Obituaries 08-12-2012

Joe O' Sullivan, Dunsany The funeral took place in Dunsany on Monday morning last of Mr Joe O'Sullivan, The Commons, Killeen, Dunsany, who was a former chairman of Navan Racecourse. Mr O'Sullivan died on Friday night at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, following an 11-week illness. He was aged 83. A native of Galway, Mr O'Sullivan also lived in Dublin and New York during a successful career in academia and business, particularly the research and development industry. He retired with his wife, Berna, to The Commons, the former home of the Earl and Countess of Fingall, 25 years ago. An early passion was rugby, but later years saw him becoming involved in racehorses with his great friend, trainer Al O'Connell, with Classical Charm one of his more successful runners. He was asked to become involved on the board of Navan Racecourse and, as chairman, oversaw the development of the fine facilities available there today, through the 1990s and early 2000s. He had the distinction of having a bar named after him at the Proudstown venue. Deceased was very involved in fundraising for the Beaumont Foundation and contributed to any activities taking place in the Dunsany area. Mr O'Sullivan is survived by his wife, Berna; sons, Ruairi, Ros, Nial and Dara; extended family and relatives. The funeral took place from the Church of the Assumption, Dunsany, to the adjoining cemetery on Monday. Mass was concelebrated by Fr Colm Browne, CC, Dunshaughlin, assisted by Fr Terry Toner, PP, Dunsany, and Fr Oliver Powell, Opus Dei. _______________________________________________________ Jack Foley, Ratoath There was widespread sadness following the passing of Mr Jack (Michael J) Foley, Springhill Farm, Growtown, Dunshaughlin, and late of Chicago Illinois, USA, on 6th September last, at Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown. Husband of Marcella and father of Brian, Mike, Niamh, and Roisin; he is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Alison; son-in-law, Christopher; grandchildren, Jack and Abaigh; nephews, nieces, relatives and a large circle of friends. His funeral took place from the Holy Trinity Church, Ratoath, to the adjoining cemetery. Hugh Leonard paid the following graveside tribute on behalf of the Ward Union Hunt: "Early in life, Jack emigrated to Canda, thence to the States, ultimately settling in Chicago where he spent 15 years. Always a keen sportsman, himself and the late Pat O'Connor helped found St Pat's FC in Chicago. On his return in the late sixties, his sporting instincts led him to the Ward Union Hunt, where he rose rapidly to become honorary secretary. This involved the unenviable task of collecting the cap and arranging gate closers. Jack was meticulous in everything he did and everybody will remember being presented with a length of twine, a red ribbon and a safety pin to become gate closer for the day. They were returnable at the end of the day! "Amongst others, he bought a chestnut cob called Dusty, which he hunted for 14 seasons, doing 33 days in one season. One day a business commitment prevented Micky Kenny from attending the hunt. On his return, at a late hour, he looked in the gate to see if Jack was back. There was no sign and he reckoned they either had a great run or Jack was laid low. "Jack was very thorough in everything, whether it was hunting, skiing or completing the Chilkoot trail through Alaska. He loved adventure, was a joy to meet, definite in his views, a great friend and a thorough gentleman." _______________________________________________________ Micheal Lynch, Clonard The death of Mr Micheal Lynch, Meadow View, Clonard, at the age of 62, was the source of considerable sadness. He passed away peacefully at his home on 19th November last. Mr Lynch enjoyed fixing and restoring David Brown tractors and taking part in tractor runs. He loved the bog. Deceased was dedicated to his family, which he considered as his greatest achievement. He is survived by his family, Micheal, Rathmolyon; Danny, Kinnegad; Sarah, Kinnegad; Rosaleen, Clonard; Michelle, Clonard; wife, Mary, Ballinabrackey; grandchildren, Jamie, Jacob, Paige, Rathmolyon; Zoe, Crookedwood; Atlanta, Clonard; daughters-in-law, Sinead, Rathmolyon, Ann Marie Doyle, Kinnegad; and son-in-law, Kevin Lonican, Kinnegad. The funeral took place from the Church of the Assumption, Ballinabrackey, to Clonard Cemetery. _______________________________________________________ Richie Knowles, Athboy The death occurred on 4th November last of Mr Richie Knowles, Cloneymore, Athboy, at the Mater Hjospital, Dublin. Deceased was a dairy and drystock farmer. A lifelong Meath supporter, he had a great recollection of teams of old and followed them down through the years. He also had a keen interest in National Hunt racing and never missed the festival meeting at Punchestown. The manner in which Mr Knowles faced his illness in recent years showed the true character of the man. He will be remembered as a real gentleman who had time and a smile for everyone and he will be missed dearly not only by his family but also those who had the pleasure of knowing him. He is survived by his wife, Lily; sisters, Kathleen Brady, Castlepollard and Margaret Smith, Rahoney; nieces; nephews; and extended family. The funeral Mass took place from St Lawrence's Church, Rathmore, to the adjoining cemetery. _______________________________________________________ George McGuinness, Kells There was great sadness following the recent death of Mr George McGuinness, Loyd, Kells, at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, after a long illness. Deceased worked for many years in the motor factor business, in Gilmore's in Kingscourt, and Nobber Motors, where he was highly respected by work colleagues and customers alike. He was a lifelong member of the Pioneer Association, a fundraiser for many local charities, a promoter for the cemetery draw and a devout Catholic. Deceased will be remembered as a a true gentleman, who was quiet by nature. At the removal from the family home, a guard of honour was formed by former and current staff of Kells Day Centre, where George's wife, Marie, works. His funeral mass in St Colmcille's Church, Kells, was concelebrated by Fr Liam Malone, CC, Kells, Msgr John Hanley, PP, Carnaross and Fr Seamus Houlihan, PP, Nobber. Fr Malone spoke of George's death at such a young age and the tremendous care and attention his wife, Marie, and his extended family and friends gave during his illness. He said his death just a year after the passing of his mother, Annie, was a very difficult time for the family. The music for the Mass was provided by close friends of the deceased, the Quinn family of Carnaross. The funeral took place to St Colmcille's Cemetery. Mr McGuinness was predeceased by his father, George; mother, Annie and brother, Patrick. He is survived by his wife, Marie; brothers, Tommie and Michael, sisters, Margaret Smith, Balrath, Mary Leonard, Kilbeg; in-laws, nieces and nephews. _______________________________________________________ Joseph Donegan, Wilkinstown and Navan There was widespread sadness following the passing of Mr Joseph (Joe) Donegan, Proudstown Road, Navan, at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, aged 84. A native of Ladyrath, Wilkinstown, he was predeceased in 1998 by his wife, Tess. He is survived by his family, Olive Freeman, Slane Road, Navan; Brendan, Dublin Road, Navan, David, Beaufort House, Flower Hill, Navan, Pat, Ladyrath, Wilkinstown; son, Phil O'Grady, Duff's Farm, Termonfeckin, Co Louth; daughters-in-law; sons-in-law; grandchildren; brother, Tommy; sister, Mary; sisters-in-law, Angela, Anne and Georgie; close friend, Cecilia and family; nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. The funeral took place from St Louis Church, Rathkenny, to the adjoining cemetery. A month's memory Mass takes place on Sunday next, 9th December, in St Oliver's Church, Navan, at 12 noon.