Obituaries 5th April 2014
Maria Skelly, Kells
The regretted death occurred on 7th March last of Maria Skelly, Headfort Park, Kells, aged 102. Mary Brigid Nulty (Maria), daughter of Mary Brigid (nee Shankey) and Patrick Nulty, was born in Cruisetown, Nobber, on 14th September 1911, and her early childhood was spent there. Later she became a boarder at the Convent of Mercy in Kells, until she and her mother moved to Maudlin Road.
When Maria left school she went to the Mater Hospital in Dublin to train as a nurse. At the end of her first year she became very ill, and was advised to abandon nursing and to choose a less onerous career. She did a commercial course in book-keeping and secretarial studies. Maria worked as book-keeper/secretary in Kells until her marriage to Miceal Skelly in 1934. They went to live in Carrick Street where they established a grocery business.
Maria was a remarkable woman who in many respects was ahead of her time. She lived through two world wars and the 1916 Rising. By the outbreak of World War II she was married, had three children, and was running the shop, while her husband, Miceal, worked as a Home Assistance Officer for Meath County Council. With the opening of the shop Maria’s managerial skills became obvious, as did her talent for delegation. She ran the shop, did the accounts, managed the house, and taught her then seven children to accept responsibility by assigning to them appropriate chores. She insisted that their education was of paramount importance. Those who worked for Maria were given the same training and were encouraged at every opportunity to improve their skills.
During the war years there was rationing and much deprivation. Maria understood the difficulties customers had been experiencing, especially those with young families to feed. Consideration and sensitivity were the currency, and credit was always available.
Maria and Miceal were very interested in playing bridge, and regularly played house-bridge, either at home, or in friends’ houses. In 1956, together with Frank and Cathy Kerr, they realised they had enough bridge players to constitute a club – a first for Kells. Interest in the game continued to grow with the result that Kells now has two thriving bridge clubs.
By the late 1960s the shop in Carrick Street closed. The house was sold and with great nostalgia Maria and Miceal moved to Headfort Park, bringing with them the wonderful memories of friends and neighbours they had gleaned from their thirty years of living in Carrick Street.
By this time Maria had qualified in chiropody and practised as a chiropodist in Trim, Navan and Kells. About this time Miceal retired and with Maria’s support, and with the help of their daughter, Angela, and her husband, Leo, opened a travel agency in Navan. Her son, Martin, subsequently joined the agency, which he developed into the successful business it has now become.
In 1968 Maria and Miceal adopted Amma. Amma, who was a native of Ghana, has become part of the Skelly family and of the wider Kells community. Maria, a woman of great faith, faced with fortitude the untimely death of her eldest son, Tommy, in 1972. Her husband, Miceal, died in 1979, and in 2008 her daughter, Rita, died after a short illness.
Maria was a woman of great Faith, and was an active practising Catholic all her life.
She spent the last seven years of her life in the gentle and loving care of the staff of St Joseph’s Nursing Home in Trim were she continued to enjoy the company of the staff, family and many friends who visited her regularly. This was greatly appreciated by her family.
Maria will be fondly remembered by her daughters, Maura (Mullingar), Una (Kells), Phil (Roundstone), Angela (Dublin), Amma (Kells), and son, Martin (Kells), their respective spouses, and by her 23 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
The funeral took place from St Colmcille’s Church, Kells, to St Colmcille’s Cemetery.
Michael Casey, Navan
The death of Michael Casey, Academy Street, Navan, was the source of great sadness across a wide area. Aged 87, he was a native of Athlumney, and died at Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan on 12th March. Deceased was a chairmaker, and was self-employed, and also worked for L&N Darby and Sons, bar and hotel fitters, for a decade.
He is survived by his wife, Catherine; family, Maureen, John, Paul, Ann, Liz, Joan, Michael, Fidelis, Rachel, Alphonsus, Matthew, Ursula, Andrew and Regina; 30 grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren.
The funeral took place from St Mary’s Church, to St Mary’s Cemetery, Navan.
Rachel Lawlor, Kilmainhamwood & Dublin
Rachel Lawlor, Beaumont, Dublin, who has died, was a native of Carnakelly, Kilmainhamwood. She died peacefully at home after a long illness.
Daughter of the late Patrick Cooney and Bridget Cooney (nee Farley), she was married to Walter Lawlor.
She is survived by her husband Walter; daughter, Pauline; son, Alan; son-in-law, Dermot; daughter-in-law, Mandy; grandchildren, Aaron, Donnacha; sisters, Florence and Philomena, both London, and Una, Clonmellon.
She was predeceased by her siblings Nelson, South Africa, Vincent, Dublin, Evelyn, South Africa, Oliver, USA, Celestine, London, and Leo, Dublin.
The funeral took place from the Church of The Holy Child, Swords Road, Whitehall, to Balgriffin Cemetery, Dublin.
Nellie Markey, Trim
There was great sadness at the recent death of Nellie Markey (nee O’Brien), St Mary’s Villas, Navangate, Trim, aged 81. Deceased was the youngest member of the O’Brien family, and worked in business all her life.
Nellie was regarded as a wholesome person and a competent and diligent worker. She was skilled in managing money affairs and spent many years in social welfare offices, and received many compliments on the consistent accuracy of her work. Since her retirement, she did part time work in a doctor’s practice.
She was a committed practising Catholic. She had many genuine friends and was always eager to help and advise anybody who confided in her. Her own confidant was her nephew, Frank Courtney.
Nellie had many interests. She was an animal lover, but art would have been her main interest. She spent most of her time painting and she quite a few paintings in her home, and was an artist of no mean ability. She also won many prizes for her novelty cakes at the annual Trim Show. Nellie loved a good game of cards on a Sunday night and also enjoyed a little ‘flutter’ on the horses. She died suddenly, but peacefully at her home, attended by her devoted husband, Philip.
Nellie was predeceased by her siblings, Myra Courtney, Thomas J O’Brien, Joan McInerney, Jack O’Brien, Collie Daly and Vera O’Brien.
She is survived by her husband, Philip; brother, Frank; sister, Gertie Dempsey; nephews and grand nieces; sister-in-law, Eilish Ridge O’Brien; brother-in-law, Jimmy Markey, Knockbride, Co Cavan and many good friends. The funeral took place from St Patrick’s Church, Trim, to St Loman’s Cemetery.
Johnnie Maguire, Kells
The peaceful death occurred in Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, following a short illness of John (Johnnie) Maguire of Blackwater Heights, Kells, who was a former chairman of Kells Town Council. Deceased was one of Meath’s best known and much respected public representatives, first elected in 1974 and remaining active on the town council to 1999. His involvement in education, fund raising, culture and many positions on various community groups earned him a respect that was witnessed at his removal and funeral mass in St Colmcille’s Church, Kells, as representatives from all the various groups attended, as well as representatives from various town councils, Dail representatives, and the Irish Defence Forces.
The evening removal was attended by Fr John Byrne PP, Fr Fay and Monsignor John Hanley. The funeral Mass was concelebrated by Fr Liam Malone, assisted by Monsignor John Hanley, Fr Fay, Fr Pat Mariner, Army Chaplin and Fr Denis McNelis, PP, Laytown.
Following the funeral mass, the coffin was draped with the Irish Tricolour and was accompanied by a guard of honour to St Colmcille’s Cemetery, led by the chairman of Kells Town Council, Cllr Oliver Sweeney. At the cemetery, Irish music was played, and Cllr Sweeney delivered a graveside oration.
Johnnie Maguire was predeceased by his wife, Teresa; and brothers, Noel and Christy; and is survived by daughters, Geraldine, Catherine, Maria, Theresa; sons Patrick, John and Donogh; sisters, Anna, Kathleen, Betty; brother, Patsy; grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, in-laws, and a wide circle of family and friends.
Cahir Doherty, Carlanstown
A wide community of family and friends was saddened by the death, after a year-long illness, of Cahir Doherty, Balreask, Carlanstown, Kells, on 9th March last. Aged 65, he passed away at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin.
Described by many as a gentleman who always had time for people, Cahir will be remembered for his gentle nature, good humour, and generosity of spirit.
A native of Malin Head, Co Donegal, Cahir married Mary in 1978 and lived in Carlanstown for 37 years. He taught French and Irish in CBS Kells from 1976 to 88 and in St Ciaran’s Community School Kells up to his retirement in 2008. Many past pupils kept in touch with him over the years, with several writing to him during his time in hospital. He enjoyed bringing groups of students to France on school exchanges. In later years he was involved in the school’s Zambia Immersion Programme, working with students on community projects in Mazabuka, Zambia.
Cahir was a man of strong faith, and was very involved in the life of the parish of Kilbeg. He often said that the prayer and support of the people of the parish sustained him during his illness. He worked on many projects over the years with the teachers and parents of Carlanstown NS, and in recent years was chairperson of the boards of management of Carlanstown and Kilbeg schools.
With a reflective yet practical nature, Cahir would often go away after a chat or visit with a family member or friend and come up with a solution to a problem - some of his handiwork included cat houses, Christmas cribs, wellie pullers, insulated containers for gas cylinders, and bookshelves crafted from old school desks.
He enjoyed gardening, cycling, painting, and wood turning, and was a keen reader. He loved taking to the road with Mary in their camper van, especially heading north to his native Malin Head. Since his retirement he volunteered as a driver for Flexibus and the Irish Cancer Society’s Care to Drive scheme, bringing patients to hospital appointments.
Cahir fought his year-long illness with great courage, and charmed the hospital staff with his unfailing good humour. They in turn looked after him with exceptional care and kindness.
His funeral took place on Thursday March 13 at Kilbeg Church, with burial at Staholmog Cemetery. The funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr Seamus Houlihan, assisted by Fr John Byrne, Fr John Cooney and Fr Brendan Ludlow.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Cahir is survived by his wife, Mary; daughters, Áine and Tríona; son, Liam; grandchildren, Lucy and George; sister, Mary Teresa; brothers, Willie, James, Kevin, Patrick and Brendan; sons-in-law and daughter-in-law, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
James Duignan, Drumbaragh
There was considerable sadness following the passing on 3rd January last of James Duignan, Destinrath, Drumbaragh, Kells, at the Butterstream Suite, St Joseph’s Community Nursing Unit, Trim. A native of Destinrath, he was aged 71.
Deceased was a farmer who loved outdoor life. He took a keen interest in Gaelic games, in particular the Meath team, enjoying many trips to Croke Park. He also followed politics closely. James also enjoyed nothing more than a ceili with family and friends. He was very sociable, and loved being in the company of visitors, for whom he would put the kettle on when they called. He suffered from Alzheimers for the last ten years, and attended the Whistlemount Day Care Centre at Kells Road, Navan up until October 2010.
He is survived by his brother, Edward, Destinrath; sisters-in-law, Nuala; sister, Rose Muldoon, Fartagh, Lisduff, Virginia, Co Cavan; nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
The funeral took place from St Colmcille’s Church, to St Colmcille’s Cemetery, celebrated by Fr John Byrne.
Seamus Keating, Navan and London
The regretted death occurred on 28th February last of Seamus (Jim) Keating, Deptford, London, at Guys Hospital, London, aged 78. He was a native of Borallion, Balreask, Navan, and worked with British Rail for a number of years.
In the past, he had hurled with Navan O’Mahonys and always followed the fortunes of the Meath team. He kept in contact with the local news while in London through the pages of the Meath Chronicle every week.
Seamus is survived by his brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Marjorie O’Reilly, Athboy and Naas
The death occurred on 2nd March last, at Naas General Hospital, of Marjorie O’Reilly, Greengate, Kilcullen Road, Naas, who was a native of Lisclogher House, Athboy. She was aged 84. She lived in Dublin and moved to Trammon, Rathmolyon, in the early 1980s, with her husband, Michael. After losing Michael in 2005, she went to live in Naas to be close to her daughter.
There, she was an active member of Naas Gardening Club and Retirement Club, and will be sadly missed by all. She has left a legacy of memories to those that knew her.
She is survived by her sons, David and Martin; daughter, Aileen; daughter-in-laws, Antoinette and Edel; son-in-law, Tony; grandchildren, Karl, Luke, Adam, Hannah, Roisin, Mairead, Ciara, Anna, Lynn and Laura; great granddaughter, Moya; Karl’s wife Aoife; and Luke’s partner, Anja; brother, Francis Kelly, Athboy, and sisters-in-law, Patricia and Rosemary. Marjorie’s ashes will be spread on the grave of her first husband, Malachi, and the remaining ashes will be joined with Michael in Newlands Cemetery in early April.
Patrick Joseph Allen, Navan and Dublin
The regretted death occurred on 5th March last of Patrick Joseph (Paddy) Allen, Park Avenue, Castleknock, Dublin, at Silvergrove Nursing Home, Clonee, aged 96.
Deceased was son of John and Margaret Allen, of Railway Street, Navan, and his father was a painter, decorator and sign writer in the town. After finishing his third level education in Drumcondra, Paddy became a primary school teacher in October 1939, taking up a post at Harold’s Cross Boys National School, where he taught for 43 years. As a teacher, he left a profound mark on those who had the joy of knowing him, teaching with him and learning from him. He loved his vocation and it was such a source of joy to him to nurture and enrich the lives of all the children who came through his classroom. He was also a Gaelgoir and loved the Irish language. Deceased became vice-principal in 1968 and was principal for five years before retiring in 1982. In 1945, he married Patti, and they lived at Nutgrove Park, Clonskeagh, for 48 years, before moving to Park Avenue, Castleknock, close to daughter Adrienne, in 1993. He was very active in the church affairs at Our Lady Mother of the Church in Castleknock, and received the Benemerenti Papal Medal for his work with the Church and local community over the years. He was a pioneer all his life, and an active member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association.
Paddy had an amazing energy and zest for life, living each and every day to the full. In retirement, he spent many happy days in Ben Dunne’s gym, and was delighted when Ben made him the first honorary member of Westpoint in 1998, and the oldest man in the gym. Paddy got good value out of this honour, as he got 12 years of free membership before illness took hold.
Patti passed away on 19th February last, and Paddy died two weeks later. Patti had been cremated and her ashes were placed beside him in his coffin, before they were buried together in Boherabreena Cemetery, following a funeral Mass at Our Lady Mother of the Church, Beechpark. They are survived by their daughters, Lydia Varley, Rathfarnham, and Adrienne Flood, Castleknock; sons-in-law, Anthony Varley and David Flood; and grandchildren, Jenny, Sarah, Louise, Claire-Ann and Alan.
Sean Cumiskey, Trim
There was widespread sorrow amongst family, friends and neighbours of Sean Cumiskey, Crow Park, Trim, who died peacefully on 3rd March last, after a long illness, surrounded by his family at home. Aged 78, he was a native of Athboy.
A carpenter, Sean had a great interest in amateur boxing, and was involved in the sport for many years. He was a keen Meath supporter.
Deceased was a lifelong republican who worked tirelessly towards his beliefs, and was the recipient of a republican funeral. A devoted family man, he was delighted with the arrival of his grandchildren.
Sean is survived by his wife, Lydia; family, Sean, Avondale, Trim; Laura, Mitchelstown, Athboy; Kevin, Crowpark, Trim; Sinead, Australia; daughters-in-law, Carmel and Bogusia; sons-in-law, Willie White and Marty Grattan; brother, Jim; sisters, Nancy and Rosie; grandchildren; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; relatives, neighbours and friends.
The funeral took place from St Patrick’s Church, Trim, to St Loman’s Cemetery. A month’s memory Mass takes place on Saturday 5th April at 10am, in St Patrick’s Church.
Mark Roche, Collon
There was widespread sadness throughout Broomfield and District and the Collon area following the death of Mark Roche, aged 42 recently.
Highly respected and admired by all who had the privilege and honour of knowing him, Mark bore his illness with dignity and courage throughout. Married to Ann Zwakhoven from Belgium, Mark lived there for the last 18 years. He exhibited many characteristics throughout his 42 years, his great sense of humour, sharp wit, courage and valued friendship among their number.
This line from his brother, Earnan’s Funeral Mass eulogy says it all: 'His love for his friends, family and his sense of humour will ultimately define Mark but his last three months also defines him as he faced his illness with such bravery and a positive nature and never letting it change his strong personality'.
The community is certainly the poorer for Mark’s passing. Thanks to all those from the community who helped out with the road stewarding and arrangements for Mark’s wake in Broomfield. Thanks also to Broomfield & District Residents Association and Mattock Rangers GFC and Community Members, for providing a very large guard of honour at Mark’s funeral in Collon, a clear demonstration of the esteem in which one of life’s gentlemen was held. Broomfield & District Residents Association, its constituent sub-committees and activity groups, and the community of Broomfield & District extend their sincere sympathy and support to Mark’s wife, Ann; parents, Niall and Nancy; brother, Earnan; sisters, Sinead, Aine, Aideen, Aoife and Sorcha, and all who are bereaved by Mark’s passing at this sad time for them. At the March meeting of Broomfield & District Residents Association, a minute’s silence was observed and a vote of sympathy extended to Ann and the Roche Family. - GW.
James Flynn, Enfield
There was much sadness following the death of James (Jim) Flynn, Johnstownbridge, Enfield, on 18th March last, at Santa Maria Nursing Home, Kinnegad.Aged 87, he was a native of Connellstown, Enfield, and was a farmer. He is survived by his sisters, brothers, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, best friends, Rose and Joe, and relatives and friends.
The funeral took place from Johnstownbridge Church to Cadamstown Cemetery.