Obituaries 12-05-2012

Cormac Doyle, Kilmessan There was great sadness in Kilmessan and surrounding areas following the unexpected death of Cormac Doyle, Bective, on 17th April last. Cormac, who had been a talented young hurler, was due to celebrate his 19th birthday today (Wednesday 9th May). He had played underage hurling with Kilmessan and Meath, and minor hurling with his local club. In 2006, won the Meath skills competition to represent Meath at the national Feile competition, as the Feile Skills Star winner, receiving the Paul Barry Perpetual Trophy. As Kilmessan, with whom he was playing, was also representing Meath in the under-14 team competition the same year, and the events were clashing, the runner-up in Meath took part in the national final. However, the same year, Cormac won the Christy Ring Tournament Counties Skills Competition in Ballincollig, Cork. He was a skilled hurler, and was always to the fore in many of the matches he played in. When Kilmessan won its first under-14 title for almost 20 years in June 2005, beating Navan O'Mahonys, he was one of their goal scorers. That same year, his goal was instrumental in an under-13 final victory over St Martin's. And in an under-14A final that year, in which Kilmessan were beaten 1-04 to 1-01 by Kiltale, he was Kilmessan's only scorer. He was a member of the Kilmessan side that reached the minor final in 2009 against Gaeil Colmcille. Cormac played with various underage Meath hurling teams between 2004 and 2009, and took part in the DJ Carey School in 2007. He also won a number of underage title with Dunsany GFC. At a recent Meath Co Committee meeting, he was remembered in a minute's silence following a tribute from minor committee official Michael Mullaly. His father, Colm, is a former county under-14 trainer, and his brother, Sean, is a member of the current Meath minor hurling team. Cormac is survived by his parents, Colm and Siobhan, brother, Sean, sisters, Nadine and Carrie, grandparents, Munchin and Pansy Doyle; uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives and friends. The funeral took place from the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to the adjoining cemetery. Guards of honour were provided by members of the local hurling and camogie clubs. A month's memory Mass will take place on Friday 18th May at 8pm, in Kilmessan Church. _________________________________________________________ Chris Cassidy, Kilmainhamwood North East Meath Comhairle Ceantair of Fianna Fail extended sympathy to the family and friends of Mr Chris Cassidy, Kilmainhamwood and Bailieboro, who passed away on Friday 27th April after a short illness. A guard of honour of about 80 Fianna Fail public representatives and members, from the Meath East and West constituencies, from Cavan and Louth and from Fianna Fáil headquarters in Dublin, escorted his remains into the Sacred Heart Church at Kilmainhamwood on Saturday 28th April. Mr Cassidy was chairman of the former Nobber District organisation and when the amalgamation came, with the transfer of Kells and environs into Meath East, he was elected chairman of the new area known as North East Meath Comhairle Ceantair. Ronan Murtagh, PRO of the Comhairle Ceantair said that Mr Cassidy was a highly respected member of the organisation. "In November 2011, Chris was elected to the position of chairman of Meath East Comhairle Dáil Ceantair, the executive body for the entire constituency of Meath East, a post he tackled immediately with the vigour and attention to detail for which he was noted," Mr Murtagh noted. "But the position dearest to his own heart was the long-held post of chairman of Kilmainhamwood Cumann. It was from there, as he himself described it, 'as an ordinary member of a great organisation' he discussed, debated and formulated ideas and plans which he brought without fear or favour to the highest level of his party," Mr Murtagh added. "It was particularly poignant but appropriate that he managed to attend the Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis in RDS Dublin in March of this year, where many of the changes he had long advocated were implemented and several more are now scheduled for change. The membership in both Kilmainhamwood and surrounding areas were particularly proud and happy for him on this achievement." Mr Murtagh continued: "With a very close band of local supporters Chris was very much to the fore in all the recent election campaigns in the constituency both local and general. He also managed to bridge the divide because of his integrity and common touch, so it was also heartening to see several members of other political parties in attendance at both the removal and the funeral on Sunday." Fianna Fáil was very important to Chris Cassidy and he was very important to Fianna Fáil. He will be sadly missed by all his friends and colleagues in the party who extend their deepest and heartfelt sympathy to his family, concluded Mr Murtagh. Mr Cassidy's death came just two weeks after the passing of his mother, Mrs Peggy Cassidy, Tavis, Kilmainhamwood. ____________________________________________________________ Helen Donlon, Navan and Allenstown The regretted death occurred of Mrs Helen Donlon at St Elizabeth's Nursing Home, Athboy, on Wednesday 28th March last. Aged 97, she was predeceased by her husband, Patrick in 1967. Formerly of Windtown Road, Navan and Allenstown, Kells, she was a member of the Reilly family of Balloughly, Kingscourt. Deceased first worked in the drapery business in Belturbet, Co Cavan, and then in Clogher, Co Tyrone, before moving to Dublin in the 1940s. Whilst there, she met her future husband Patrick and they married in 1949 in Kingscourt Church. They set up home in Navan, where they spent many happy years. Following the untimely death of her husband, Mrs Donlon devoted her energies to raising her family, always maintaining a cheerful disposition and making time for her hobbies of gardening and dressmaking. Mrs Donlon had a deep and lasting faith, visiting Knock Shrine annually and attending Mass daily, before she became ill. She lived a happy fulfilled life, enjoying the company of her family. She was a caring mother, a wonderful grandmother, a great neighbour and was always available to listen and help anyone in need. Perhaps her greatest legacy is through her family, their spouses and grandchildren, all of whose lives were deeply enriched by her spirit, faith and gentleness. She is survived by her daughters, Anne O'Donnell, Berkshire, UK, Mary Gaskin, Dundalk, Bernie Burke, Allenstown; and son, Padraic, Dublin; sons-in-law, Jim, David and Tom; daughter-in-law Brid; sisters, Margaret Healy, Bailieboro, and Mary Burke, Clogherhead; grandchildren, Stephen, Colin, Claire, Colm, Aileen, John, Peter, Aoife, Aine and Niamh, relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her brothers, Patrick, John, Thomas and Eugene, and sisters, Julia and Kathleen. The funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr Alphonsus Mackin, assisted by Fr Andy Doyle in St Ultan's Church, Bohermeen, followed by burial in St Mary's Cemetery, Navan. The month's memory Mass will take place on Sunday 13th May at 11.30am in St Ultan's Church, Bohermeen. ____________________________________________________________ Thomas Farrelly, Navan There was widespread sadness following the death of Mr Thomas (Tommy) Farrelly, Parnell Park, Navan, on 21st April last at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan. A native of New Lane, Navan, he was daughter of the late John and Delia Farrelly. He worked as an upholsterer in Hoggs, and later in Geraghty's Navan Joinery. He and his wife Chrissie celebrated 57 years of marriage last August, having been married on 4th August 1954. They were both born in New Lane and both their families moved to Parnell Park in 1938. Deceased had a great interest in all sports, and loved horse racing. He went to Cheltenham for over 50 years and attended race meetings all over Ireland. He also loved greyhound racing. Predeceased by his son, Brendan, Mr Farrelly is survived by his wife, Mary C (Chrissie); son, John; daughter, Christine McCabe; daughter-in-law, Olive; son-in-law, Tony; grandchildren, Shane, Shelley, Aidan, Belinda, Amanda and Nicole; sister-in-law, Helen; relatives, neighbours and friends. The funeral took place from St Mary's Church, Navan, to St Mary's Cemetery. ____________________________________________________________ Pauline Flynn, Summerhill and Australia Deep sorrow and regret was expressed at news of the death of Mrs Pauline Flynn (nee Ward) of Perth, Australia, and late of Summerhill, on 22nd March last in Australia, after battling bravely against a long illness, aged 58. A daughter of the late Jack and Mollie Ward, of Clondoogan, she was born on 27th June, 1954. She battled illness as a teenager, but that did not stop her living a full and eventful life. Having worked in Nina's in Trim, and later Colleto Modes in Dublin, she married her childhood sweetheart and neighbour, Francis Flynn, and they set up home in Perth, New South Wales, where they had twin sons, Lloyd and Stephen, and a daughter, Lauren. In all her years away, she never forgot her family at home or in Canada, and visited them regularly. When her sister, Celene, was terminally ill in Germany, she travelled to be with her, to lend support and care. When her stepmother, Kathleen, became ill, she also flew home to Ireland to support the family. Family events were all the more special when Pauline and Francis were there, and they made special efforts to attend where they could, even when she was ill herself. Deceased was a thoughtful person to all who knew her, and had a wonderfully positive outlook on life, always there for everyone to encourage with a kind and reassuring word and thoughtful action. She will be remembered as a tremendous wife and mother, beloved sister, sister-in-law, and mother-in-law. She is survived by her husband, Francis; sons, Lloyd and Stephen; daughter, Lauren; brothers, James and Clement; sisters, Catherine, Cora, Brenda and Doreen; relatives and friends. She was predeceased by sister, Celene. ____________________________________________________________ Michelle O'Connor, Navan The death of Ms Michelle O'Connor, St Brigid's Villas, and formerly McDermott Villas, Navan, at the age of 62, caused widespread regret. She passed away peacefully on the 19th March last at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, following a short illness. Deceased spent many years as a dedicated nurse in both Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, and the Coombe maternity hospital in Dublin. She had a generous and thoughtful nature and seemed to have the gift of knowing when people needed her, and was always there for them. A lady of great faith, she supported the Church throughout her life. Ms O'Connor enjoyed life to the full, liked to travel and loved animals. She was particularly involved in the local Navan O'Mahony's GAA club. She loved to perform on stage, at first in the school operettas in St Joseph's Convent of Mercy, Navan, and later with her sister, Marie Therese, in a local singing group called The Hummingbirds. A devoted sister, she will be greatly missed by all who knew her, and leaves wonderful memories. She is survived by her eight brothers and five sisters; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; uncle and aunts; cousins; nieces and nephews; grandnieces and grandnephews; great neighbours and many loyal and wonderful friends who were always welcome to her home. It was with much regret that her true friend, Navan native Fr Jimmy Bradley SDS, California, was unable to attend her funeral Mass in St Mary's Chuch, Navan, which was concelebrated by Fr Declan Hurley, Adm, Navan, assisted by Fr Liam Talbot, SDS and Fr Henry Nevin, SDS, of Sallynoggin, Dublin. Burial followed in St Mary's Cemetery. A month's memory Mass will take place on Sunday next, 13th May at 1pm, in St Mary's Church. ____________________________________________________________ Patsy Tuite, Trim The regretted death occurred on 26th April last, suddenly, at home, of Mr Patsy Tuite, Castle Abbey, Trim, at the age of 69. A native of Rathmolyon, he is survived by his wife, Theresa; sons, Declan and Kevin; daughters, Eimear and Neasa; sister, Marie; grandchildren, Alex, Maeve, Hannah, Christina, and David; daughter-in-law, Yvonne; son-in-law, Richard, relatives, neighbours and friends. The funeral took place from St Patrick's Church, Trim, to St Loman's Cemetery. ____________________________________________________________ Sr Imelda Duffy, Navan and Mullingar The death occurred on 17th April last of Sr Imelda Duffy IBVM, Loreto Convent, Mullingar, at Our Lady's Hospice, Harold's Cross, at the age of 85. She was daughter of the late Edward and Brigid Duffy, and a native of Navan. Deceased entered Loreto Convent, Navan, in 1947. After university, she taught in Mullingar, where her subjects were French, English and history. Having a love of the missions, she went to Kenya, and then returned to Foxrock and Kilkenny. On retirement, she returned to Mullingar. She is survived by her brothers, Fr Michael Duffy, St Columban's, Dalgan Park, Navan and John Duffy, Dublin; sisters, Gene McMahon, Malahide, Dublin, and Sheila Prunty, Foxrock, Dublin; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Duffy and Mai Duffy; brothers-in-law, Conor McMahon and Malachy Prunty; relatives, and fellow members of the Loreto Order. Sr Imelda reposed in Loreto Convent Chapel, Mullingar, before removal to the Cathedral of Christ the King for her funeral Mass, where the chief celebrant was her brother, Fr Michael Duffy, assisted by Fr Padraig McMahon, Adm, Mullingar, Fr Paul Crosbie, CC, Mullingar, Monsignor Eamonn Marron, Raharney; Fr John Byrne, PP, Kells and Fr Kevin Heery, CC, Navan, as well as members of the Columban Order, Dalgan Park. Burial followed in St Mary's Cemetery, Navan. ____________________________________________________________ Paddy Keating, Navan The death at his residence of Mr Paddy Keating, St Brigid's Villas, Navan, on 22nd April last, was the source of widespread sadness. Aged 81, he was son of the late Thomas and Julia Keating and was a native of Navan. Deceased was well known as an ambulance driver and had worked at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, for 40 years. He had a great love of GAA and soccer. Married to Kitty, they would have celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on 25th April, the day of his funeral. He is survived by his wife, Kitty; daughter, Liz Keating Angibaud; sons, David, Paul and Brendan; son-in-law, Yannick Angibaud; daughters-in-law, Ann and Rosie; grandchildren, Gary, Nathalie, Eric, Ashling, Sophie and Jordan; sisters; relatives, neighbours and friends. The funeral took place from St Mary's Church, Navan, to St Mary's Cemetery. ____________________________________________________________ Thomas Ward, Crossakiel Carnaross GFC said it was with sadness that it learned of the passing of Thomas Ward, Kells Road, Crossakiel, on 24th April last, describing him as "one of the heroes of our Junior and Intermediate winning team of the early nineties." The club tribute said: "A versatile player, Thomas lined out at centre-back in the Junior final of 1991 when we beat Drumree 1-14 to 0-5. By 1993, he had made the move to centre-forward and played a vital role in our Intermediate success. He scored a crucial goal before landing a last minute match-winning point to beat Kilmainhamwood 1-8 to 0-10 in the Final. Two weeks later he scored another vital goal to help complete a memorable championship and league double for the club, beating Simonstown 2-6 to 2-5 in the Division 2 Final." Mr Ward is survived by his wife, Noeleen; daughters, Lara and Iona; parents, Michael and Sheila; brothers, Gerard, Anthony, Derek, Aiden; sister, Anne, uncle, Tommy; aunts, parents-in-law; brothers in-law; sisters-in-law; aunts-in-law; nieces, nephews, neighbours, relatives and large circle of friends The funeral took place from Ballinlough Church to Dulane Cemetery. _____________________________________________________________ JJ Flood, Oldcastle The regretted death occurred on 28th April last of Mr John Joe (JJ) Flood, The Murrens, Oldcastle, of the well-known quarrying business. He was also a farmer. A native of Oldcastle, he passed away at Cavan General Hospital. He is survived by his wife, Joan; family, David, Carnaross, Kells; Iris Haughton, Blackrock, Dublin; John, Oldcastle; Tom, Rathfarnham, Dublin; and Alice, Sutton, Dublin; extended family, relatives and friends. The funeral took place from St Mary's Church, Moylagh, to the adjoining cemetery, on 1st May.