Obituaries 04-05-2013
Tony Stapleton, Navan
The funeral took place in Navan on Saturday of Mr Tony Stapleton, best known for his role as chairman of the Fianna Fail constituency organisation, the Meath Fianna Fail Comhairle Dail Cheantair, for 20 years. He was director of elections for all of former MEP, Jim Fitzsimons’ European Parliament and Dail election campaigns.
Mr Stapleton, who had worked in the town’s furniture industry, was aged 75 and died on Wednesday of last week, following a ten-week illness. He had also been a well-known and award-winning actor with the Navan Pioneer Players, later becoming chairman of the drama group.
A native of Parnell Park, Mr Stapleton was son of the late Richard and Kate Stapleton, and was an employee of William Walsh and Company’s furniture company at Boyne Mills, Navan. He later went on to become sales director at Foster Furniture, Navan, established by Tommy and George Foster.
In 1966, he married Bridget Smith, a native of Banagher, Co Offaly, who worked in the telephone exchange at Navan Post Office.
As a young man, Mr Stapleton became involved with the Navan Pioneer Players, which had been established by Monsignor Sean Kenny when he was serving in Navan. Bobby Byrne, who had been involved in drama in Navan since the 1930s, was producer of the many stage plays, and members also provided stage staff for the Meath Drama Festival.
In 1961, Mr Stapleton won the Sportex Trophy in Athlone for his role in 'The Country Boy’. Over a 20-year period with Navan Pioneer Players, he picked up several awards for being the best individual actor in various plays, but his greatest success was regarded as the demanding role of Martin Claffey in Bryan MacMahon’s 'The Honey Spike’.
He played Tarry Flynn in Patrick Kavanagh’s eponymous work. A reviewer wrote in the Meath Chronicle at the time: “Tony Stapleton must really have merged himself in the title role to bring it across so successfully. His facial expression and movements more than the dialogue portrayed the restless young poet.”
He played the role of Bull McCabe in John B Keane’s 'The Field’. “The domineering figure was a difficult and demanding role, but Mr Stapleton gave a remarkably intuitive exposition of the character, bringing out the narrow-mindness of McCabe,” wrote the Chronicle reviewer.
He played King Henry VIII in 'A Man for All Seasons’ when he “turned in five-star performance in his study of the monarch determined to have his will at all costs.”
Mr Stapleton’s brother, Dick, was also a regular performer with the group, and their wives, Bridget and Nora, were also involved. Tony Stapleton became chairman of the Pioneer Players, and set about bringing the group to drama festivals around the country.
Through one of his colleagues in the drama group, Richie Healy, who was involved in Fianna Fail, Mr Stapleton became involved with the party, joining the Navan Cumann in 1965. He eventually rose to become chairman of the constituency organisation.
When he was elected to the position in 1980, there were 110 cumainn in the constituency, which was rated among the top six in the country for the party at the time.
It was to be a glory period for Fianna Fail in the constituency, which always returned a very strong showing in Meath in Dail elections. It was also a very controversial time, with the leadership heaves against Charles Haughey not long after he took up the position leading to divisions among the party faithful. Mr Stapleton was unwavering in his support for Mr Haughey, whom he later described as his 'icon’.
There was also the handling of a turf war between the Colm Hilliard and Noel Dempsey camps, with Colm Hilliard added to a Trim ticket for a local election in 1985 and Noel Dempsey added to a general election ticket by Charles Haughey in 1987. Mr Stapleton later said he told Charles Haughey that Noel Dempsey was the best TD that Meath ever had.
When Charles Haughey died in 2006, he recalled the various controversies surrounding the former Taoiseach, saying “there were many black days and hard things said, but he still is an iconic figure.”
They were traumatic times, and they were different times, he added, and that the previous leaders, Lemass and Lynch, could not relate to ordinary party members like Haughey could.
When he stepped down after twenty years, a surprise presentation was made to him by then Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, at a function at Navan Racecourse during a constituency tour. Mr Ahern was among the callers to the Stapleton house following his death last week.
Mr Stapleton dedictated the presentation to the 'grassroots’ of the party. For him, she said, the organisation was 'unbeatable’ when it operated the new system of general election candidates running individual campaigns in tandem with the traditional system based on the cumann, comhairle ceanntair, and comhairle Dail cheantair structure.
At a function organised by the Fianna Fail CDC, Mr Stapleton was presented with a sculpture of another hero of his, Eamon de Valera, by former EU Commissioner, Ray McSharry.
Jim Fitzsimons paid tribute to Mr Stapleton, who had been his campaign manager for all his 10 elections, and never lost one.
These encompassed Mr Fitzsimons’ European Parliament campaigns, including the famous battle with Michael Bell in 1989. A decade later, after Mr Fitzsimons’ final election to Europe, Mr Stapleton bowed out of active politics, and became honorary president of the party organisation in the constituency.
Deceased was appointed a part-time assistant censor in the Irish Film Classification Office in 1993. He enjoyed following horse racing, particularly during the Flat season, and was also a great supporter of Navan O’Mahonys and Meath GAA.
At his funeral Mass in St Mary’s Church, Navan, on Saturday, Fr Declan Hurley Adm recalled Mr Stapleton’s passion for politics and belief in democracy, and spoke of his unassuming work in the political background to ensure a fairer society for his family. Family members took part in the ceremony, with two of his grandchildren carrying his familiar cap and walking stick into the church, and daughter, Sinead reading a humorous and touching poem about her father.
Some 60 members of Fianna Fail provided a guard of honour from Railway Street to the church, and afterwards to the town hall. Coffin bearers out of the church were former TDs, Noel Dempsey and Johnny Brady, councillors Shane Cassells and Padraig Fitzsimons, and David Healy and Martin Moffatt of the local party organisation.
Mr Stapleton was predeceased by a son, Conor, as an infant, by his brothers, Christopher and Patrick, and sister Annie. He is survived by his wife, Bridget; family, Brian, Sinead, Nodlaig and Rory; brother Dick; daughters-in-law, Lorraine and Sharon; sons-in-law, Barry and John; seven grandchildren; sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
The funeral took place on Saturday from St Mary’s Church to St Mary’s Cemetery, where Jim Fitzsimons delivered a graveside oration. He described Tony Stapleton as a 'giant’ of a man, with the 'spirit of a brave and splendid patriot’.
He exuded old world charm and chivalry and when people heard of his passing, they remembered his courteous manner, Mr Fitzsimons continued. He said he would never forget Mr Stapleton’s role as his director of elections for all his Dail and European Parliament elections, all of which were successfully fought.
At the Fianna Fail Ard Fheis on Saturday night, delegates gave a standing ovation to Mr Stapleton with a round of applause following a tribute from Dara Calleary TD.
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Frances Dunne, Carlanstown
The regretted death occurred on 16th March last of Mrs Frances Dunne, 'Maryville’, Ardlonan, Carlanstown, Kells, peacefully, surrounded by her family.
Born in Ennis, County Clare to Paddy and May Barry, in 1927, her father’s career brought the family to Kilcarn, outside Navan. The young Frances Barry’s caring nature led her to a career in nursing and she fondly recalled the good humour she experienced as a student nurse at the Richmond Hospital, Dublin, despite the hardship of the war. On qualifying, she nursed at Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan, where she made friendships that lasted a lifetime. When a nursing colleague introduced her brother Hubert to the deceased, it was the beginning of a devoted relationship that lasted almost 50 years.
Frances Barry and Hubert Dunne were married in 1956 and deceased, who had no farming background, took to the farm at Ardlonan with great enthusiasm and pride. As a couple, they shared a single desire – to provide a secure and loving home for their children. She put family at the heart of her life and when her husband became ill, she was tireless in his loving care. Despite the great sadness of his illness, she was never happier than when presiding over family gatherings.
Mrs Dunne was a friend to her family and had great faith and loyalty in each person. Younger people in particular opened up to her, and she brought her great wisdom to many a teenage predicament. She thrived as a grandmother and was very proud to have become a great-grandmother.
Deceased’s great gifts were listening and caring. She brought enthusiasm, passion and a good deal of fun to the many committees on which she served. She was regularly spotted at bridge events all over the country. She was particularly active in the Kells, Virginia and Dalgan Park Bridge Clubs. In 1997, deceased was honoured to serve as president of the North Eastern Region of the Contract Bridge Association of Ireland. It was a source of special pride when, in her eighties, she won the prestigious Kells Cup – proving (as she herself pointed out) that age was no impediment to a lively and active mind. In later years, she took up golf at Virginia Golf Club. She enjoyed the many trips, near and far, with Kells Active Retirement Group and the Horticultural Society.
Mrs Dunne enjoyed the lively camaraderie of her fellow daily Mass regulars in Kilbeg Parish. As a young nurse in the fifties, she journeyed with sick pilgrims by boat and train to Lourdes with the Meath Diocesan Pilgrimage, and maintained her involvement with that pilgrimage over the years. She was delighted to attend the International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin just last June. She drew hope from the election of the new pope, noting their shared name. She had an enormous love for life, and is sadly missed but leaves many happy and fond memories.
She is survived by her family, Michael, Cathleen, Paddy and Jane; daughters-in-law, Áine and Joan; sons-in-law, Brendan and Kieran; grandchildren; great-granddaughter; sisters, Angela and Pearl; in-laws, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
The funeral Mass was celebrated at the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Kilbeg, by Fr Seamus Houlihan, assisted by Fr John Byrne, Fr John Quinlan and Fr David Bradley. Burial took place in Staholmog Cemetery. A month’s memory Mass will take place on Saturday 4th May at 7pm at Kilbeg Church.
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Dessie Christie, Rathmolyon
The death of Mr Dessie Christie, of Castletown, Rathmolyon, on 4th April last was the source of widespread regret. Aged 79, he passed away at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin.
Deceased was a native of Rathmolyon and was a great lover of Gaelic games. He played football for many years with Scurlogstown, Rathmolyon and Baconstown. He also played minor football with Trim. He was a keen gardener and his flowers were much admired by passers-by, while his vegetables were much appreciated by his many friends and family.
Deceased is survived by his sons, John, Patrick, and Dessie, all Rathmolyon; daughter, Aisling, Dunloe Drive, Navan; wife, Pauline, Rathmolyon; brothers, Mike, England; Freddie, Rathmolyon; and Kevin, Bellewstown; sisters-in-law, Margaret and Colette, both Castletown, Rathmolyon; extended family and friends.
The funeral took place from St Michael’s Church to with interment in Kill Cemetery. Many of his former GAA colleagues and clubs provided guards of honour.
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Ellen Slevin, Fordstown
There was widspread sadness following the passing of Mrs Ellen (Nellie) Slevin, Chamberlainstown, Fordstown, Navan, at Beaufort Nursing Home, Navan, on 13th March last.
A native of Cortown, Kells, she was a member of the Lynch family, and was predeceased by her husband, Tommy, in 1987.
Deceased, who was aged 93, was a very popular member of the community and was loved by both young and old alike.
Her main interest were family and friends. She also loved gardening, bingo and going to the day care centre. She looked forward to her birthday each year, which she always celebrated in style. Deceased will be sadly missed by all.
She is survived by her family, Tommy, Australia; Christy, Chamberlainstown; Dan, Naas; brother, Paddy, Cortown; daughters-in-law; grandchildren; great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and friends.
The funeral took place from the Chruch of the Immaculate Conception, Girley, with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
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Annie Gorman, Navan
There was considerable sadness following the passing on 8th April last of Mrs Annie Gorman, Dunmoe, Navan, at the age of 90, at her home.
A member of the Crinion family of Dunmoe, she was predeceased by her husband, Eugene, in June 1954.
She is survived by her sons, Donal and Dessie; daughters-in-law, Nell and Olivia; sister, Margaret Callan; grandchildren, Barry, Ruth, Martin, Brendan, Marie, Ian and Ciara; great grandchildren, Megan, Lucy, Amy, Darrel, Jamie, Mya and Aaron; nieces, nephew, relatives and friends.
The funeral took place from the Church of St John the Baptist, Kilberry to St Mary’s Cemetery, Navan, celebrated by Fr John O’Brien, assisted by Fr Ray Husband and Fr Kevin Heery. A month’s memory Mass takes place in the Church of St John the Baptist on Saturday 4th May at 7pm.
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Brian O’Reilly, Navan
The regretted death occurred on 4th April last of Mr Brian O’Reilly, Reask Crescent, Navan, aged 55, at his residence.
A native of Navan, he was son of Marie and the late Michael O’Reilly.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret, sons, Bernard and David; daughters, Emma and Catherine; son-in-law, Gary; grandson; Noah; mother, Marie; brothers, Leo, Michael; sisters, Susan and Patricia, extended family, relatives and friends.
The funeral took place from St Mary’s Church to St Mary’s Cemetery.