighbour, who cared for people who had troubles, and called in to see people who might be isolated in any way, and I was proud to count her among my closest friends and allies during my political career.'

Current Meath County Council cathaoirleach, John Farrelly, paid tribute to the late Mrs Sylver whom he described as an able councillor and colleague.

Mary Sylver was predeceased by her husband, Michael, a prominent greyhound trainer. She is survived by her family, Elizabeth Yourell, Colette and Gorham, grandchildren, Emma and Jordan; sister, Peggy; brother, Michael; son-in-law, Jim; and her many relatives and friends.

The funeral took place from the Church of Ss Peter and Paul, Dunboyne, to Batterstown cemetery, on Friday last.

Christina Dalton, Robinstown

The family and friends of Christina Dalton, Cloncullen, Robinstown, Navan were deeply saddened by her death on 11th November last. Dina, as she was fondly known, died peacefully at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, aged 96 years. Her strong devotion to her faith provided her with comfort throughout her life. Dina enjoyed spending time with family and with many friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Peter and son, Paul. She is survived by her son, Liam, daughter-in-law, Marie, grandaughters, Edel, Anne-Marie, Mairéad, Louise and Sharon, great-granddaughters Sineád, Éabha and Lily-Mae.

The funeral took place from the Church of the Assumption, Robinstown, to Dunderry Cemetery.  

Phil Carey, Dunshaughlin

The death occurred peacefully at his home of Phil Carey of Roestown, Drumree Road, Dunshaughlin, on Wednesday 27th November last. An electrician by trade, he loved horses, and owned a number of horses over the years.

Son of the late Julia and Patrick Carey, he was also predeceased by his brother, Benny. He is survived by brother, Willie; sister, Kathleen; nephew, Brian and his wife, Rosemary; niece, Denise; nephews, nieces, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, grandnephews, grandnieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

The funeral took place from the Church of Ss Patrick and Sechnall, Dunshaughlin, to the local cemetery.

 

Bernadette Gargan, Moynalty

Bernadette Gargan (nee Droney), Newcastle, Moynalty, Kells, who died at her home on 10th November last, was a native of Rocks Road, Kingscourt, Co Cavan, and was aged 55.

Bernadette worked in Gypsum Industries, Kingscourt, from 1976 to 1988 before leaving to raise her family and assist in the running of the family business. She was a devoted wife and mother who gave her time generously to help others. She acted quietly and peacefully behind the scenes doing good, never looking for acknowledgement and it was only in the days around her funeral that some of her many good deeds came to light. She carried her illness with great courage and was an inspiration to all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Martin; daughter, Donna Gargan, Johnstown, Navan; son, Colin Gargan, Newcastle, Moynalty; son-in-law, Rory Galligan; brother, Kieran, Moynalty; sisters, Patricia, Dublin, Mary, Kingscourt, Eileen, Dublin; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; relatives and friends.

The funeral took place from Newcastle Church to Moynalty Cemetery.

 

Elizabeth Wogan, Slane

There was much sadness following the death of Elizabeth Wogan (née Flood), Mooretown, Slane. She was 91 years old and passed away at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, on 2nd December.

Originally from Gernanstown, Slane, deceased was a loving mother, grandmother, great and great great-grandmother. She spent many years working in the Conyngham Arms Hotel when it was owned by the Macken family.

She loved going to bingo, and in the latter part of her life enjoyed great success playing radio bingo when she was unable to leave her house.

Elizabeth was predeceased by her husband, Patrick, in 1996 and son, Michael, in 1970.

She is survived by her daughters, Marie Russell, Liz Sears, Rose Coleman, Patricia Markey and Bernadette Newman; sons, Robert and Patrick; sisters, Bridgie and Margaret; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great great-grandchildren.

Her funeral Mass took place from St Patrick’s Church, Slane to St Erc’s Cemetery.

 

Mary McGuinness, Nobber

The regretted death occurred on 22nd November last of Mary McGuinness, Cruicetown, Nobber, at Kilmainhamwood Nuring Home, aged 79.

Deceased was a native of Lavey, Co Cavan, and was a member of the O’Reilly family. She is survived by her husband, James, Nobber; sons, Charles and Kevin, Dublin; daughter, Liz, Dublin; and daughter-in-law, Caroline; extended family, neighbours and friends.

The funeral took place from the Church of St John the Baptist, Nobber, to the local cemetery.

 

John Joe Calnan, Nobber

 

There was widespread sadness following the death of John Joe Calnan, O’Carolan Park, Nobber, at his home on 5th November, aged 68.

John Joe, who was born and raised in Dunmanway, West Cork, was a retired truck driver.

He was an active member of the Nobber Vintage Club, of which he was president. He was a regular at tractor runs all over the country, which he attended every Sunday, hail, rain or snow.

He is survived by his wife, Kate; daughters, Delilah and Ruth; sons, Jacky and Dean; eight grandchildren; brothers, Willie and Pat; sisters, Maura, Hannah, Eileen, Kathleen, and Peggy; son-in-law; daughter-in-law; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Eugene.

The funeral took place from the Church of St John the Baptist, Nobber, to the adjoining ceremony.

Nobber Vintage Group provided a tribute to him at the ceremonies.