Obituaries 02-02-2013

Fr Jimmy Duffy, Kilmainhamwood and Leitrim The death occurred on 15th January last of an tAthair Séamus O'Dubhthaigh, the retired parish priest of Oughteragh and Ballinamore, Co Leitrim, who was a native of Tulleweel, Kilmainhamwood. In June 2010, Fr Duffy returned to Kilmainhamwood to celebrate a Diamnond Jubilee Mass in the Sacred Heart Church. Fr Duffy was born on 17th April 1925 to Thomas Duffy and Brigid Cassidy, Tullaweel, Kilmainhamwood. He was ordained in St Patrick's College, Maynooth, on 18th June 1950 and celebrated his first Mass on 19th June in the Sacred Heart Church, Kilmainhamwood. At 87 years of age, Fr Duffy's death brought to an end a memorable lifetime in the priesthood, one of commitment, hard work and dedication to traditional church values. His mother died when he was eight years of age, leaving his father to rear the family. From a very early age he had the priesthood in mind and, on the advice of a local priest, he went to St Patrick's College, Cavan. One of his classmates was the legendary PJ Duke from Stradone, the great Cavan footballer. He didn't like St Pat's at all and spoke of the tough regime he endured there. But it did not shake him in his desire to become a priest and he was one of the three pupils from the Diocese selected to gain entry to St Patrick's College, Maynooth after his Leaving Certificate. He had intended to go to the St Patrick's Missionary Society, Kiltegan and serve on the missions but his selection for Maynooth meant that he would serve in Ireland. He was ordained in 1950 and he recalled with pride how there were 84 ordained along with him, a far cry from the absence of vocations nowadays. Among those ordained with him were two who would subsequently become bishops - Dermot Ryan, Archbishop of Dublin and Jeremiah Newman, Bishop of Limerick. The 1950s were days when there was an abundance of vocations and when Fr Duffy came out of Maynooth there was no vacancy for him in the Diocese of Kilmore. He was sent to Mountmellick, Co Laois. He spent three and a half years there and eventually got the call to go to Drumkeerin, Co Leitrim. He served there until 1961 when he went to Ballyjamesduff and from there to Ballinaglera as parish priest in 1981. His final 23 years were spent in Ballinamore. He played a major part in the GAA in North Leitrim while serving in Drumkeerin. He was chosen as cathaoirleach of the North Leitrim Co Board in 1955 at a time when all was not well with football there. At that time, according to Fr Duffy, there was "hardly a match without trouble". Objections, counter objections, abandoned games, suspensions. Fr Duffy's committee rescued the situation and brought discipline to the game. Fr Duffy was at that time a great fund-raiser and through card games and mini fundraisers he funded different projects in Drumkeerin. He also did great work in paying for the new church in Ballyjamesduff when he went there. He was involved in community organisations like Muintir na Tíre in Drumkeerin, the Tidy Towns in Ballyjamesduff where the won the All Ireland in 1966 and 1967 and the GAA in Ballinaglera. Fr Duffy was known as a pastor who was ultimately kind-hearted and sociable but one who rarely shied away from making controversial statements when he feel the need arises, and he often made headlines for his remarks. After retirement on reaching the age of 75 he served as curate until last summer when he finally retired from public ministry. He passed away in the Galway Clinic after a short illness. He is survived by his sister, Bridget Shields, Rathloghan, Kingscourt; sisters-in-law; nephews; nieces; bishop and priests of the Diocese of Kilmore, housekeeper Monica, relatives, parishioners and friends. Fr Duffy was waked at his residence at Tully, Ballinamore, before removal to St Patrick's Church, Ballinamore. A funeral Mass was followed by burial in Oughteragh Cemetery, Ballinamore, a cemetery which he had done a great deal of work on developing. ____________________________________________________ Anita Lynch, Navan Anita Lynch (nee Goodson), who died on Christmas Day at her home in Springfield Glen, Navan, was aged 63 years. She passed away surrounded by her family after a short illness, bravely borne. A native of Dublin, Anita came to live in Navan in 1997. Since then, she became involved in many community and parish activities, including Oxfam and Meals-on-Wheels. A devoted mother and grandmother, she enjoyed walking and gardening, which was reflected in her wishes for colour and flowers at her funeral. She had a lovely sense of humour and enjoyed laughter with her family and friends. Anita will be particularly remembered for her humanity, desire to help her local community and readiness to listen to friends and family with compassion. She was well-regarded in the many organisations to which she contributed. She is always remembered for her welcoming smile and those who worked with her regarded her as special. Anita also welcomed, inspired and consoled many during her short illness. She is survived by her husband, Michael, her friend and soulmate, and before her illness enjoyed a trip to the US to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. Deceased is also survived by her daughter, Caroline, and her sons, Ken, Eugene and John, and their partners, Reid, Cindy, Julianne and Claire. She was predeceased by her brother, George, and is also survived by her brother Brian and sister Joan, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. The funeral took place in St Mary's Church, Navan, followed by cremation at Glasnevin Crematorium, Dublin. ____________________________________________________ Joyce Duff-Moore, Dublin Many people in Meath who attended her art classes, and have examples of her fine paintings in their homes, will be saddened to learn of the death of artist Joyce Duff, a popular and well-loved figure, who died peacefully, after a short illness, in Dublin's Mater Hospital earlier this month. Joyce, who was born in 1925, was of Meath extraction on her father's side and spent many happy childhood times in the county. She made the move from Howth, Co Dublin, to the village of Moynalty with her husband, the late Gerry Moore, and lived there until the mid-2000s. Responsible for staging many exhibitions in both Moynalty and surrounding areas, she was also known for her floral skills. Her hanging baskets and colourful garden were a familiar and pleasant sight to both residents and visitors. Joyce exhibited in the Royal Hibernian Academy Show at the National Gallery, in Trinity College and other Dublin venues. Her art sold worldwide and among her many patrons were Conor Cruise O'Brien and Charles J Haughey. Indeed, two of her paintings, at one time, graced the walls of the latter's home at Abbeville, Kinsealy. She will be much missed by her family and wide circle of friends. ____________________________________________________ Laurence McCormack, Navan There was widespread sadness following the death on 20th December last of Mr Laurence (La) McCormack, Follistown, Navan, at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, aged 85. Deceased was a native of Neilstown, Bohermeen, and worked with Meath County Council for 31 years until his retirement in 1988. He enjoyed his early adult life in Bohermeen, particular summer times spent footing turf on the local bog. Following sport was a great pastime of his, particularly Gaelic games and horse racing. He got great enjoyment when the local soccer team played in Follistown in the 1980s, and made great friends through it. Family was always his first priority in life and he was a devoted husband for 51 years. Deceased was a devout Catholic. He will be remembered as a gentleman who had time and a smile for anybody who had the pleasure of knowing him. He is survived by his wife, May; sons, Seamus and Eugene; daughter-in-law, Maura; grandchildren, Mark, Ciara and Aoife; family home carer, Marion Carry; relatives; neighbours and friends. The funeral took place from the Church of the Nativity of Our Lady, Johnstown, to St Mary's Cemetery, Navan. A month's mind will be held in Johnstown Church on Saturday 9th February next at 7.30pm. ____________________________________________________ John Smith, Slane The death occurred on 13th January last at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, of Mr John Smith, Monknewtown, Slane, at the age of 69. A lorry driver, Mr Smith will be remembered as an avid supporter of Manchester United Football Club. He is survived by his son, Christopher; daughters, Evalena, Frances, Patricia, Aine, Siobhan, Shauna, Jolene; their mother, Helen; sons-in-law, Martin and Anthony; daughter-in-law, Sabrina; grandchildren; great grandchildren; brothers and sisters; nieces; nephews; friends and neighbours. The funeral took place from Monknewtown Church to St Erc's Cemetery. ____________________________________________________ Mary Walton, Clare The death has taken place in Shannon, Co Clare of Mary Walton (nee Englishby). Born in Killeen, Dunsany, in October 1920, and reared in Knockmark, Drumree, she was the second eldest in a family of thirteen. While working in Dublin, she was a very active member of the Royal Meath Association, and in 1939, when Meath first reached the All Ireland Football Final, she made and embroidered a beautiful flag, which was used on many occasions, but has recently been mislaid. Deceased left for England where she met her husband, Arthur Walton, and they subsequently emigrated to Canada. In 1969 they moved back to Shannon with their young family. They became deeply involved in the local community and started up a branch of the Order of Malta, raising funds to buy an ambulance. She was predeceased by Arthur, in 1989. She died in her 93rd year, and is survived by her family, Terence, David, Kevin, Maureen and Tracey; son-in-law; daughters-in-law; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; sister, Mona Ennis, Dunshaughlin; brothers, Colm Englishby, England, Finian, Athboy, Kieran, Warrenpoint, and Cormac, Kilkenny. The funeral took place in the Church of Ss John and Paul Church, Shannon, with burial afterwards in Newmarket-on-Fergus. ____________________________________________________ Maud Ryan, Navan There was widespread sadness following the death on 13th January last of Mrs Maud Ryan, Lisadoon, Trim Road, Navan, at her residence, aged 76. Mrs Ryan (nee McElligot) was a native of Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick, daughter of the late Isadore and Christine McElligott. She was educated at Sion Hill, Secondary School, Blackrock, Dublin, and worked as a bank official prior to her marriage to James F Ryan in 1962. They lived in Navan since 1966. Mrs Ryan was a keen bridge player and golfer, and was a member of Navan Bridge Club and Royal Tara Golf Club for many years. She is survived by her husband, James; son, Isadore, Paris; daughters, Madeleline Bowden, Taupa, New Zealand, and Anne Marie Ryan, Long Island, New York; and other family members and friends. The funeral took place from St Mary's Church, Navan, to Dean's Grange Cemetery. ____________________________________________________ Peter Sherlock, Athboy Mr Peter Anthony Sherlock, Sherlockstown, Athboy, passed away peacefully at St Elizabeth's Nursing Home, Athboy, on 2nd January last, aged 91. A retired farmer, he is survived by his nieces, Marina, Rita, Bernie and Ursula; nephews, Peter, Liam and Brian; grand-nieces and grandnephews; extended family and friends. The funeral took place from St James' Church, Athboy to the local cemetery. A month's memory Mass takes place in St James' Church on Saturday 2nd February at 6.15pm. ____________________________________________________ Rita Fitzsimmons, Kilmessan The death of Mrs Rita Fitzsimmons, Balgeeth, Kilmessan, on 12th January last, at the Mater Misercordiae Hospital, Dublin, was the source of widespread sadness. She had retired from her position as a bus driver, which she held for 25 years, and died after a long illness. Deceased was daughter of the late Maud and Frank Farrelly, and was in the Royal Air Force until her marriage to Alan Fitzsimmons in 1963. She loved to play whist in Kilmessan on Wednesday evenings, but her main passion was her Yorkshire Terriers which she showed in championship shows for 22 years, owning nine Irish champions, and breeding a further six. She was well loved by everyone who knew her and was never afraid to tell people of their shortcomings. She is survived by her husband, Alan; son, Ian; daughter, Anne; brother, Richard Farrelly; relatives and friends. The funeral took place from the Church of the Nativity, Kilmessan, to the adjoining cemetery, where a guard of honour of her showdogs escorted her coffin to its final resting place. A month's memory Mass will take place in Kilmessan on Sunday 10th February next at 11am. ____________________________________________________ Teresa Meade, Rathkenny The sudden death of Teresa Meade, Ladyrath, Wilkinstown, at her home on 22nd December last, created widespread shock across a wide area. Deceased was a lifelong member of the Rathkenny Revels, with roles on stage, as secretary and box office bookings. She first worked in Spicers, and later in Balmoral, Navan. She then worked for J&C Sheridan, and Glanbia, Kilberry, and latterly, South Teffia Farmers Co-op. Daughter of the late John and Mamie Meade, she is survived by her brothers, Pat and Sean, Ladyrath, and Michael, Castleknock, Dublin; sister, Pauline Ganly, Glascorn, Rathconrath, Mullingar; brother-in-law, Frank Ganly; sister-in-law, Teri Sweeney Meade; partner, Michael Farrell, Creewood, Slane; aunts and uncles; relatives and friends. The funeral took place from the Church of St Louis, Rathkenny, to the adjoining cemetery. A month's memory Mass takes place there on Sunday 3rd February, at 11am.