Obituaries 13-11-2010

The funeral took place on Friday last of Fr Gerry Stanley, the retired parish priest of Rathkenny, who died on Wednesday following a battle with cancer. He had only retired this year, and had celebrated the golden jubilee of his ordination in June. A native of Mullingar, Fr Stanley was ordained on 19th June 1960. His ministry began with the Columban Fathers in Peru, until his return to the Diocese of Meath in 1965. Deceased served as a curate in Ratoath (1966), Rochfortbridge (1970) and Kilcloon (1972) until his appointment as parish priest of Rathkenny on 18th August 1988. He retired in September. This summer, the parishioners of Rathkenny were joined by the Bishop of Meath and several other members of the clergy to mark the recent 50th anniversary of Fr Stanley’s ordination to the priesthood. The golden jubilee occasion began with Mass in the Church of Ss Louis and Mary, followed by a social gathering in Rathkenny Parish Hall. Preaching the homily at the Mass of Thanksgiving, Fr Michael Sheerin, parish priest of Lobinstown, recalled the newly ordained priest’s decision to go on the missions in 1960. He reflected on how Fr Stanley’s mother had died after a long illness, just three years before, and a father had passed away just a year later. “He sometimes wondered - naturally so - had both still lived, would he have taken that road to far-off places that opened up before him now - was it the providence of God, or that Irish wanderlust so often part of a story, that drew him away from the scenes of his boyhood in Mullingar,” Fr Sheeran said. “He gave it little thought then, but has often done so since, always with gratitude and the conviction that God knows best.” At that Mass, Fr Stanley explained that he was celebrating it with three chalices that were important to him. One chalice was donated in memory of his parents; another was given to him by the mission community in Peru; the third chalice was one he used every day, dated 1782, belonging to the parish of Rathkenny, where he was deeply grateful to serve for the past 22 years. Fr Stanley, who died at Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, is survived by his brother Joe; sisters-in-law Miriam and Roisin; nieces, nephews, Bishop Michael Smith, priests of the Diocese of Meath and a large circle of friends. Parishioners held an all night vigil in St Louis’ and Mary Church, Rathkenny, with the remains of Fr Stanley, prior to the Funeral Mass on Friday and burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Messages of condolences can be left on the Rathkenny parish website, www.rathkennyparish.ie ____________________________________________________________ Finney Lynch, Navan The sudden and unexpected death last month of Mrs Finbarr Josephine (Finney) Lynch, Herbert Place, Navan came as a great shock to her family, neighbours and friends. Mrs Lynch was educated at the Convent of Mercy Schools in Trim. She travelled to England to study general nursing at Epsom District Hospital and then to Scotland to do her midwifery in Edinburgh. When fully qualified, deceased returned home and worked in Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan and James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown. In 1965, she married Packie Lynch, an able and progressive farmer from Kilbride, Dunboyne and a great Meath football supporter. They farmed at Baytown, later at Brownstown, Navan and finally at Durhamstown, Bohermeen. They also enjoyed horseracing and tasted success with their horses Major Glen and Friendly Face. In 1984, tragedy struck when Packie was taken following a farm accident. Nevertheless she resolved to continue farming to the highest standards. She loved the game of golf at Headfort, Kells, and she also enjoyed a game of bridge in Trim where she enjoyed the company of fine people. In 1997, when at Beaumont Hospital, Mrs Lynch suffered a severe stroke. Thanks to the care and expertise of the staff of the Rehabilitation unit at Rochestown Avenue she made a near miraculous recovery. Eventually she was able to come home and lead a mainly independent life, helped by her carers, until 19th October last when she passed away She is survived by her sisters, Sister Peter of the Convent of Mercy, Navan, Agnes McGearty, Ballivor, Carmel Bond, Camberly, England; brothers, Fr Michael V Daly, Navan, Philip Daly of Batterstown, Dunboyne and Matthew Daly of Scurlogstown, Trim; brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Fr Daly officiated at the Requem Mass, assisted by Fr A Doyle, PP, Bohermeen; Fr A Mackin, PE; Monsignor Hanley; Monsignor Marron; Fr J Gleeson; PE, Fr P Fay; PE, Fr J Byrne; PP, Fr D Brennan CC, and Fr C Browne, CC. A months mind Mass will be celebrated in Bohermeen Church on Sunday 21st November at 11.30am. ____________________________________________________________ James Lynch, Dunboyne The death occurred in mid-September of Mr James (Seamus) Lynch, St Peter’s Park, Dunboyne, who was widely known for his involvement in the local Gaelic Athletic Association. Aged 82, Mr Lynch passed away at Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown. He was a native of Dunshaughlin. Deceased was a long time member and committee member of St Peter’s GAA Club, Dunboyne, and was clubman of the year in 1993, as well as hall of fame winner in 2004. His hobbies included gardening, following the Ward Union Hunt, and attending the Galway Races at Ballybrit for the past 28 years. Mr Lynch is survived by his wife, Rita; sons, Eoghan, Anthony and Patrick; daughters, Anne O’Toole and Teresa Clince; sister, Peggy Murphy, Kilmessan; in-laws; grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. The funeral took place from Ss Peter and Paul’s Church, Dunboyne, to Rooske Road Cemetery, on Friday 17th September. ____________________________________________________________ Margaret Farrell, Fordstown The regretted death occurred of Margaret Farrell, Cloncat, Fordstown, Navan, on 22nd October last at the Mater Hospital, Dublin, aged 77. A native of Bailieboro, Ms Farrell was a hairdresser. Deceased is survived by her brothers, Patrick Farrell, Church Street, Bailieboro, Co Cavan; Peter Farrell, Luton, England; and sister Frances Burke, Luton, England. The funeral took place from Kilskyre Church to St Anne’s Cemetery, Bailieboro on 25th October. ____________________________________________________________ Mr John Sheppard, Oristown and New Zealand The sudden death has taken place of Mr John Sheppard, of Wellington, New Zealand, and formerly of Oristown. Mr Sheppard is survived by his wife, Marian; sons, Johnny and Tony; daughters, Jane and Angela; sisters, Maureen McFadden, Oristown and Anne (Primmy) Englishby, Nobber; grandchildren; nieces, nephews and sisters-in-law. The Funeral Mass will take place in Wellington, on Wednesday, 10th November. A Memorial Mass will take place in St Catherine’s Church, Oristown, on Wednesday, 10th November, at 9.30am.