Obituaries 29th March 2014
Michael Byrne, Navan
There was great sadness following the death of Michael Byrne, Abbeylands, Navan, after a short illness at the Mater Hospital, Dublin, on 24th December last.
Michael was born into a farming background at Winetown, Summerhill, was schooled locally in Kiltale and later at Warrenstown College.
He worked as an agricultural officer until his retirement. He also spent a large part of his life at his farm at Crerogue, Kilmessan, where he acquired many friends and acquaintances over the years.
Another big part of Michael’s life was the GAA and in particular the Meath team. He spent many an hour analysing and dissecting the games in great detail.
He was a keen photographer and loved nothing better than family get-togethers, homecomings, and happy occasions where he would always have the camera ‘on hand’.
He was an avid reader and enjoyed keeping up with current affairs. Michael’s faith was an important part of his life and it was this faith that helped him greatly when his beloved wife of 51 years, Breda, passed away in 2010. His was also predeceased by his brother, Bill, in 2007.
Michael is survived by his sons, Bill and Michael; daughters, Julie Kingston, Sinéad McGirr, Helen Clarke, Valerie Casserly, Michalle Hofmann; brother, Tom; sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, sisters-in-law, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass took place in the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Kilmessan, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Benny Hand, Carlanstown
The regretted death has occurred of Benny Hand, Marvelstown, Carlanstown, Kells, peacefully at Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, in his 85th year. Deceased was a retired Gypsum Industries employee, who was interested in current affairs, enjoyed his garden and was a keen GAA supporter.
Benny was a family man, married to Dympna for just under 60 years, and together they were immensely proud of their family, their 13 grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.
He is survived by wife, Dympna; sons, Liam and Paraic; daughters, Geraldine, Ailish, Bernardine and Rosaleen; sons-in-law; daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, relatives and large circle of friends.
The funeral Mass took place on Wednesday 12th March from St Michael’s Church, Staholmog to the adjoining cemetery.
Michael McGee, Crossakiel
There was widespread sadness at the passing of Michael McGee, McGee’s Cross, Crossakiel, Kells at Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, on Friday 14th March, peacefully, surrounded by his family.
Michael, who was aged 86 and a native of Crossakiel, was a well known figure in the parish through his connections in handball and farming circles. He was a keen sportsman and took an interest in all sports, particularly handball and tug-of-war. He was known throughout the county for his physical strength. He was a farmer through and through, but could turn his hand to anything from building to veterinary and engineering.
Michael was a keen storyteller and would love to entertain those in his company with stories of all the great footballers he saw over the years.
His favourite sportsman of all was the great Muhammed Ali. He regaled many with the time he walked all the way home from Croke Park only to be met by his father with a field of hay to be cocked.
He was at his happiest working on a bog or in a field of hay and worked with horses long before the age of machinery and tractors.
Michael is survived by his wife, Bernadette, sons, Michael, Drumiskabole, Ballisodare, Co Sligo; Seamus, McGee’s Cross; Anthony, Farmleigh View, Castleknock, Dublin; and Gerald; The Bungalow, Kilskyre; daughters, Bernadette, Coill Darrach, Navan; grandchildren; and niece, Patricia Williams, Collinstown, Westmeath.
The funeral Mass took place from the Church of the Assumption, Ballinlough, to the adjoining cemetery.