Obituaries 19th April 2014

Ray Vaughan, Trim

The internationally renowned chef, Ballivor native Richard Corrigan, last week paid tribute to the man who was the greatest influence on his career, Ray Vaughan, who died at the age of 80. Ray was the head chef at the Kirwan Arms Hotel in Athboy, now the Darnley Lodge Hotel, who gave the young Ballivor lad a start at the age of 14.

'When I was a young lad, not knowing where I was going, I went in to work there for two and a half years,' Richard said last week.

'During that time it dawned on me that I was watching the hand of a master at work. I decided I wanted to be as good as Ray,' he recalled of the period from the late ’70s into the early 1980s. He described Ray as 'not your run of the mill chef'.

'He ran a very fastidious kitchen in a beautiful manner, in perfect order and harmony - not like some of those kitchens we see with chefs bawling and roaring. He was incredibly cool and ran it like clockwork. Deliveries were taken from local butchers, bakers and food suppliers, and it was a very busy spot. There were often two weddings a day and there was also a very busy restaurant.'

In 1999, when he published ‘The Richard Corrigan Cookbook’ he featured Ray as one of the influences of his early days. He took part in Offertory Procession, alongside Toss Harrington, at Ray’s funeral Mass in St Patrick’s Church, Trim, on Tuesday of last week.

Ray Vaughan, of Blackfriary, Trim, died on Saturday 5th April last, peacefully at the Mater Hospital, Dublin, having been in ill health for the past six months.

He grew up in Ballivor and Dunderry and his love of food began at J&E Smyth’s bakery in Trim in 1947. He later moved to Kerry, working in Denis Cotter’s bakery in Killarney, and later still, went to London, working at two different bakeries in Woolwich.

From there, he took to the seas, and worked on cruise liners, the Warwick Castle liner from South Africa, the Orient liner, Australia, Blue Star, South America, and Federal Line, Australia. When he returned to Ireland he worked at the Stephen’s Green Club in Dublin, and then became head chef at Acton’s Hotel, Kinsale. Returned to Australia on the Orient line, he worked for the Federal Line and on the RMS Queen Mary for the Cunard line.

Ray then returned home, and worked at the Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar, and as head chef at the Russell Arms in Navan, before moving to Sean and Rita Kirwan at the Kirwan Arms where he enjoyed many successful years and built its reputation as the leading hotel in the region for weddings, dinner dances and quality dining.

He and his wife, Mary, later took a lease on the Wellington Court Hotel, and before his semi-retirement, he worked in a number of restaurants in Trim and Athboy. He also worked as head chef at the County Club, Dunshaughlin.

As a youth, Ray had played hurling for Kildalkey, winning a minor county championship, and later Trim, and Meath, playing in goals for the county in 1950. In Killarney, he played for Dr Crokes and the county team. Ray was also a member of Trim Boxing Club where he fought many bouts, but his biggest success came when he won a tournament when serving in the Merchant Navy.

In 1956, Ray married Mary Dunne in Trim, and they were to have three sons, Jimmy, Steven and Sean.

The funeral Mass at St Patrick’s Church, Trim, was celebrated by Fr Mark Mohan, CC, assisted by Fr Paddy Smyth of St Columban’s, Dalgan Park, Navan.

Ray was a proud republican and his coffin was draped with the Tricolour as it was carried from the church to St Loman’s Cemetery, led by a lone piper. At the graveside, an oration was delivered by Meath West Sinn Fein TD, Peadar Toibin, who described him as 'a brave Irish Republican who risked life and limb in the fight for Irish independence'.

'Ray Vaughan was one of those key volunteers who at times of great transition and flux had the ability to stay focused on the goal and with determination organise and grow the campaign,' Deputy Toibin said.

'He would use the opportunity offered by his job on the ocean liners to stay in contact with and nurture the republican network around the world. Ray gave shelter to many who were on the run including his close friend, Michael McVerry.

'When he was chef in Athboy he fed republicans who were on the run. I would say that Martin McGuinness found Ray’s dinners tastier in Athboy in the 1970s than anything served in London this week,' he said, referring to the State Visit Banquet at Windsor Castle.

The TD continued: 'Ray spent 12 months in Portlaoise Prison in 1974. He was there during the escape where 19 volunteers found freedom. This led to very harsh conditions for himself and his comrades Johnny Creagh, Martin McGuinness, Johnny McKeown and Tony McDonnell who were in jail with him at the time. There was conflict in the prison and on one occasion Ray broke his lower leg.

'Ray was never one to boast or talk about his activism even to those who were close to him. He was that old style of Irish republican who did the best that they could, and said no more about it. To the next generation, this is often frustrating as it feels like valuable information seems to pass with this generation. But to people like Ray Vaughan this rock solid adherence to discreteness was a life and death matter.

'Ray saw the border campaign of the ‘50s and he saw and served in the recent phase of the struggle. He saw the development of the peace process and the growth of the electoral strategy. He saw the importance of tactics but he was loyal to that simple, age old objective, that Irish people should determine the future of the Irish nation. As we gather here to pay our respects to Ray let us determine that no matter what type of republican we are, we do justice to Ray’s memory when we invest in that objective.' Gerry Adams last week described Ray Vaughan as ‘a patriot and a good sound Irish republican’.

Ray is survived by his wife, Mary; family, Jimmy, Steven and Sean; grandchildren, Ciaran, Aoife, Jack, Grace, Una and Blathnaid; daughters-in-law Valerie, Cait and Laurentia; brothers, Jack, Christy, Tony, Des and Martin; sisters, Maureen, Josie and Rita; nephews, nieces, relatives and many friends.

Peggy Keogan, Nobber

The death occurred peacefully at her residence on Friday 14th March last of Peggy Keogan, of Keogan’s Public House in Nobber, a hard working woman who dedicated 40 years of her life to service in her village and community. Running the family business with her husband, Seamus, she loved being behind the bar having the chat with people and getting all the news. She regarded all her customers as her friends, and the bar will not be the same again without her smiling welcome.

Peggy (nee Sorohan), was a native of Garrynoher, Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan, and at the age of 17 made the brave decision to leave her family and home to start a new life in America. It was here at an Irish dance in Chicago she met her future husband, Seamus Keogan of Kilmainhamwood, and would become his loving wife and partner for over 50 years. They returned to Ireland and purchased the pub in Nobber in 1974. She was a dedicated mother to her four children while helping to run the busy pub. She later came into her own as a grandmother, where she had more time to enjoy simply caring for her grandchildren and having fun with them.

Peggy lived a simple life and had only a few pleasures, having a flutter on the horses, or enjoying a bit of banter over a cigarette with whoever was left outside at the end of the night. She bore her illness with acceptance, dignity and grace, never worrying about herself, only about Seamus and her family, who were with her when she passed away peacefully, aged 73.

She is survived by her husband, Seamus; family, Eileen, Erin, Phelim and Johnny; eight grandchildren; sons- and daughters-in-law; brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, friends and neighbours.

The funeral took place from St John the Baptist Church, Nobber, to the local cemetery.

James Rock, Slane

The death occurred at his home on 28th March last of Mr James Rock, Knockmooney, Slane. He was aged 80 and a native of Slane.

Deceased is survived by his wife, Evelyn; son, Owen; daughters, Brenda, Lee, Caroline, Jean and Victoria, and his sisters, Kathleen and Monica, all of whom will sadly miss him, along with his extended family, friends and acquaintances.

Margaret Rooney, Nobber

The death of Margaret Rooney, Muff, Nobber, on 24th March last, at Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, was the cause of considerable sadness across a wide area. In her 81st year, she was a native of St Ernan’s Hill, Kingscourt, Co Cavan, and was daughter of the late Ben and Bridget Wakely.

She was predeceased by her first husband, Paddy O’Connor, in August 1962; and her second husband, Michael Rooney, in May 1996. In her early years, Margaret worked as a cook in Drogheda, and in Killiney in Dublin. In later years, as a homemaker, she had a great interest in cooking, baking, sewing, gardening, and flower arranging.

She loved listening to music and LMFM’s ‘Green Scene’, reading Ireland’s Own, writing poetry and songs, which she won many prizes for, including a Singer sewing machine in a Meath Chronicle poetry competition. Margaret was a very humorous, sociable, chatty, friendly lady who had great time for people, always put the good side out, loved visitors and visiting family, neighbours and friends. She had a strong religious faith. Her final weeks were spent in Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, where she received wonderful care, compassion and kindness.

Margaret is survived by her family, Emmet Rooney, Nobber; Michelle Smith, Mullinacross, Kingscourt, Mary O’Connor, Carrickleck, Kingscourt, Eileen McArdle, Donaghmoyne, Carrickmacross, Ann McCabe, Drummond, Carrickmacross, Breda Myles and Maura Boyle, both Meath Hill, Joe Rooney, Kilmainhamwood, Michael Rooney, Ardee; daughters-in-law; sons-in-law; grandchildren; great grandchildren; brothers; sisters; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews.

The funeral took place from the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Kingscourt, celebrated by Fr Gerry MacCormack, PP, and Fr Finian Connaughton, Drumconrath.

 

Johnny Harrington, Kildare

The funeral of bloodstock agent Johnny Harrington, husband of trainer Jessica, who is a member of the Fowler family of Rathmolyon, took place in Moone, Co Kildare, on Monday of this week.

Drumree jockey Barry Geraghty, long associated with the Harrington stable, paid tribute to Harrington who died, aged 77, following a long battle with cancer.

Johnny Harrington was training racehorses on a small scale until his wife took over the permit in 1989.

Geraghty has ridden numerous big-race winners for their team at Commonstown Stables, and will always be synonymous with the remarkable Moscow Flyer.

Only last month he guided Jezki to victory in the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Barry Geraghty said: 'It’s very sad news. He’s obviously not been well for a long time. I had called him to see him on Monday.

'I’ve been involved with him for years and he was been a big part of everything that went on at the yard. He had a big say in the buying of horses like Moscow Flyer and Macs Joy, but he also had plenty of input into the training side of things as well.

'When Jezki won the Champion Hurdle, we were all thinking of Johnny. I know he had a full house that day and a bit of a party, which was nice.'

Harrington enjoyed watching the Cheltenham Festival and saw Jezki, trained by his wife, win the Champion Hurdle by a neck from My Tent Or Yours, trained by his close friend Nicky Henderson.

According to his son-in-law Richie Galway, racing manager at Punchestown, Harrington’s health had deteriorated since Cheltenham.

Paying tribute to his friend of many years, Nicky Henderson said: 'Johnny was one of our greatest mates for a very long time. We had so much fun together. He hadn’t been well for quite some time, but you rather felt he was indestructible.

'The Harringtons always stayed with us for Cheltenham, and we stayed with them for Punchestown. I will never forget his laugh. He was hugely knowledgeable and loved people.'

Born in Cork and educated at Ampleforth College in Yorkshire, Harrington’s first job in racing was working with trainer Sir Gordon Richards. He became a good friend to many, including former trainers Peter Walwyn and John Dunlop, and became godfather to Dunlop’s son, Ed, who trains in Newmarket.

He joined the Curragh Bloodstock Agency and later became a director of that company. He bought horses for several trainers, including Fred Winter, Fred and Mercy Rimell, Jenny Pitman - for whom be purchased Toby Tobias - and top US jumps trainer Jonathan Sheppard.

At Tattersalls Ireland’s Derby Sale in 1998 he paid 17,000gns for an unbroken four-year-old by Moscow Society.

The horse in question was to be named Moscow Flyer, who, trained by his wife, became one of the great stars of the jumping game, winning 26 races, 19 of them over fences including ten Grade 1s.

Those victories included three at the Cheltenham Festival, where Moscow Flyer won an Arkle and two Queen Mother Champion Chases.

Johnny Harrington is survived by his wife, Jessica; daughters, Emma and Kate; stepchildren, James and Tara; sons-in-law and daughter-in-law.

The funeral took place from Holy Trinity Church, Moone, to the adjoining cemetery. Donations, if desired, can be made to the Irish Hospice Foundation and KSPCA.

 

Claire Brannigan, Bellewstown

The sudden death at her home of Claire Brannigan, Woodview, Bellewstown, on 16th March last, caused great sadness in the area. Aged 41, she had a great interest in music and particularly in Irish country music, and her favourite singers were Declan Nerney and Nathan Carter. Claire never missed a Sunday night in her local for the weekly music.

She had a great love for card games and enjoyed poker classics. She will be sadly missed at the annual Bellewstown race meeting festival in July and August, where she attended to the housekeeping duties for the last number of years.

She will be greatly missed by her nephews and nieces, whom she was regularly called upon to baby sit, and by her neighbours, whom she visited daily for tea and a chat.

Predeceased by her mother, May, she is survived by her father, Pat; sisters, Tishy, Ann, Cora, Sandy and Triona; brothers, Jim, Declan and Paul; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; nieces; nephews; aunts; uncles; cousins; friends and neighbours.

The funeral took place from St Theresa’s Church, Bellewstown, to Moorechurch Cemetery, Julianstown, where she was laid to rest alongside her mother.

Johnny Moran, Trim

There was widespread sadness following the passing of John (Johnny) Moran, Knightsbrook, Laracor, Trim, at Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, on 17th March last. A native of Knightsbrook, Johnny was the last surviving member of the Moran family, predeceased by his parents, John and Bridget, sisters, Mary (Dot), Josie and Tess; and brothers, Pat, Bill, Noel, Frank and Larry.

Deceased was passionate about sport and in his youth was a member of Trim Athletic Club. He played hurling with Trim and was on the team of 1945 that won the Meath minor hurling championship, and the O’Growney Cup winning team of 1947, as well as the Trim teams of 1955, ‘59, and ‘60, that won Meath senior hurling championships. He always kept up to date with the latest GAA results and sports news, was an avid reader and showed great interest in current affairs. He was a firm believer in the importance of education.

Johnny was employed by Bus Eireann and drove a school bus for many years in the Dunsany, Kiltale and Kilmessan areas. He will be fondly remembered by the children of the time for his gentle smile and friendly wave. He enjoyed his years as caretaker in the parochial house in Trim, and assisted the Sisters of Mercy in the local convent.

Johnny had a great love of the land and nature, and his garden was always in full bloom. He was particularly close to the sick and spent many evenings visiting them, in their homes or in St Joseph’s Hospital, Trim.

In later years, Johnny’s health deteriorated and he moved to the residence of his nephew, Willie, and Deirdre Smyth and their family at Cloneymore, Athboy. Johnny enjoyed a wonderful couple of years here, being tenderly loved and cared for by all the family, and looked forward to the many visits of his neighbours and friends from Trim and the surrounding areas.

A devoted brother-in-law, uncle and granduncle, family was very dear to Johnny. His love and encouragement for them all was constant. He will be remembered as a true gentleman, ever willing to help and always having a smile and a kind word for everyone.

The funeral took place from St Patrick’s Church, Trim, and he was laid to rest in St Loman’s Cemetery.

Kathleen O'Brien, Nobber

There was widespread regret following the death of Kathleen O’Brien, Muff Crescent, Nobber, on 19th March last, at Kilmainhamwood Nursing Home. A native of Stephenstown, Castletown KP, she was daughter of the late John and Elizabeth Larkin, and was predeceased by her husband, John O’Brien, in November 1976.

She is survived by her sons, Brian, John, Patrick and Peter; daughters, Elizabeth and Mary; 20 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; extended family, relatives and friends.

The funeral took place from the Church of St John the Baptist, Nobber, to Castletown Cemetery.

Joe Tobin, Skryne

There was great sadness across a wide area following the death of Joseph (Joe) Tobin, Oberstown, Tara, at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, on 28th March last, aged 77.

Deceased was a native of Oberstown, and farmed all his life, as well as working as a painter and decorator. He was a lifelong member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association, and was actively involved in Skryne bingo, the Order of Malta, Rathfeigh Pitch and Putt, and Lourdes Invalid Collection Fund, and various other parish and community groups and organisations. He acted in comedy sketches with Skryne Scenics Group. Many will remember Joe driving the school bus in the area many years back.

He is survived by Cait, son, Paul; daughters, Clodagh, Tracey, and Samantha; grandson, Leighton; sisters, Bridie, Phil and Mary; mother-in-law, Rita; sisters-in-law; brothers-in-law; son-in-law; nephews; nieces; and extended family members.

The funeral took place from St Colmcille’s Church, Skryne, to the adjoining cemetery.