Obituaries 30th august 2014
Laura Keating, Dunshaughlin
Loretta Marie Keating, Lagore, Dunshaughlin, who passed away on 7th August last, known simply to all as Laura was born on 14th April 1941 in the parish of Aughrim Street, Dublin to Myles and Margaret McGrath.
One of 11 children, four girls and seven boys, Laura grew up on Dublin’s north side. She attended St Gabriel’s National School until the age of 14. Laura left school on a Friday and by Monday she had secured employment in the office of a local sheet metal works, and at the same time enrolled at Parnell Square Technical College to train as a book keeper.
Deceased met her husband-to-be, Michael Keating, in 1965, they were virtually inseparable from that time on. In 1967, they made the decision to emigrate to England, and were married that same year in Our Lady of Dolours church, Hendon. 1968 saw the birth of their son, Alan.
Laura soon found employment in the English capital, working for the Medical Research Council before going on to work as the head bookkeeper for London’s largest mini-cab firm, Meadway Radio Cars. Laura was held in high regard by all who worked with her. She was responsible for overseeing the management of Meadway’s most important accounts, including the BBC, IBM and Merrill Lynch, to name but a few. In addition to her daily duties, Laura was responsible for preparing the firm’s books up to trial balance - no mean feat considering the annual turnover. Meticulous to a fault, Laura would often work late into the night to ensure that every penny was accounted for.
Industrious and hard working, Laura and her small family were soon able to move to Mill Hill, one of London’s quieter suburbs. She was the first see the house on Engel Park and she instantly fell in love with it. From that point on no other house would do, and they lived happily in Mill Hill until returning to Ireland in 1992.
After a brief stay in Blanchardstown, Laura found her dream house just outside the village of Dunshaughlin. Although a native of Dublin, Laura fell instantly in love with village life in Meath and she was never happier than at her home on Lagore.
Ever the hard worker, she helped found Keating’s Tyres in Navan and worked there for a number of years before deciding to enjoy her retirement. Laura treated retirement as she had treated work, and she always kept herself busy. In 2005, Laura was the driving force behind the founding of the Royal Lopez Chess Club in Ratoath, and she served as the club’s treasurer.
Laura was an avid reader and devoured at least two newspapers a day, she read books, magazines and any printed material that came her way. A fan of soap operas, she kept up with all the gossip on ‘Coronation Street’, in ‘Emmerdale’ and in her own ‘Fair City’. She loved to laugh and had a mischievous sense of humour. Many people were surprised to find that this soft-spoken and seemingly mild mannered lady was behind some of the tricks she played.
In 1998, Laura took the first of many trips to visit her son and daughter-in-law, Lesley, in the United States. Her first experience with America was New York in 1992, where she arrived on a Thursday and wanted to go home on the Friday. California was a very different story and she loved to visit whenever the opportunity arose. Laura was happiest sitting in the car on those long road trips, enjoying the scenery. From San Francisco, to the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas to Carmel, she covered many miles across America’s western states and had plans to return at the first chance.
Laura loved children, and they loved her. Surrounded by family, the house was seldom short of a visit from her many nieces and nephews.
In June 2013 Laura was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, started treatment immediately, and true to form, fought hard. On 7th August after a long struggle and frequent stays in the Bon Secours hospital, Glasnevin Laura finally succumbed. At her side were her husband, Michael, son, Alan, and her dear friend and good neighbour, Bridie.
Laura will be greatly missed by all who knew her, especially her good friends and family who were such a help and comfort over her last year.
The funeral Mass was held at St Patrick’s and St Sechnall’s Church, Dunshaughlin, celebrated by Father Joe Clavin, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Peter Carr, Oldcastle
The death occurred tragically on Friday 25th July of Peter Carr Junior, Mellows Park, Oldcastle, at the age of 43. He will be remembered as a kind, gentle and loving person, who had many friends from near and far. He loved walking and socialising and could always be seen on the roads between Navan, Kells and Oldcastle. He would visit family and friends regularly. Peter never had any trouble in getting a lift as many people knew him well and he was much loved.
He had been apart of the FCA for many years and a tribute from FCA members at his funeral meant a great deal to his family. The funeral Mass was a moving tribute to a much loved son and brother who will be greatly missed.
Peter is survived by his father, Peter, and mother, Myra; sisters, Venessa, Fiona, Jennifer; brothers, Declan and Noel; nephews, Dane, Conan, Ryan, Noah and Aaron; nieces, Emily and Grace; brothers- and sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbours and friends.
The funeral mass took place on 31st July in St Brigid’s Church, Oldcastle followed by burial in the local cemetery. Fr Ray Kelly, PP, was the celebrant, with singer Anne Galligan.
James Curran, Balrath
The regretted death of James (Tiger) Curran, Burtonstown, Balrath, Navan, occurred on 31st July last, at Hillview Nursing Home, Rathfeigh. Aged 85, he was a native of Burtonstown, and was predeceased by his wife, Alice, in December 1979.
Jimmy worked for 25 years with McInerney Builders before retirement, and previously worked with horses at Brogans of Riverstown, Rathfeigh. Hobbies included horse racing and enjoying Gaelic football.
He is survived by his sons, Christopher, Noel, David, Declan, Paschal, Fergus, Shane; daughters-in-law, Catherine, Noeleen, Sinead, Dionne and Ilona; grandchildren, Christopher, Jennifer, Lauren, Daniel, Donna, Allison, Gary and Aaron.
The funeral took place from the Church of the Assumption, Kentstown, to the adjoining cemetery.
Fred Lambe, Dublin and Navan
The regretted death occurred on 1st August last of Fred Lambe, Oak Cresent, Athlumney Wood, Navan, at Beaumont Hospital. Aged 71, he was a native of Dublin, and worked with the Irish Independent newspapers for 42 years. His hobbies were photography and snooker.
Deceased is survived by his wife, Joan; family, Suzanne, Caroline, Margaret, Christopher and Jacqueline; grandchildren, Dean, Lucy, Luke, Graham, Sophie, Jason, Sarah, Kate, Florence and Christina; sons-in-law, Mark, Noel; daughter-in-law, Martina; sisters, Patrica and Theresa; brothers-in-law, Noel and Stephen; sister-in-law, Vera and her husband Robbie; nieces and nephews; extended family, friends and neighbours old and new.
A service and cremation took place at Newlands Cross Crematorium, Ballymount Road, Dublin.
Anna Walmsley, Oldcastle
There was widespread sadness at the death of Anna Walmsley (nee Reilly), Baltrasna, Oldcastle at Cavan General Hospital on Wednesday 30th July, aged 83. A native of Mullagmore, Castlerahan, Co Cavan and daughter of John and Catherine Reilly, she was predeceased by her husband, William Walmsley in July 1993.
Anna focused on the simple things that made the difference with everyone she came in contact with and was regarded as ‘the rock’ of the family. In 2007, she celebrated 50 years of being a member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association. She is deeply missed by relatives, friends and the staff on the Dialysis Unit at Cavan General Hospital.
Anna is survived by her sons, George, John, Willie and Noel Walmsley, all Baltrasna, Oldcastle; daughters, Cathy Boylan, Fore, Castlepollard, Breda Flannagan, Ballyvalley, Oldcastle and Theresa Halpin, Moate, Oldcastle; son-in-laws, grandchildren and great grandchild.
The funeral took place from St Marys Church, Moylagh, with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Anne Fleming, Wilkinstown
The death occurred peacefully on Friday 1st August last, at Milburry Nursing Home, Navan, of Anne (Nancy) Fleming, Clynch, Wilkinstown, at the age of 88, surrounded by her family.
Nancy, as she was known to all, was an active member of Wilkinstown Active Retirement Group in years gone by and was one of its founding members. She went on many trips with the group including to Knock and Donegal. She was also a member for many years in the ICA in Donaghpatrick.
Nancy was a life long member of the Pioneer Association and received her gold pin and wore it proudly. A woman of strong faith, she went to Lourdes and the Beatification of St Oliver Plunkett in Rome in 1975.
She had a great love of sports including GAA, rugby and was a fond lover of horse racing. Nancy lived for her children and family and always had a cup of tea ready for anyone who called for a chat.
Nancy was predeceased by her husband John and her daughters, Anne O’Callaghan and Mary Keenan. She is survived by her sons, Sean and Noel, daughter-in-law Chrissie; sons-in-law, Paddy O’Callaghan and Oliver Keenan, grandchildren, sisters, family and friends.
Her funeral mass was celebrated at St John The Baptist Church, Kilberry, with burial afterwards in Castletown KP.
Marion Cussen, Moynalty
The village of Moynalty and the surrounding communities were greatly saddened to learn of the sudden and peaceful death of Marion Cussen on 28th July, in Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, following a very brief illness.
Marion will be remembered as a devoted Catholic and gentle lady, much admired and loved by her sorrowful family and the extended community. Marion grew up in the Moynalty area, and was a member of the highly respected Cahill family.
She worked for many years in The Carroll’s Shop in Moynalty and later was transferred to work as the accountant in the larger shop in Kells. It was there she met her husband Pat, whom she married over fifty years ago. They then set up home in Moynalty where they reared their family.
Both Pat and Marion took a very active role in all aspects of community life and Marion was always willing to lend a hand when needed, In the early eighties Marion and her husband Pat and family set up a successful business in the village of Moynalty where she became the familiar face of kindness meeting the needs of both young and old in the village. Marion had a great interest in GAA, and in recent weeks she had just visited Croke Park and participated in the tour of the entire stadium. Marion took great interest in card games, lotto, bingo and won many titles in waltzing competitions. She also travelled to many sporting events particularly her love of her native Moynalty and also attended many racing meetings in Ireland and abroad.
The respect in which Marion was held was witnessed by the vast numbers who filled the village of Moynalty for her removal from her family home and her funeral Mass in The Church of the Assumption, Moynalty which was packed to capacity and many hundred of others who gathered outside wishing to join a final farewell to a very much loved lady from the community.
Marion’s funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr Joe McEvoy, PP, and Fr John Gilhooly, PP, Mullagh. Fr McEvoy spoke of Marion’s deep faith, her lifelong membership of the pioneers, her faithfulness to her husband and family. He said her sudden death has left a great sadness and will be felt by the Cussen and Cahill family and the wider community for a long time to come. Following the funeral Mass, many guards of honours were formed en route to St Mary’s Cemetery.
Marion is survived by her husband, Pat, daughters Marie, Helen and Olivia; sons Patrick and Bernard; brothers Patsy, and Eamon; sister Nell, brother-in-law Thomas, grandchildren and great grandchild, nephews, nieces, in-laws and a very large circle of family and friends.
Gary Gynor, Kilmainhamwood
There was great sadness following the death of Gary Gaynor, Ervey, Kimainhamwood, Kells, at his home on 3rd August last, aged 31.
A native of Ervey, he was son of John and Audrey Gaynor.
Deceased enjoyed pool and snooker, music and films, and enjoyed following the Meath football team and Manchester United Football Club.
He is survived by his parents, and also by his sister, Lynda, Mount St Joseph, Kingscourt; aunts and uncles; relatives and friends.
The funeral took place from the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Kingscourt, to the adjoining cemetery.
Joe Hyland, Dunganny
The death occurred of Joe Hyland, Dunganny, Trim, on 9th August last in Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, following a short illness, aged 71.
A native of Dunganny and son of James and Anne Hyland, Joe worked hard all his life on farms and building sites, and genuinely gave of his best to every employer. He was a keen gardener and grew a lot of his own vegetables, distributing the surplus supply of vegetables to his neighbours and friends.
Joe loved animals and took excellent care of his goats and always drank goats milk and indeed won first prize for his goats at Trim Show a few years ago, an achievement and recognition he took great pride in.
Joe was very vigilant of his neighbours’ safety and security and was very aware of all the activities in his neighbourhood.
He enjoyed socialising in Trim, Navan and indeed in Achill Island and was very well known and respected in all areas. He attended all the local festivals with a cap suitable for all seasons of the year. He cycled everywhere, was very safety conscious and always wore his yellow safety jacket.
It was not unusual to see Joe cycling in all conditions with his overcoat and yellow jacket wide open. He really enjoyed visiting his friends and neighbours as much as they enjoyed his visits. In his younger days, he played Gaelic football with his local club Robinstown. Joe had great faith, never missed mass and was a regular visitor to Knock.
Joe was predeceased by his brother, Tommy, and is survived by brother, John, cousins, relatives, friends and neighbours.
Dunderry fair provided a guard of honour at the removal to Robinstown Church on the evening of Monday 11th August. The Funeral mass was celebrated by Fr Noel Horneck, PP, Dunderry on Tuesday 12th August with burial in Dunderry cemetery attended by a large number of family, neighbours and friends.