Obituaries 17th May 2014
Robbie Griffith, Trim
A man who had a great passion for his hometown of Trim, and a love for its people, was recalled on Monday of this week when former chairman of the local council, Robbie Griffith was laid to rest.
He had died suddenly a week earlier while on a family holiday in Mijas, Spain, in his 68th year. Hundreds attended the wake at his home at the Bungalows, Blackfriary, on Saturday and Sunday, and his funeral Mass and burial on Monday, when he was laid to rest in his beloved Newtown Cemetery.
Celebrating the funeral Mass on Monday, Fr Sean Henry, PP, spoke of a man who was very proud of Trim and its people, and who was always willing to help, at the end of a phone whenever needed.
Fr Henry spoke of Robbie’s work with Meals on Wheels, where he was so dependable and always on hand if anyone else was out of action, and of his work with the committee at Newtown Cemetery, where generations of his mother’s family was laid to rest.
Robbie Griffith was a native of Haggard Street in Trim, son of Adam J Griffith and Julia (Melia). His father was a Labour member of the urban district council, known as AJ Griffith. When he died in 1970, Frankie Anderson was co-opted onto the council, and Robbie was elected as a Labour councillor in 1984.
He was to have a 25 year career on the urban council, later to become a town council, and was chairman on five occasions, 1990-’91; ‘92-’93’ ‘93-’94, ‘97-’98 and 2002-2003.
A constant issue of concern to him was the dangerous junction linking Haggard Street with the Athboy, Kells and Kildalkey roads, and he campaigned for its realignment for many years, finally seeing it completed with the building of the ring road.
As chairman in 1992, he welcomed Mary Robinson to Trim on her first visit as President, to open the Meath Heritage Centre, and was very proud to welcome a President who had been supported by the Labour Party. With many traditional Labour party members in Meath, he departed the party following the amalgamation with Democratic Left, the former Workers’ Party, disagreeing with the move.
As a councillor, he was a member of the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland (AMAI), and travelled to many conferences with his Fianna Fail colleague, Vincent McHugh, during his 15 years with that body. He stepped down from the council at the 2009 local elections.
Originally working in Trimproof, he moved to join brother Joe in his coal business in 1976, and they expanded the company into a successful fuel and oil business, known all over the county for their deliveries. On retirement, he went to work for a day driving the ambulance for the day care centre at St Joseph’s Hospital, and ended up staying with them for 12 years.
A keen GAA supporter, he was to be seen with Pierce Murphy, Podger McNally and daughter, Ruth, at Meath matches, and also attended Trim hurling matches. A minute’s silence was held for him prior to the Meath-Mayo hurling game in McHale Park, Castlebar on Saturday. His reading material on holidays in Spain was the recently published ‘Four Kings’ telling the story of Meath players Paddy O’Brien, Jack Quinn, Mick Lyons and Darren Fay.
Robbie was a key figure, with Frankie Anderson, in the Newtown Cemetery Committee, and organised the upkeep of the graveyard, as well as the annual prayer service there.
Robbie and his wife, Jacinta Carry from Ardee were soon due to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary.
He is survived by Jacinta, their daughters, Ruth and Laura; sons-in-law Conor and Shane; brother, Joe; grandchildren, Lauren, Cian, Eoghan, extended family and wide circle of friends. He was predeceased 17 years ago by his brother, John, and last June by sister, Frances, in Mayo.
The funeral Mass took place from St Patrick’s Church, Trim, to Newton Cemetery, where Mickey Rispin and Gerry Tully performed a rendition of ‘On Raglan Road’ as a graveside tribute.
Frances Blake, Garlow Cross
The peaceful death occurred on 25th April last, following a short illness, of Frances (Frankie ) Blake, Castletown, Garlow Cross, Navan, at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, aged 76.
A native of Castletown, she was a member of the Geraghty family and was married to Gerry Blake.
She will be fondly remembered as a kind and caring person who loved many aspects of life. She had particular interest in her dogs which won prizes in various competitions. She was a keen gardener and created a garden which was always admired by locals and visitors alike. Frankie’s home was always a place of welcome.
Deceased worked for many years with the Columban Fathers in Dalgan Park, where she treated the retired priests and student priests as her extended family, always showing them wonderful care. At her funeral Mass, Fr Tom O’Mahony PP, Skyrne, said her life was dedicated to the care of others, highlighting her service at Dalgan Park where she cared for the retired priests not just as a job but as a caring vocation. He spoke of her faith, her generosity to neighbours, friends and family, and said she would be greatly missed by the entire community.
Frankie is survived by her husband, Gerry; son, Edward; daughter-in-law, Tanya; brother, Paddy Geraghty, Wexford; sister, Bernadette O’Sullivan; in-laws; nieces; nephews; and a large circle of family and friends.
The funeral took place from St Colmcille’s Church, Skryne, to St Colmcille’s Cemetery, celebrated by Fr Tom O’Mahony, and Fr Matthew O’Reilly, Dalgan Park.
Angela Murtagh, Clonmellon and Dublin
There was widespread regret following the passing on 17th April last, at the Mater Hospital, Dublin, of Angela Murtagh, Clontarf, Dublin, at the age of 86. Deceased (nee Clarke) was a native of Clonmellon.
Angela attended Clonmellon National School. She went to secondary school in Mercy Convent, Navan. On leaving school, she trained as a pharmacist. She spent four years in Carolan’s Pharmacy in Kells, after which she went to Dublin where she met Martin Murtagh.
Martin and Angela got married in Dublin in June 1953. Angela worked after her marriage until she had her first child. She then gave up work to rear her family. Over the years they had eight children, five boys and three girls. When her youngest was settled at school, Angela returned to work. She worked as a pharmacist in Baggot Street Hospital from 1973 until her retirement in 1985.
She had a strong faith and was a daily Mass-goer. When she was unable to attend Mass, the Rosary was her favourite prayer.
Angela lived for her family. She looked after her husband through ill health until his death in 2001. Her sons and daughter who live abroad came home as often as possible to see her. She loved spending time with all her family especially her grandchildren and her great-grandchild.
Angela is survived by her sons, Prof Fionn Murtagh, UK, Dr Niall Murtagh, Japan, Rory Murtagh, US, Ronan Murtagh, Dublin, and Dara Murtagh, Singapore; Deirdre Lalor, Dublin, Cliona Connolly, Galway, Dr Niamh Murtagh, UK; grandchildren, Sorcha, Conor, Ciarán, Aidan, Kynan, Declan, Eoin, Oisín, Caoimhín, Brendan, Cathal, Ailís, Seán and Sinéad; great-grandson, Dara; brother, Jim Clarke, Dublin; sisters, Teresa Gleeson, UK, Josephine Carr, Ennis, Kathleen Haywood, UK, and Dolores Gaffney, Delvin; sons-and daughters-in-law, Gladys O’Flanagan, Miyuki Oshima Murtagh, Fintan Lalor, Francis Connolly, Chris Gregory, Dr Susan Helm Murtagh and Anne Murtagh; brothers- and sisters-in-law
Mattie Gaffney, Delvin, Betty Clarke, Clonmellon, Elma Clarke, Dublin, Kevin Murtagh, UK and Bernadette O’Shea, Galway; granddaughter-in-law, Triona Lalor.
She was predeceased by her sister, Moya; brothers, Michael and Donal; and nephews, Seamus and James.
The funeral took place from St Anthony’s Church, Clontarf, to Dardistown Cemetery.
David Deens, Dunboyne and Navan
The regretted sudden death occurred at his home on 28th April last of David ‘Charlie’ Deens, Limekiln Wood, Trim Road, Navan, and formerly of Dunboyne, aged 80.
Deceased, who was a native of Dunboyne, played a big part in his community, and was very active in the Pioneer Association. He wend to Lourdes as a helper for invalids. Some 24 years ago, he had a triple bypass under the late Dr Maurice Neligan, and later became an active fundraiser for the Mater Hospital.
David is survived by his wife, Josephine; son, Robert; daughters, Nora, Sinead; Grainne, Ursula and Michelle; brother, Jack; sons-in-law; daughter-in-law and 15 grandchildren.
The funeral took place from the Church of the Nativity, Johnstown, to Old Kilcarn Cemetery.
Sandra Quinn, Enfield
The death occurred suddenly on 19th April last, of Sandra Quinn, at her home in Blackwater Close, Enfield, at the age of 66.
Sandra was an excellent cook. She was also a very caring and vibrant woman who always helped others. She had a wonderful sense of humour which endeared her to everyone.
Sandra will be sadly missed by her husband, Christy; daughter, Tracey; son-in-law, James; grandson, Aran; relatives, friends and neighbours.
Her funeral mass was celebrated by Fr Michael Whittaker in Church of the Assumption, Jordanstown, Enfield with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
Kevin Moran, Navan
There was widespread regret following the death on 30th March last of Kevin Moran, St Finian’s Terrace, Navan, at Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan.
Aged 92, he was a native of Farganstown, Navan, and worked as a gardener at Spicers’ of Belmont, Dublin Road, Navan, for over 50 years.
He was a keen supporter of the Meath football team and the Republic of Ireland team.
Deceased is survived by his wife, Mary; sons, Gerry, Navan, Tony, Dundalk, Frank, Navan and Paul, Navan; daughter, Kate Mannion, Navan; daughters-in-law, Helen, Dundalk, Ita, Navan; son-in-law, Liam, 15 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. The funeral took place from St Mary’s Church, Navan, to St Mary’s Cemetery.
Michael Quinn, Kilcock
The sad and peaceful passing of Michael Quinn, Clonlyon, Kilcock, occurred on 27th April last at his home, surrounded by those most dear to him. He was aged 67. A native of Glenisland, Castlebar, Co Mayo, he came to Meath with his family in the spring of 1968 to live and work. He married Kathleen in 1973 and together, they built a wonderful home for their six children.
He was a devoted husband and father and his love for the land and all things agricultural resulted in him being known as a very progressive farmer. Michael loved to dance with Kathleen and travelled not only around Ireland but to different parts of the world for opportunities to do so. He loved to reminisce about days gone by, especially stories from his beloved Mayo.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; family, Seamus, Enda, Marianne, Michael, Kieran and Catherine; brother, Paddy; sisters, Margaret, Mary and Breege; daughters-in-law, grandchildren; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-lawl; and extended family and friends.
The funeral took place from the Church of The Nativity, Moynalvey, to the adjoining cemetery. A month’s mind Mass takes place on Sunday 1st June at 11.30am in Moynalvey Church.
Rosie Smith, Moynalty
The unexpected death occurred on 20th April last of Rosie Smith, Reilly’s Cross, Carrickspringan, Moynalty, at the Mater Hospital Dublin.
Deceased was a member of the Reilly family, Bellair, Moynalty, and lost her own mother at the age of seven. Having completed her studies, she went to Bridgewater in England and trained as a nurse. On completion of her general training, she went to Somerset to do midwifery. Rosie married Paddy Smith in 1957 and they lived in England for over a year.
In 1958, they returned to Ireland and setup home in Carrickspringan. Rosie worked for a short period in Navan General Hospital.
From then on she dedicated her life to looking after her family. She had great faith and was a dedicated churchgoer. She was ever the nurse, looking after everyone who needed her, especially her father, Pat Reilly, in his old age.
Rosie had a great love of music and the arts and liked to travel, especially around Ireland. She loved to go back to London where she had lived for some time and she also travelled to places like Lourdes, Rome, San Giovanni and Budapest.
She was a good friend and confidante, had a warm welcome for everyone who called and will be sadly missed by so many. She has left a huge void in the family home. Rosie and Paddy celebrated their golden wedding jubilee in 2007.
Deceased is survived by her husband Paddy; sons, Seamus, Paddy, Kevin and Pete; daughters, Rosemary and Margaret; sisters, Maureen Henry, Carnaross, Dettie Farrelly Mahonstown; brothers, Peter Reilly, Kent, England and Fr Mattie Reilly, St Columban’s; daughters-in-law; brothers-in-law; sister-in-law; grandchildren; great-grandchildren and extended family, relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her brothers, Fr Paddy, Kevin, Michael, Liam, Tom and Seamus.
The funeral took place in the Church of the Assumption, Moynalty, to Moynalty Cemetery, celebrated by her nephew, Fr Sean Henry, PP, Trim, assisted by Fr Joseph McEvoy, PP, Moynalty, Fr Pat Raleigh, Regional Director, St Columban’s and other members of the Columban Order.