Obituaries 23rd November 2013

Mary Carolan,  Slane

Mary Carolan, Ardcalf, Slane, who died on 7th October last, was a former president of Meath Federation of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association.
Mary (nee Hanratty) was a well-known figure in the organisation, and was president of the Meath association from 1993 to 1996. She was a member of the executive board of the ICA’s educational college at An Grianan, Co Louth, and was on the ICA National Advisory Board for three years. She was a member of Stackallen Guild of the ICA, and when that closed, she joined Dunsany. She was a great promoter of carfts and produce, and was in demand across the country as a judge of these.
Deceased was very involved in community activities in Slane, and was chairperson of the local active retirement association.
She was predeceased by her husband Michael, and died peacefully at the Mater Hospital, Dublin, after a short illness. She is survived by her family, Noel, Pat, Brendan and Mary Rose; daughters-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. The funeral took place from St Patrick’s Church, Slane, to St Erc’s Cemetery, Slane.

Aidan Conway, Ratoath

There was great shock and sadness in Ratoath and the surrounding areas at the sudden passing of Aidan Conway, on 4th October last in the Mater Private Hospital, aged 61.
Apart from his time spent at school in Belcamp College, Aidan was a lifelong resident in Ratoath.  He married Alice in 1982 and together they built a house on Glascarn Lane, just minutes from where he grew up, and had two children, Aoife and Daragh.  He was well known and respected in the community and has been hailed as a true gentleman by many.  He would never have a bad word to say about anyone and would always lend a helping hand to anyone who asked.  In his youth, he played football for Ratoath and was part of the team who won the 1970 Junior Championship.  In his later years, he was actively involved in the GAA scene, both at club and county level.  He would volunteer annually at the All Ireland Intermediate Hurling 11s and Football 7s held at Ratoath GAA as well as offering assistance at any event held at or by the club. Along with his son, he was a Meath football season ticket holder and member of Club na Mí. He travelled the length and breadth of the country to attend Meath games, whether it was championship, league or O’Byrne Cup.
He was a regular at local table quizzes and would be in high demand as a team mate.  Practice for these table quizzes was conducted with his family in the form of the Meath Chronicle 20 questions; a tradition passed down by his mother from his childhood.
Aidan was well respected and highly thought of in his professional life.  He started his career in the freight industry with Central Shipping, Mountjoy Square in 1974 and so began a career that would span almost 40 years.  After 22 years with Central Shipping, he moved on to Independent Express.  Following this, he moved to BG Freight but was enticed back to Independent Express Cargo in 2004 where he remained until his passing.  He worked as the freight forwarder for Independent Express Cargo and for its subsidiary, The Pallet Network (TPN).  He was the “go to” person for moving freight outside of the company’s established delivery networks.  Containers from China, shipments to West Africa, out of gauge or awkward freight that no one else wanted to touch were all handled by Aidan.  He had the experience and the calmness and the clear thinking to make every job arrive on time and intact.  TPN is made up of small regional based hauliers and they were able to offer worldwide services to their local customers through Aidan’s expertise.  He will always be associated with Independent Express Cargo. He will be missed for his cheerful manner, friendly smile and for his undoubted skill and ability as their freight forwarder.  He was cool and calm at all times and he never got flustered or lost his temper and that is some achievement when you work in the freight industry.
Aidan is survived by his wife, Alice; daughter, Aoife; son, Daragh; brothers, Pádraig, Noel and Brian; and sister, Nuala. He was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Aileen.
His funeral mass was celebrated by Fr Brendan Ludlow in the Holy Trinity Church, Ratoath with burial afterwards in the local cemetery. A guard of honour was provided by Ratoath GAA club from the church to the cemetery.

Andrew Spedding, Kinnegad

There was considerable sadness following the death at the age of 35 of Andrew Spedding, Parke Cottage, Kinnegad, on 28th October last. A native of Doncaster, deceased worked as a shop assistant at Elvery’s Sports, Edenderry.
He is survived by his partner, Colm Darby; mother, Lynn Jones; brother, Jason Spedding, sister-in-law, Laura Spedding; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. The  Funeral Mass took place in St Mary’s Church, Kinnegad, followed by burial in Clonard Cemetery.

Bridget Griffin, Castletown

The passing of Bridget (Delia) Griffin, Clooney, Castletown Kilpatrick, Navan, was the source of widespread sadness. Aged 93, she died peacefully at her home. A native of Glantrasna, Lettermore, Co Galway, Bridget (nee Flaherty), was predeceased by her husband, Patrick, in 2004.
She is survived by her daughters, Barbara Murphy, Castletown, Mary McCormack Hennigan, Nopbber, sons, Patsy, Drakerath, Carlanstown, Sean, Sarasota, Florida, USA; sons-in-law; daughters-in-law; nieces; grandchildren; great grandchildren; neighbours, carers and friends.
The funeral took place from St Patrick’s Church, Castletown, to the local cemetery.

Francie and Tera McDonagh, Navan

The deaths of Francie (Fred) and Tera McDonagh, St Mary’s Park, Navan, within less than two months of each other, brought great sadness and shock to their family, friends, and all who knew them.
Francie passed away, aged 82, on 28th August last, at his home in St Mary’s Park, surrounded by his family. Tera, heartbroken as she was without her belove dhusband, gave up the will to be without him, and died suddenly, aged 78, on 5th October.
A devoted couple, both to each other, and their fasmily, they loved life and enjoyed set dancing, ballroom dancing and travelling. They had great devotion to their faith.
They will be sadly missed and fondly remembered. Tera and Francie are survived by their daughters, Marie, Iona, Siobhan and Orla; sons, Cathal and Sean; grandchildren; great grandchildren; sisters; brother; daughter-in-law; sons-in-law; nieces; nephews; relatives and a large circle of friends.
The funerals took place from St Oliver’s Church, Blackcastle, to St Mary’s Cemetery, Navan.