Obituaries 22-12-2012

Pauline Chamberlayne-Cowell, Chamberslainstown Pauline Margaret Ruspoli Tankerville Chamberlayne Cowell, known as 'Pilly', died on 27th October last in London. Pilly was born the daughter of the late Air Commodore Paul 'Tanks' and Euphemia Tankerville Chamberlayne in Paris on 16th April 1937 where Tanks, her father, was Air Attaché in the RAF. She spent most of her adolescence in Chamberlainstown, Navan, where she immersed herself in country life and helped out in Headfort School. When she was 18 she went to Dublin where she began work as a secretary and moved a year or so later to London to continue her career. She arrived to London in the late '50s a picture of elegance with beautiful long, auburn hair. She floated rather than walked and everyone around her noticed the mystical, magical charm that was always with her. Pilly worked for a photographer and at that time this was one of the most prized and sought after jobs. She used this time to develop her photographical skills and found a love of photography. She always had a favourite camera and always carried one with her, taking the most wonderful photos, documenting the major events in her life and in others' lives. She met and married film producer Adrian Cowell and their daughter, Boojie, was born in 1961. A few years later they all travelled to Brazil with Adrian on one of his film trips in the Amazonian jungle. She enjoyed her time in the jungle and took many pictures of the Indian tribes that her husband Adrian was filming at the time. She returned home to Chamberlainstown to have her son Xingu in 1968. Throughout her life she spent a lot of her time in Ireland, she lived in the East wing of Tullynally Castle on and off for 35 years while her husband was away filming. She loved Tullynally and its grounds were perfect for walking her dogs which she adored a great deal. She was an extremely creative individual from an avid photographer to a very talented potter and had a studio workshop in Tullynally. She had a natural talent in the arts, producing remarkable works of pottery of dragons, stars, little princes, ponies, pigs, hens, polar bears and many other animals too. Wherever Pilly went she collected young people who needed care, nurturing and love which she provided in abundance. Her door was always open and there was always a warm fire with a warm meal and warm welcome at the ready. Pilly's son Xingu was a white water canoeist on the verge of international competition when he tragically died canoeing in Austria in 1986. She was absolutely distraught and never recovered from his death. Following his death, her great friend Charles Stewart managed to persuade her to travel to Ethiopia with Central Television to shoot production stills. She later said that the trip saved her life. She took some terrific pictures and is remembered to this day by the people she and her camera met along the way. Taking still pictures is not easy in tribal communities because people believe that you are stealing their souls through the lens of the camera, but Pilly was able to cross this barrier and take memorable pictures which featured in the programme and in the newspapers. She came back to Tullynally to care for her mother Phemie until she passed away in 1997. Pilly continued to live in both London and Ireland until her illness made it impossible for her to travel. She returned to London where her great friend, Johnny, and carer, Maureen, looked after her in home surrounded by the dogs that she loved so much. Her daughter Boojie came home from Thailand to spend time with both Adrian and Pilly for what turned out to be the last months of their lives. Tragically she has lost both her parents within 12 months of each other. Pilly passed away peacefully on 27th October surrounded by family and friends. A service was held in London, following which her remains were flown to Ireland where a service was held in Chamberlainstown House, Fordstown, led by Rev Asa Bjork Olafsdottir. She was carried by horse and cart to the family graveyard led by a piper. There were many beautiful tributes made by family and friends at the services in Chamberlainstown and London, and her spirit will live on in our thought and minds - she was known by many as the Fairy Godmother - I was fortunate enough to have her as my very own wonderful, witty, warm aunt and godmother. She was truly a remarkable person in so many ways, her sunny disposition, her warm heart, her giving nature and kindness. She helped so many people throughout her life and the warm, loving memories she gave them will never be forgotten. She is survived by her daughter Boojie, brother Micky, sister-in-law Marylynn, friend Johnny, nieces and nephews Champayne, Sophie, Roland, Simon; grandnieces and grandnephews and relatives and wide circle of friends. - Champayne Chamberlayne. ___________________________________________________ Cathy Gaynor, Kells The death occurred on 4th August last of Mrs Kathleen (Cathy) Gaynor, late of The Grove, Farrell Street, Kells, at St Elizabeth's Nursing Home, Athboy, in her 98th year. Originally from Athboy, deceased lived the greater part of her married life in the Kells area was known to be a cheerful, happy and kind lady who worked hard and was a very kind neighbour. She lived in The Care for the Aged Houses in Farrell Street for many years where she enjoyed the company of her neighbours and the beautiful country setting in an urban area. Her friendly nature and her good humour ensured that her house was always a place where many would visit. Both family and friends enjoyed her stories, her love of music and the welcome she extended to one an all. For many years, Mrs Gaynor was known as the 'local Kells ambassador' as she played requests on the local radio, as well as on national radio for both family and friends. Her greatest love was LMFM's 'The Greenscene' on Saturday morning and she never failed to put in her requests. She also had a great love of going to social events, attending the day care centre and never would she refuse an invitation to attend any event. She was a devoted mother, wife, grandmother, and great grandmother. Like all people of her generation, she worked extremely hard to rear her family and had a strong and typical faith in the Church where she attended daily and Sunday Mass until poor health prevented her in doing so. In recent times, deceased was cared for by the staff and her family in St Elizabeth's Nursing Home, Athboy. The funeral Mass took place at St Colmcille's Church, Kells, celebrated by Fr Liam Malone, CC, who spoke of a much loved lady who loved life to the full and lived it until God peacefully called her home. He said Cathy's exceptional love for people and appreciation of life even in old age was an example to us all. The readings of the Mass, prayers of the faithful and offertory procession were carried out by family members and she was laid to rest in St Colmcille's Cemetery, with her husband, Mattie. ___________________________________________________ Patrick Doran, Athboy and Limerick The Doran family, originally from Athboy, suffered two bereavements over the past six months with the death in June of Professor Patrick Doran, Limerick, and in December of Mr William (Billy) Doran, in Wicklow. The two men were sons of publican Thomas Doran and his wife, Mary Ann, a member of the Guinan family. Patrick Francis Doran, who was 82, lived in Limerick where he was Dean Emeritus at the University of Limerick and a leading academic and promoter of the arts in the city. He was deeply involved in the establishment of the Hunt Museum, as well as the National Portrait Collection, with the former head of the university, Dr Ed Walsh. Paddy Doran was educated in Athboy National School and St Finian's College, Mullingar, anf for a short period, with the St Patrick's Missionary Society in Kiltegan, Co Wicklow. However, he decided this was not the life for him and he went to University College, Cork, where he developed an enormous interest in archaeology and artefacts through his professor there, Professor Kelly, who worked on Newgrange and the Boyne Valley monuments. Mr Doran graduated with a degree in humanities from University College, Cork, and taught history for a number of years in St Mary's, Twickenham, a school run by the Vincentian Order. While here, he completed a doctorate on history through the London School of Economics. Deceased then went to teach in an international school in Switzerland, and it was here he met his German-born wife, Hanne. The went to work in England for another few years, and got married, before returning to Ireland. Paddy Doran spent a while working in the family business when a position came up in the newly established National Institute of Higher Education in Limerick, a new third level college to be headed up by Dr Ed Walsh, a progressive and far-seeing educationalist whom Mr Doran was very impressed with. Deceased was appointed head of the European History Department and European Studies there, and became Dean of Humanities. Mr Doran became quite friendly with John and Gertrude Hunt, antique dealers and advisors who had built up a huge personal collection of pieces that reflected their own interests and curiosity. They lived in Clontarf, Dublin, and Mr Doran helped them catalogue their collection. During the latter stages of John Hunt's life, they became increasingly aware of the scale of their collection and wished that it would remain intact. They began to search for a permanent home for their collection. Professor Doran and Dr Walsh, decided to house a substantial part of the collection on a temporary basis. The Hunt Museum opened at the university in 1978 in an exhibition room, with the display designed by architect Arthur Gibney. Later, a public private partnership involving the University of Limerick, Shannon Development, Limerick Corporation and the Department of Arts, Heritage, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, linked with local business interests secured the historic 18th century former Customs House in Limerick city together with the funds to restore and renovate the building to international museum standards. The museum was officially opened by then Taoiseach, John Bruton on 14th February 1997. The National Portrait Collection began in 1977 when 15 self-portraits were purchased from the late John Kneafsey, who ran the Limerick office of the Irish Independent and was a keen collector and supporter of the arts. The collection was purchased by what was then the National Institute for Higher Education, and with the support of RHA member Thomas Ryan from Ashbourne, Dr Doran and Dr Walsh, the NSPCI was founded with a Board of Trustees to manage the collection. The current collection has over 400 self-portraits, mostly two dimensional, but the more recent additions have been influenced by multi-media and new technology. Professor Doran's brother, Fr Dermot, recalls spending some days visiting artists across Dublin with his brother, encouraging them to paint self-portraits. He died peacefully at Ashlawn Nursing Home, Nenagh, after a long illness. Mr Doran was survived by his wife Hanne, son, Hans; daughter-in-law, Tanja; grandchildren, Oonagh and Imogen; sister, Mary, England; Fr Dermot, Kimmage Manor; and Billy in Wicklow, who was to pass away this month; nephews, nieces, relatives and many friends and colleagues. The funeral Mass was celebrated at Ashlawn House with burial of ashes in family plot in St James Cemetery, Athboy. _____________________________________________________ Billy Doran, Athboy and Wicklow Mr William (Billy) Doran, Bray, Co Wicklow, was the youngest of the family of five of Thomas and Mary Ann Doran, Athboy, and died on 5th December last at the Mater Private Hospital, Dublin, aged 71. Deceased attended school in Athboy National School and St Finian's College, Mullingar, returning to work in the family pub in Athboy when his father died at a young age. Working with his mother in the pub, he also became involved in rearing piglets, and from attending fairs with local farmers, got to know the length and breadth of the country. This was soon to stand to him, as when he was learning the skills of a barman in Madigan's of Donnybrook, he was offered a job as a travelling sales rep with Lyon's Tea. Some of the company executives who were customers of Madigan's were impressed with his knowledge of the country. He later joined Jacob's Biscuit Company, where he was regional manager for the South of Ireland, living in Cork, and then based in Dublin. While in Cork, he was very involved with field hockey, and met his wife, Eileen, there. When his brother, the late Eamonn Doran, who had a famed pub in New York, opened up a hostelry in Temple Bar, Dublin, in the 1990s, Mr Doran was on hand to help look after the stocktaking and provide knowledge of the Dublin pub scene for Eamonn's family. Billy Doran is survived by his wife, Eileen; family, Cathy, Alan and Paul; brother, Fr Dermot; sister, Mary; son-in-law, Brian; daughter-in-law, Carol; grandsons, Adam, Alex and Cal; nieces, nephews and many friends. The Funeral Mass took place in the Church of the Holy Spirit, Kimmage Manor, Dublin 12, followed by committal service in the Victorian Chapel, Mount Jerome Crematorium. _____________________________________________________ Jimmy Magee, Athboy Mr Jimmy Magee, Cloran Road, Athboy, who died on 4th December last, was a well-known jockey in the 1950s and '60s, and also had some success as an assistant trainer. He was aged 78 and died at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. Deceased was a member of the Magee family who ran the Bridge Bar in Trim, later the Dean Swift and now the location of the Sally Roger's Pub. He was son of the late John and Kathleen Magee. He served his apprenticeship at Mrs HG Wellesley at the Curragh, where Ned McGrath was training for Mrs Wellesley as women couldn't hold a trainer's licence at the time. After five years there, he went on to John Cox, father of Bunny Cox, in Dundalk, and then to Cecil Bryce-Smith in Cherrymount, Kells. He had a great deal of winners for Mr Bryce-Smith, including Hunter's Breeze and Scalp at Leopardstown. He was placed in the Irish National and got around the Aintree course on Irish Coffee for the same trainer. He rode Irish Coffee to second place in the Becher's Chase at Aintree. Own Sedge was another favourite and he won the Guinness Chase in Punchestown on him, as well as being placed at Cheltenham and finishing third in the Irish National. He won a Mullingar Gold Cup on Southern Dago. Mr Magee spent time in England with trainer Bill Marshall, notching up a number of winners. He later established himself as an assistant trainer with Pat Rooney at The Naul, in north county Dublin, and also rode for him, with Irish Day one of their high profile successes. In 1957, deceased received serious head injuries in a fall at Bellewstown when his mount rolled on him after falling. He was unconscious for 19 days and missed a year of racing as a result. Aged 24, he had ridden his 15th winner on Turkish Princess in an earlier race and relinquished his right to claim the five-pound allowance, reports at the time state. In 1969, he won the professional jockey's race at the Scurlogstown Olympiad Gymkhana, on a horse owned by local solicitor Michael A Regan. When he finished working with horses, he was employed at Tara Mines, prior to his retirement. Living at Cloran, he was a member of the church choir in Athboy. He enjoyed nothing better than a weekly get-together in the Sadler's Well public house in Athboy, with a gathering that included his cousin, Curragh trainer Frank Oakes, and some other friends. Predeceased by his wife Maureen (nee Tully, Summerhill), he is survived by his daughter, Ruth; sons, Michael, Anthony and David; son-in-law and daughters-in-law; grandchildren; sisters Mona Gilroy and Ann Murtagh; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends. The funeral took place from St James' Church, Athboy to St James' Cemetery. _____________________________________________________ Ellen Nagle, Belfast and Carnaross The death occurred peacefully on 8th December last at her home in Belfast of Mrs Ellen (Ellie) Nagle (nee Reilly), a native of Cornasase, Carnaross. She was 83. The late Mrs Nagle was the last surviving member of the family of the late Bernard and Julia Reilly of Cornasase and was predeceased by her brothers, Farrell, John and Fr Patrick A Reilly, former PP of Moynalty, and her sister, Peggy Davis, Navan. After completing her secondary school education as a boarder at St Michael's Loreto Convent in Navan, she joined the staff of the Northern Bank and was posted initially to Belfast and subsequently to Newry, Co Down, where she met her future husband, Joe Nagle, a native of Co Cork. They married in 1958 and settled in Belfast where they raised their family. Mrs Nagle was a regular visitor to Carnaross and Moynalty over the years, as well as to Owenahincha in west Cork, her husband's native area. Deceased is survived by her husband, Joe; daughter, Julianna Morris; sons, John, Paddy, Michael and James; son-in-law, daughters-in-law and grandchildren. Following Masses in St Gerard's Church, Antrim Road, Belfast, and Rathbarry Church, Co Cork, burial took place afterwards in Rathbarry cemetery. _____________________________________________________ Tom Healy, Navan and London The death occurred in London on Saturday of Mr Tom Healy, who was a native of Kilcarn, Navan, and a prominent cyclist in Meath before he emigrated to England over 50 years ago. Mr Healy was one of the founding members of Navan Road Club in September 1953, and two months later was second-placed in the club's first ever championship race. In 1954, when the Ras Tailteann staged an eight day test for the first time, Tom Healy was a member of a six-man Navan team to take part. Other members were Leo Collins, Tommy Flanagan, Tommy Gerrard, Seamus Melia and Frank Reilly. Prior to the founding of the Navan cycling club, Mr Healy and others associated with it were members of Bohermeen CC, and with Leo Collins, Jimmy Reilly and 'Tiny' Larkin, he was on a Waller Cup-winning team with Bohermeen. A carpenter, his cycling career came to an end when he emigrated to Islington, London, to work. He is survived by his wife, Teresa Clarke, also a native of Navan, sons, Jimmy, Alan, and Kenneth; daughter, Barbara; extended family, relatives and friends. Burial will take place in London. _____________________________________________________ Nora Murphy, Navan There was great sadness at the death of Mrs Nora Murphy (nee Martin), Proudstown Road, Navan, at the Mater Hospital, Dublin, on 29th September last. A native of Newbridge, Co Galway, she is survived by her husband, Tony; family, Anthony, Michael, Maria, Peter, Kathleen; grandchildren; great granddaughter; sister, Mary Costello, Boston, USA; daughters-in-law; son-in-law; nieces, nephews; relatives and friends. The funeral Mass took place in St Oliver's Church, Navan, followed by burial in Gibbstown Cemetery.