Obituaries 25th January 2014
Sr Philomena Flynn, Navan
The death occurred on 17th December last at the age of 101 of Sr Philomena Flynn, who was one of the founders of the Teachers’ Centre, now the Education Centre, in Navan. Sr Philomena (Mary Flynn) who was born on 31st July 1912 in Gainstown, Mullingar. She was the eldest of a family of nine children, of five girls and four boys. Following her education at the local primary school, she attended Loreto College in Mullingar and St Anne’s, then a boarding school in Navan.
She was a natural student and study came easily to her but she found her calling in religious life and entered St Michael’s Novitiate in 1931. This was no surprise as she came from a deeply religious family. Two of her brothers, John and Joe, became priests, working mainly in the north of England. Her sister Nora (Sr Benedict) became a Mercy sister, teaching in Longford and on the missions in Florida, while Annie, became a Poor Servant of the Mother of God (PSMG) receiving the name Sr Therese, teaching in various PSMG schools and working as headteacher in different areas of London. Bridie also a PSMG sister known as Sr Aloysius taught in England for many years, is now retired and living in Marymount, Chapelizod and is the only surviving sibling of this great family. Both Nicholas and Thomas married and the famous Flynn Brothers have continued the family business into the next generation.
On becoming a primary teacher, Sr Philomena taught all her life in St Anne’s Navan, educating generations of Navan pupils. As well as her work in education she was an active member of the local community and was involved in a multitude of parish activities, including the Sodality of the Children of Mary, the Apostolic Society providing hand crafted vestments for missionary priests and she initiated the Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in St Anne’s Chapel which continues to flourish in St Mary’s Church today and a Bridge Club which is also active in St Michael’s.
After teaching all day, Sr Philomena gave piano lessons after school hours and on Saturdays taught domestic economy to the secondary school pupils. She was a gifted cook and craftswoman and was very talented at crochet, sewing, quilting and dressmaking. During the recession of the 1930s and 1940s she provided clothes for the poorest children of the area, gave them breakfast and lunch while at school and made their First Holy Communion outfits.
In the early 1970s, Sr Philomena was one of the founding members of the then Teachers’ Centre providing continuing professional development for the teachers in the area. This too is still going strong and the beautiful purpose built Education Centre in Athlumney owes much of its existence to these early pioneers such as Sr Philomena. She was treasurer of the centre for many years and was also a part-time co-director with her long time friend and colleague, Mrs Teresa Madden. The Education Centre was honoured to have Sr Philomena’s wisdom and sound judgement as well as her energy and willingness to work in whatever capacity she could for several years during her retirement.
At the great age of 97, Sr Philomena suffered a severe stroke and convalesced in Woodlands Nursing Home before residing in Knightsbridge Care Home in Trim. Though confined to a wheelchair, she was still able to travel to Dublin to be presented with an award for her service of 70 years in promoting and delivering the Sacred Heart Messenger.
Sr Philomena’s love of poetry stayed with her all her life and she continued to recite her favourite poems right up until her death. Dr Michael Farry, a colleague from the Education Centre and volunteer in the Care Home, penned a poem in her honour for her 100th birthday.
While Sr Philomena’s productivity throughout her long life was most impressive it is her humility, kindness, compassion and good humour which were her most outstanding attributes. Her inspiration, idealism and prayerfulness will be long remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Teddy McCabe, Tierworker
The death took place recently of Terence (Teddy) McCabe, Tierworker, Bailieboro, Co Cavan. Teddy was the eldest son of Terence McCabe and Nell O’Reilly and was one of eight children. He grew up in a home where sound values, a respect for the land, hard work, thrift and neighbourliness were very much in evidence.
Teddy, when he finished his primary education in Edenagully National School with the support of his parents invested in a tractor and trailer. He immediately set up his own business, taking milk from a wide area to Bailieboro Creamery. He continued this work until his retirement in 1997. He was renowned for his kindness, ever willing to lend a helping hand as he brought many a ‘shopping’ back to his suppliers. He was popular with the staff at the Creamery. One of his responsibilities was organising the annual ‘staff and carters’ dinner dance.
Teddy gave great help on the home farm and also to the neighbours as he mowed and harvested the crops year in and year out. In his younger days, he developed a great interest in amateur dramatics with a special talent in comedy. He strode the boards in Tierworker with the local group while he was head hunted by both Kingscourt and Lavey drama groups. He went on tour with the Lavey group to London and Luton with the play ‘My Wife’s Family’, bringing joy and tears to many emigrants. Teddy was also a man with a vivid imagination which he expressed in many recitations composed to honour a family occasion or a local event. His forte always was ‘Dangerous Dan McGrew’.
He was in many ways a director with the local groups as he provided the timber for the stage, helped to put it in place and take it down after the concert so that Edenagora National School would be ready for teachers and pupils on Monday morning. All of this was second nature to Teddy as over the years he became more involved in the community.
He took an active interest in farming politics and was one of the farmers who walked to Dublin in the protest march of 1966.
Within the family, Teddy was the early bread winner and eased the pressure on his parents rearing eight children. He was supportive of the brothers and sisters as they found their niches in life. He had a wonderful relationship with nephews and nieces and later with the next generation. His sense of humour, his at times, dark devilment earned him great loyalty. He was not unknown to introducing some of his nephews to the importance of hard work as he taught them the skill involved in lifting a full ten gallon milk can onto the trailer.
Teddy never lost interest in the variety show or the drama or the craic. In 2006 he became involved in the ‘Rambling House’, a gathering of musicians and rhymers and dancers and singers, giving employment to many people and maintaining the local traditions.
In later years Teddy’s health deteriorated and gradually lost considerable independence which was particularly difficult for him. He was blessed with great care from nurses, home helps and especially from his brother Joe and sister Rose as he was in his own home, something he valued and appreciated.
Margaret White, Slane
Great sadness was caused by the death of Margaret (Madge) White, Creewood, Slane, at her residence on Christmas Eve. Aged 80, she passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, after a short illness.
A native of Sallybrook, Drumconrath, Navan, she was daughter of the late James and Bridget Moore. Madge enjoyed life to the full and was a regular attendee of the Slane Active Retirement Group and enjoyed her day trips and her longer breaks away. Up to the beginning of her illness at the end of October she was a weekly user of the Meath Flexibus service. Madge loved her bingo and took great pleasure from her weekly Wednesday night bingo sessions at her local Rathkenny Hall. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband, Brendan; daughters, Deirdre, Navan, Annette, Dean Hill, Joan, Delvin; son, Brendan, Creewood; grandchildren, Mark, Alan, Fiona, Colm, Michelle, Emma and Megan; sons-in-law, Andrew and Paul, daughter-in-law, Teresa; brothers, Johnny Moore, Kilberry, Jimmy, Ardee, Kieran, Drumconrath; sisters, Carmel Crosby, Drumconrath, Maureen Carry, Drumconrath, Kitty Murray, Ardee, Pauline McPhillips, Shercock, Phyliss Gilespie, Ardee, Monica Smyth, Nobber, Nora Matthews, Magheracloone, Betty Duggan, Wexford; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces and cousins and a large number of friends and neighbours.
The funeral took from the Church of St Bridget, Grangegeeth, to the adjoining cemetery.
Arthur Brady, Moyglare
There was considerable sadness following the passing on 26th December last of Arthur (Archie) Brady, Moyglare, Maynooth, Co Kildare, at Sycamore East Nursing Home, Cherry Orchard, Dublin.
Aged 93, deceased was a native of Dunboyne, and was son of Agnes and John Brady. He retired from John Sisk and Company at the age of 62. His main hobby was gardening and he grew all his own vegetables and home produce. He was a great Meath football supporter and followed all GAA matches. Archie loved to watch horse racing on television, and listen to ceili music on radio. His beloved dog, Darkie, was a constant companion at Moyglare before Archie moved to the nursing home at the age of 89.
Predeceased by his wife, Aileen Colgan, in June 1999, he is survived by his son, David, Blanchardstown; daughters, Sheila McCarthy, Kingswood Heights, Dublin; Joan Hutchings, London; Ber Wahl, Indiana, USA; niece, Mary McNulty, Kilmessan; nine grandchildren, nine great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews abroad, as well as friends and neighbours.
His funeral took place from St Mary’s Church, Maynooth, to Kilcloon Cemetery.
Betty Duff, Kells
There was widespread sadness following the death of Betty (Elizabeth) Duff, Ardmore, Headfort Road, Kells, on 1st January last. She died peacefully at her home.
Formerly Sheridan, she was a native of Newtown, Carlanstown, Kells, and was married to Paddy Duff, the well-known shoe shop proprietor, who died in July 2006.
She is survived by her son, Patrick Duff, Kells; daughters, Roseanne Yore, Carnaross, Elizabeth O’Reilly; Dunshaughlin, Mary Duff, Kells; brother, John Sheridan, Newtown, Carlanstown; sisters, Mary Marry, Dundrum, Bridie Smyth, Dalveen, Kilnaleck, and Margaret Brennan, Blanchardstown; sons-in-law; grandchildren; brothers-in-law; sister-in-law; nephews; nieces; relatives and friends.
The funeral took place from St Colmcille’s Church, Kells, to St Colmcille’s Cemetery.
Elizabeth Keogh, Longwood
There was a great sadness over a wide area following the passing of Elizabeth (Lil) Keogh, who was postmistress in Rathcore, Enfield, for over a quarter of a century.
Lil, of Ribbontail Way, Longwood, died peacefully at Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, on 6th January last, aged 85.
A native of Firies, Farranfore, Co Kerry, she left there at the age of 16 to join her sister Joan in Enfield. Lil met and married Sean Keogh two years later and lived in Rathcore for 54 years.
Lil was well known in the area as she was the postmistress in Rathcore for 27 years. She liked nothing more that the 'friendly' game of 25s and was a regular bingo goer.
Sean died in June 1997, and Lil later moved to Longwood, where she lived for the past 13 years. A widow for 17 years, she was a very independent woman who drove up to the time of her short illness and death.
She is sadly missed and very much loved by her sons and daughters, grandchildren, great-children, step-brothers, step-sisters, nieces and nephews. She is survived by her family, Sheila, Liam, Angela and Noel, and was predeceased by Eilish, aged 18 months. The funeral took place from Jordanstown Church to the adjoining cemetery.
Frank Mooney, Kilskyre
The regretted death occurred on 8th December last of Frank Mooney, Springville, Kilskyre, Kells, at the residence of his sister in Crossakiel, aged 85.
Deceased’s occupation was farming, and took very good interest in it. He was also a lifelong member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association, for which he was honoured with silver and gold pins from Kilskyre branch. He was also very interested in football games.
Frank is survived by his sister, Delia Higgins, Crossakiel Heights, Crossakiel; relatives, neighbours and friends.
The funeral took place from the Church of St Alphonsus Ligouri, Kilskyre, to the family burial place in St Colmcille’s Cemetery, Kells.
John Butler, Kilmainham
There was much sadness following the passing of John Butler, Kilmainham, Kells, on 11th January last, aged 54, at his home. The Kells native enjoyed his part on the management team of the Round Tower Pub in the town for the past 17 years.
A keen footballer, he had played for the county minor team that reached the All Ireland final against Down in 1977. He played for Gaeil Colmcille and later, was also a selector for the local club, Kilmainham, for which his sons play.
As a young man, he had a huge interest in greyhound breeding and rearing, and in his later years, he enjoyed going horse racing with many trips to Ascot and Cheltenham.
Son of Vera and the late Michael Butler, he his survived by his wife, Teresa; sons, Daniel, Raymond, Shane and Gavin; grandchildren, Clodagh and Emily; mother, Vera; brothers and sisters, relatives and friends.
The funeral took place from St Colmcille’s Church to Kells Cemetery.
Kathleen McDonagh, Athboy
The passing of Kathleen McDonagh, Grennanstown, Athboy, after a long illness, was the source of widespread sadness in Athboy and across the county, as well as further afield. Kathleen, also known as Lal, died peacefully at her residence in the loving care of her family, aged 64.
A native of Grennanstown, Kathleen was daughter of Rose and the late Nick Dunne, and was married to prominent GAA referee and community activist, Micheál McDonagh.
She worked at Staunton’s Pharmacy in Athboy, which she enjoyed greatly, and was a member of Athboy guild of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association. She also took part in the local knitting and crochet classes. She was a great homemaker, and will be remembered as a marvellous daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She was particularly proud of her son Ciaran’s achievements as a long jumper, and travelled across the country to see him compete at athletics events.
Over the past year and a half of her illness, she delighted to see her neighbours, relatives, and friends calling, and the family received great support and generosity from all during this time. Kathleen received care from St Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin, and the palliative care team.
Kathleen is survived by her husband, Micheál, family, Clare Hanley, Siobháin Moran, Padhraic and Ciarán; sons-in-law and daughter-in-law; grandchildren; mother Rose and mother-in-law Norah; sisters, Marie, Beada, Anne and Sandra; brothers, Seamus, Nicky, Pat and Oliver; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, extended family and many friends.
The funeral took place from St James’s Church, Athboy, to St James’ Cemetery. Guards of honour were provided by local organisations and clubs including Athboy ICA, Clann na Gael GAA, Athboy Community School, the Credit Union, St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, Athboy, Fr Murphy AC, and her colleagues in Staunton’s Pharmacy.
Paddy Gearty, Kilmainhamwood
The regretted death occurred on 28th December last of Paddy Gearty, Senator Farrelly Avenue, Kilmainhamwood, Kells, at Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan.
Aged 66, he is survived by his friend, Teresa; brothers, Sean, Moynalty, Liam, Thomas, Laurence, Whitewood, Nobber, Paul, Barleyhill, Seamus, Nobber; sisters, Margaret, Cornavan, Kingscourt, Rosemary, Kingscourt, sister-in-law, Ann, brothers-in-law, Seamus and Pat, and cousin, Sylvia Reilly.
Deceased was an active member of the local Fine Gael branch organisation.
The funeral took place from the Sacred Heart Church, Kilmainhamwood, to the Old Cemetery, Nobber.
Margaret Lynch, Ratoath
There was widespread sadness following the death of Margaret (Peggy) Lynch, Ratoath, on 7th January last at Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan. Aged 86 and a native of Ratoath, she was a member of the Nolan family.
She was predeceased by her husband, Joe Lynch, in March 1989. She and Joe were very involved in the local community, and she was very proud of her native village.
She is survived by her family, Ann, Joe, Marian, Martin, Bernie, Maggie, Tina, Una and Noel; grandchildren and great grandchildren; sister, Agnes; brothers, Paddy and Willie; sons-in-law; daughters-in-law; brother-in-law; relatives, neighbours and friends.
The funeral took place from Holy Trinity Church, Ratoath, to Ratoath Cemetery.
Roseanne Fox, Balrath
The people of Kentstown parish were saddened to hear of the sudden death of Roseanne Fox, Balrath on 26th December last, having celebrated Christmas day with her family.
In her 91st year, she had lived a very full and eventful life. Originally from Drumreilly, Co Leitrim, where she was educated and grew up, she met and married Patrick (Sonny) Fox in 1949. They moved to his family farm in Mahana where their six children were born.
In June 1959, she and her husband made the decision to move to Balrath, Navan, where Roseanne played a major role in building up the farm. She was respected by the local community for her passion for farming and her work ethic and was regularly seen working long and late hours. Her hospitality towards the numerous and frequent callers to the farm was renowned and appreciated far and wide.
Religion was an important part of her life and she appreciated the many visits of the local clergy over the latter years.
She dedicated herself to her family, who notwithstanding her long life, miss her greatly following her sudden death. She is survived by her sons, James, Michael and Paudraic; daughters Frances Dunne and Bridget Hession; grandchildren; great grandchildren; sons in-law, daughters-in–law, sister-in-law, relatives and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband, Patrick (Sonny) in 2005 and her daughter Monica Kerins in 2010.
The funeral Mass took place in the Church of the Assumption, Kentstown on 29th December with her burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. The funeral Mass was concelebrated by Fr Jim Lynch, Kentstown, Fr Joe Gleeson, Skryne-Rathfeigh, and Fr Hayes, Argentinian missionary.