The late Ann Rowan from an RTE stills photograph.

Obituaries 23rd august 2014

Ann Rowan, Dublin and Laytown

The funeral Mass took place in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Laytown, on Wednesday last, of Ann Rowan, who played the part of Julia Mac in RTE’s original rural drama, ‘The Riordans’, much of which was filmed in Meath.

She passed away peacefully on Sunday 10th August in the care of the staff at Gormanston Wood Nursing Home, aged 85, having lived for a decade in Laytown with her sister, Bertha O’Kane.

Ann Rowan spanned the generations of television productions in Ireland, from ‘The Riordans’ to more recent productions like ‘Father Ted’ and ‘Fair City’.

After urban-based ‘Tolka’Row’, The Riordans was RTE’s first foray into rural drama, and while set in fictional Leestown, Co Kilkenny, was filmed at Connolly’s farm at the Flathouse, Dunboyne, and around Sweeney’s Pub in Kilbride. Its lead actor was Bohermeen man John Cowley, who played Tom Riordan, the patriarch of the farming family. Ann’s character, Julia Mac, was wife of the publican Johnny Mac in the series which ran from 1965 to 1979.

Deceased was originally from Greystones, and her parents, Jim and Nancy Fogarty, moved to the Clontarf area of Dublin. Later, she lived in Rathmines, and treaded the boards at The Abbey Theatre in 1969 when she took to the stage in George Fitzmaurice’s ‘The Dandy Dolls’ as part of the Dublin Theatre Festival.

Ann Rowan appeared in several televised dramas on RTE, including an adaptation of ‘Ulysses’, Noel Coward’s ‘Fallen Angels’ featuring Siobhan McKenna, ‘The Government Inspector’, and Ibsen’s ‘The Wild Duck’ in which she played the part of Mrs Sorby. The actress also played the part of Leo Dowling’s mother Mai in ‘Fair City’ and starred alongside comedienne Maureen Potter in RTE’s first home-grown sitcom ‘Me and My Friend’. She appeared in the Channel 4 comedy series ‘Father Ted’ in the role of Mrs Glynn.

Biddy White Lennon, who played Maggie in The Riordans, said that Ann had fantastic comic timing, but could also handle more serious and sombre roles.

'She was a very generous actress and a joy to share the screen with,' White Lennon said. 'Ann was the life and soul of every party and the most fantastic company. Once you were friends with Ann, you had a friend for life. She was exceptionally loyal, the greatest treasure and a wonderfully talented actress who was as sharp as a tack. She was also a brilliant poker and scrabble player.'

'She will be greatly missed and I’m sure everyone who knew and loved her will share plenty of stories about acting and her antics.'

RTE said the station was saddened to hear of Rowan’s passing given the contribution she had made.

At the weekend, Sunday Independent drama critic Emer O’Kelly said that the role she remembers Ann Rowan for is the small but glowing performance she gave in the made-for-television film of JG Farrell’s monumental novel ‘Troubles’.

She wrote: 'She played Mrs Devlin, mother of Sarah Devlin, the embittered young Irish woman that the central character falls for (to his ultimate
tragedy) when he comes to Ireland in the aftermath of the Great War and during the escalating War of Independence here. Mrs Devlin barely features in Farrell’s novel, yet Ann made her into a fully dimensional creature, embattled but unyielding in the face of her doctor husband’s selfishness and bullying.

'That was in 1988, but Ann had an earlier foray into film, in Joe Strick’s 1967 film of Ulysses - that often-quoted and almost entirely flawed work - which was still notable for some searingly good performances from then emerging Irish actors. Ann was one of them: she played Mrs Bellingham.

'And more recently, she could be seen revelling in the part of a be-turbanned and prurient housewife being kept short of 'marital rations' in (what else?) an episode of Father Ted, during which the priests are ordered to keep the Craggy Island population away from the showing of a ‘dirty film’.'

Ann Rowan is survived by her sisters Ursula Hoey and Bertha O’Kane, her sister-in-law, Yvonne Fogarty and her nieces and nephews, relatives and many friends. The funeral took place from the Church of the Sacred Heart, Laytown to Deans Grange Cemetery, Dublin, celebrated by Fr Denis McNelis, PP.

 

Paul Tevlin,

Drumbaragh

 

There was widespread shock following the passing at the age of 57 of Paul Tevlin, Drumbaragh, Kells, following a short stay at Cavan General Hospital, on 24th July last.

Aged 57, deceased was a native of Boltown, Kilskyre, a son of the late Mattie and Evy Tevlin.

A farmer first and foremost, his love of the land and farming was evident by the success of his endeavours. The farm he inherited from his father thrived under his management where many others in the business learned from his skills in cattle management and his knowledge of all types of agricultural machinery.

Not satisfied with all the demands of a modern farm Paul, also managed his own plant hire business. Again his ability and competence here was noteworthy and many developers will testify to his unique skills in handling the complex machinery and his finishing groundwork in many a new and revamped development.

Any time the community called on its locals, Paul was one of the first to volunteer both in terms of his time and services. No task was too large or too difficult. If a solution was possible Paul would find it, He was a man of the people with a word for everyone and time was not his enemy. Many a man, woman and child marvelled at the time Paul would take to consider a question be it work or just simply the problems of the world. A quiet unassuming man but a solid and dependable who gave generously of his time and energy.

Those who were lucky enough to call Paul a friend and there were many, were heart broken on finally having to let Paul go. A poor diagnosis in September last year was put behind him with the news that treatment was successful in April. Sadly the news was short lived and after a relapse, he passed away at Cavan Hospital where the care provided by the staff was second to none.

Paul is survived by his wife, Tina; daughters, Chloe and Emily; brother, Noel, Drumbaragh, sister, Elizabeth, New Jersey, USA; in-laws, relatives and friends.

The funeral took place from The Church of St Alphonsus Liguori, Kilskyre to the adjoining cemetery. 

Michael Gray, Virginia and Kells

The death occurred on Friday 11th July last at Cavan General Hospital of Michael Gray, Swiftbrook, Virginia, and late of Taylor Hall, Kells, and Dublin, at the age of 43, having taken ill suddenly. Michael was greatly respected in his native Dublin, having lived for the greater part of his life in Ballyfermot, moving to the Kells and Virginia areas in the last couple of years.

He worked for many years with Guinness in Dublin and with the Tesco Group. In both places of work he was greatly admired by management and staff as a hardworking and honest person. Michael loved sport, and had a keen interest in Newcastle United, travelling to many of their games. He had a great interest in nature, walking and cycling and had a profound faith in the Blessed Virgin.

Michael is survived by his parents Bernie and Eddie, Taylor Hall, Kells; daughter, Shannon, son Jordon, adopted son Brian; sisters, Sandra, Suey; brothers Thomas, Edward, Anthony, Stephen; nephews, nieces; partner, Ena and a large circle of family and friends.

The funeral took place from St Colmcille’s Church to St Colmcille’s Cemetery, Kells, where there were a number of musical and spoken tributes at the graveside. Fr Liam Malone, CC, was the celebrant, and family memnbers took part in the Mass where symbols of Michael’s life were brought to the altar.

 

Katherine Crosbie, Rathkenny

 

The death occurred peacefully on Friday 25th July last of Katherine (Kitty) Crosbie, Coghalstown, Wilkinstown, Navan in her 95th year, at her home.

She was predeceased by her husband, James, in 1973. A native of Clynch, Wilkinstown, Kitty lived all her life in the local community, surrounded by the land and countryside.

She took a tremendous interest in farming and loved the land, the seasons changing and the beauty of nature.

As a person of strong faith, she was a faithful member of Rathkenny parish and enjoyed making pilgrimages to Lourdes, Rome and San Giovanni.

She had a deep spiritual life, which gave her great comfort in her illness.

Kitty took a passionate interest in her family and she loved keeping a keen eye on her 22 grandchildren, at home and abroad.

They too admired and respected her heartiness, good humour and strength of character.

For this and many other reasons, she is deeply missed by those who loved her most.

Kitty’s funeral Mass was celebrated by her grandson, Fr Paul Crosbie, CC, Mullingar, at the Church of St Louis and St Mary, Rathkenny on 28th July with burial in the adjoining cemetery.

Priests from the dioceses of Meath, Kilmore, Limerick and the Archdiocese of Armagh took part in the liturgies.

She is survived by her family, Eddie, Kathleen, Paddy, Mary, Seamus, John and Claire; daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, sisters in law, nephews and nieces, relatives and friends.

John Doggett, Trim

Trim and surrounding areas was shocked at the sudden passing of John Doggett Jnr, Griffin Park, on 5th July last, aged 41. Born in 1973 to parents Lily and the late John, he joined older brother Michael and only sister Geraldine at 15 Griffin Park. Younger brother David would arrive a few years later.

Along with siblings and best friend, next door neighbour, Wayne Corscadden he enjoyed an idyllic childhood of games like tip the can and building forts from hay in the fields where De Lacey Court is now built. He attended national and secondary school in the town where teachers would describe him as a quiet, well mannered child.

He completed a PLC course in the local vocational school but was unsure of his career path and worked in both Autopoint, Trim, and NEC, Ballivor, and then in 1996 he took up the position of health care assistant in St Joseph’s Hospital, Trim, a position he held until his untimely death.

It was here that his real personality shone through, his colleagues, the residents and their families speak of John’s kindness, compassion, dedication and how much he loved his job, not to mention his legendary dry wit, which shortened many a long night shift.

John got his love of books and films from his father, and sci-fi crime and thriller were his chosen genre, Stephen King being a notable favourite. His love of films could be seen in his vast DVD collection, preferring art house to the box office hits. With Wayne, he shared a love of ‘Star Wars’ films and collected the figures.

From his mother, he gained a love of music and attended many concerts and the Feile festivals of the mid 90s. His favourite music was that of the Beatles and always had a CD on in his house.

In March of this year, his daughter Lola was born and he embraced fatherhood.

His removal and funeral were a moving tribute to a much loved and missed person. His colleagues from St Joseph’s lined the streets in a guard of honour on both occassions and brought forward his work shirt and badge along with a picture of his daughter Lola, a Stephen King book and a Beatles CD in memory of his life. John will be remembered for how his life touched so many, and not by his death.

Predeceased by his father, John, in 2010, he is survived by his mother, Lily, sister, Geraldine Noone, Kilmessan; brothers, Michael and David; daughter, Lola; sisters-in-law, Avril and Kathy; nephew, Robert; nieces, Sarah and Abigail; aunts, uncles, cousins, wonderful neighbours and friends, his secondary family of colleagues, residents and their families in St Joseph’s.

The funeral took place from St Patrick’s Church, Trim, to St Loman’s Cemetery, Trim. Mass for John will be celebrated in St Joseph’s Hospital, Trim, on Sunday 24th August at 10.30am and also in Crawley, Sussex, on Sunday 24th August at 5.30pm.

 

Catherine Dunbar, Kilmessan and Essex

 

The regretted death occurred at her home in West Grove, Woodford Green, Essex, England, of Catherine Dunbar, a member of the Maguire family of Kilmessan.

Aged 89, she was predeceased by her husband, John Joseph Dunbar, in May 2002.

Catherine married John Dunbar in London and moved to Leyton in 1954 where they raised a family of four sons. She was a hard working and dedicated mother who took on a varied employment to support a growing family and spent many years working for Barclays Bank until she retired. Catherine was always an active person who loved her gardening and the feel of the earth. During her active years she enjoyed family holidays and walking the family dog. She had a great sense of humour.

Catherine and John lived for their children and each other until the untimely death of John, aged 76, in 2002.

Since John’s death, Catherine ensured her home was at the centre of family life for her sons and grandchildren and up to her death she was the heart of the family.

She will be sorely missed by her family, friends and neighbours.

She is survived by her sons, Michael, Adrian, John and Tony, and their families; brother, Joe Maguire, Bective, and many relatives. The Requiem Mass takes place on Thursday 21st August at the Church of Saint Thomas of Canterbury, Woodford followed by burial at Barkingside Cemetery.