Obituaries 02-07-2011

There was widespread sadness in Navan and beyond, especially in sporting circles, following the sudden untimely death on Friday 27th May of Mr Ciarán Conlon, The Elms, Beaufort Place, Navan. At the time of his passing away, Mr Conlon was a club patron in Navan Rugby Football Club, juvenile chairman of Simonstown Gaels GFC and a talented under age coach with both clubs. Deceased, a native of Abbeylands, Navan, was born in May 1965, son of Seamus and Jennie and younger brother of Siobhan. He attended primary school in De La Salle (Scoil Mhuire) and then St Oliver Plunkett's Primary School. From there, he followed the well worn path and completed his secondary education in St Patrick's Classical School. After his Leaving Certificate, deceased attended University College Dublin, where he attained a BA (hons) degree in economics. With his formal education complete, he emigrated to the United States in 1990 and commenced working in the financial sector in the heart of New York. But the draw of home was too much and in 1993, Ciaran and Josephine returned home and settled in Navan. They got married in 1996 with deceased continuing to work in the financial sector progressing to the position of senior underwriter with Atradius Reinsurance. Deceased was a keen sportsman all his life and he played football and rugby from a young age. He first got involved with Simonstown when Mickey Clarke and the late Jimmy (Seamus) Heaney organised the area leagues in the late 1970s. These area leagues would be the bedrock for future success within the club. At the same time underage rugby was starting in Navan and under the tutelage of Dick Brady and Derry O'Dwyer, deceased was part of a very successful set up. He won Leinster titles all age grades and then went on to play for the 1st XV before going to America. He also played adult football for Simonstown scoring the winning goal in a Junior B final against Duleek in 1987. Soon after he returned to Ireland he devoted his time to coaching in both clubs at under age level. The traits he had learned as a player he now imbued his eager protégées with. Once again success followed success with deceased's rugby teams winning the Leinster titles each year. In Simonstown as juvenile chairman, Ciaran Conlon oversaw the implementation of good coaching structures in the club and further developing the very successful Saturday morning training regime. However, the highlight of his five years as chairman came only last year when Simonstown represented Meath at the Feile in Derry and reached the All-Ireland semi-final. His gift was that he had a great rapport with all the children in both codes and in particular made everyone of them feel special and an integral part of the team. Mr Conlon was above all a family man and his achievements on the sports field or in his very successful professional career only came second to his passion and pride in his family. He adored his wife Josephine, his children Brian, Sean and Orla, his father Seamus, sister Siobhan, his late mother Jennie, and his nieces and nephews. He loved doing the simple things with them like going for a walk or a family cycle together. Some of his best moments were on the sideline cheering on the two lads, Brian and Sean, or watching Orla display her talents on the sports field. And afterwards he'd relax with Josephine, the calming influence, who always had the flask of tea and sandwiches at the ready. Deceased took immense pride in his children's achievements from their first steps, to awards and accomplishments in school and the skills they displayed on the sports field. He will be sorely missed by both Simonstown and Navan Rugby clubs but especially by the players and parents who were fortunate enough to have learned their trade under him. Both clubs owe him a great amount of thanks and it is a testament to his characteristic skills that both underage sections are so strong and vibrant. But most of all Ciaran will be missed at home by Josephine, Brian, Sean and Orla. In life, Ciaran was a winner, a superb organiser, a diplomat but most of all a gentleman, a great husband and a brilliant father. Ciaran had an indomitable strength of character and everything he did, he did with courage and dignity. He is also survived by his father Seamus; sister Siobhan; mother-in-law Rose; cousin Colm; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; nephews; nieces; neighbours; work colleagues; and a wide circle of friends. The funeral took place from St Mary's Church to St Mary's Cemetery, Navan. _____________________________________________________________ Mark Cahill, Navan The death of Mr Mark 'Buddy' Cahill, Ashbrook, Navan, at the age of 46, was the source of sadness in Navan and surrounds. He passed away on 20th May at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan. Deceased was a member of the Pegasus Motorcycle Club, Navan Boxing Club and the FCA. He also enjoyed horse racing and snooker. Son of Marcella and the late John Cahill of Liscarton, Navan, he is survived by his mother, Marcella, Ashbrook; brothers, John, Claremont, David, Blackcastle Lodge; sisters, Mary Markey, Windtown, Vivienne, Claremont; brothers-in-law, Herbert Markey, Windtown and Vincent Donnelly, Claremont; sisters-in-law, Brenda Cahill, Blackcastle Lodge and Ellen Cahill, Athboy; nephews; nieces; relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his father, John, in 1984, and brother, Michael, in 2008. The funeral took place from St Mary's Church, Navan, to St Mary's Cemetery. The Pegasus Club provided a guard of honour. ____________________________________________________________ Bertie Faulkner, Fordstown Mr Bertie Faulkner, Newtown Girley, Fordstown, Navan, who has died aged 88, was founder of the Faulkner's Fashion stores in Kells and Athboy. He died on 15th June last, aged 88, at his home. He was a native of Newtown Girley. Deceased opened his first drapery at Bective Square Kells in 1950, and in 1975, the family opened the first of two stores in Athboy, the ladies' fashions store, followed by the men's store in 1984. He is survived by his wife, Josephine; daughters, Geraldine, Anita and Bernie; sons, Brian, Fergus and Ronan; sons-in-law and daughters-in-law; grandchildren, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. The funeral took place from the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Girley to Girley Cemetery. _____________________________________________________________ Maura Rooney, Navan The death of Mrs Maura Rooney, of Slane Road, Navan, was the source of widespread regret. Mrs Rooney died aged 71 on 16th June last at Our Lady's Hospital, Dublin. A native of Navan, she was a member of the Young family. Deceased was a member of the Donaghpatrick Guild of the ICA. She is survived by her husband, Paddy Rooney; daughter, Fiona; sons, Eric and Liam; daughter-in-law, Claudine; grandchildren, Orlaith and Poppy; relatives and friends; sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. The funeral took place from St Mary's Church, Navan, to St Erc's Cemetery, Slane. A month's memory Mass will be held in St Mary's Church, Navan, on Sunday 17th July at 11am. ____________________________________________________________ Joan Watters, Navan There was widespread regret following the passing on 14th June last of Mrs Joan C Watters, Flower Hill Crescent, Navan, at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin. Mrs Watters (75) was a native of Kilmessan and was daughter of the late Christopher and Mary Whelan. She is survived by her husband of over 53 years, James Watters; sons, Brian, Martin, Christopher, and Stephen, all Navan; daughters, Brenda Lawlor, Ann Kelly, Fiona Watters, all Navan, and Claire Kinsley, England; sisters, Betty Fitzsimons, Deirdre Cahill and Eileen Whelan; sons-in-law; brothers-in-law; grandchildren and great grandchildren. The funeral took place from St Oliver's Church, Navan, to Old Kilcarne Cemetery.