Obituaries 22nd november 2014
Robbie O'Hare, Navan
There was widespread sadness following the passing of Robbie O’Hare, Bru na Habhainn, Navan, following a bravely fought battle with illness on 4th October last, at the age of 33.
Deceased was a native of Simonstown, Navan, and was a well known farrier in the north Leinster and southern Ulster areas. Blessed with a great sense of humour he was a vibrant and witty person who enjoyed life and loved his wife and three children dearly.
Outdoor activities and sports played a huge role in Robbie’s life. In his younger years he played football for Simonstown Gaels, hurling for Navan O Mahonys and rugby with St Patrick’s Classical School, Navan Rugby club and most recently with North Meath Rugby Club, Kells.
He took part in various equestrian events across the county as a member of the Meath Hunt, Tara Harriers and as an amateur race horse trainer on the Irish Pony Racing circuit with the Dingle races being one of his favourite summer events.
He joined the FCA at 17 and thoroughly enjoyed his time learning the skills of survival in the outdoors and having the opportunity to take part in numerous film productions as an extra in military scenes.
In recent years, he took up fishing and was a member of Navan Anglers. He spent many peaceful evenings on the Boyne and Blackwater and it was a welcome break for him during the course of his treatment.
Music was also a passion for him. He played the drums as member of the band Viber and he loved to pass an hour or two strumming a tune on the guitar or mandolin. He was also a keen artist throughout his life and this pastime helped him to occupy himself during the later stages of his illness in hospital.
Every day to Robbie was a blessing, he lived life to the full and took every opportunity to socialise and meet new people, his lively barbecues and parties were famous among his wide circle of friends.
The O’Hare family is deeply grateful to extended family, neighbours and friends for their kindness and support throughout Robbie’s illness and especially in recent weeks since Robbie’s passing; to Dr Michael Fay and the staff of St Vincent’s Ward in the Mater hospital, the staff of Navan Hospital, Dr Seamus Kiernan, Dr William Butler and the Meath palliative care team.
He is survived by his wife, Kim; son, Alex; daughters, Ruby and Rosie; parents, John and Anne; brother, Ray; sister, Marie-Therese; grandmothers, Josie and Irene; parents-in-law, Richard and Heather; brothers-in-law, John and Andrew; sister-in-law, Naomi, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and friends.
The funeral Mass at St Oliver’s Church, Navan, was celebrated by Fr John Conlon, with Fr Sheerin, Fr Louis and Fr Meade, followed by burial in Kilberry cemetery. He also benefited from the pastoral care and friendship of Fr John O’Brien, Reverend John Clarke and Fr Gerry McCormack during his illness.
'My Sledge and Hammer lie in rust
My Bellows too have lost their gust
My fires extinct, my Forge decayed
And in the dust my Rasp is laid
My coal is spent, my irons gone
My nails are driven, my work is done.'
Margaret Lee, London and Kells
The regretted death occurred on 23rd October last of Margaret (Peggy) Lee, London and Kells, with her carer and family. Aged 93, she was a native of Ballinskelligs, Co Kerry.
Deceased is survived by her sister, Bridget McGrillan, Newcastle, Co Down; sister-in-law, Maureen Lee, Clongill, Navan; nieces, nephews and many friends.
She was predeceased by her sisters, Mary Braniff, Newcastle, Co Down, Kathleen Rochford, London (twin), Sheila Reid, Castletown, Navan, and Eileen Moriarty, Kells; brothers, John and Patrick Lee, both Clongill; and nephew, Vincent Braniff, London. The funeral took place from St Patrick’s Church, Castletown, to Fletcherstown Cemetery.
A month’s memory Mass takes place on Friday 21st November at 6.30pm, in Fletcherstown Church.
Sean Faulkner, Navan
Widespread regret was aroused by the death at Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, of Sean (Whitey) Faulkner, Dean Cogan Place, Navan, on 23rd October last.
Aged 79, and a native of Navan, deceased was blessed with a great sense of humour, and was a familiar figure around the town.
He is survived and sadly missed by his wife, Kathleen;, sons, Martin and Jimmy; daughters, Carol Devlin and Carina Macari; sisters, Chrissie Farrelly and Jean Cahill, both Navan, and Maura Banton in England; brother, Anthony Faulkner; daughters-in-law; sons-in-law; grandchildren and great grandchildren; friends and neighbours.
The funeral took place from St Mary’s Church, Navan, to Old Athlumney Cemetery. A month’s memory Mass will take place in St Mary’s Church on Sunday 14th December at 11am.
Donal Gorman, Navan
The death occurred suddenly in Fatima, Portugal, on 8th October last, of Donal Gorman, Dunmoe, Navan, aged 72.
Deceased was a native of Dunmoe, where he was born and lived all his life at Graig’s Lane. At 19, he went to work for Roadstone, and spent over 30 years there before retiring. He then devoted his time to farming and helping his local community. He loved to go on annual pilgrimages to Lourdes, San Giovanni, Nevers, and Fatima, and attending regular prayer group meetings.
Deceased was a member of the Irish Farmers Association and had a great interest in horseracing, regularly attending the Galway Races Summer Festival.
Donal had a great sense of humour and enjoyed the craic, especially over a cup of tea.
He is survived by his wife, Nell; sons, Martin, Brendan and Ian; daughters, Marie and Ciara; brother, Dessie; sister-in-law, Olivia; sons-in-law, Pat, Johnny; daughters-in-law, Catherine, Dolores, and Veronica; grandchildren, Darrol, Jamie, Megan, Lucy, Mya, Aaron and Amy; aunt, Margo; nephews, nieces, cousin, relatives and friends.
The funeral took place from the Church of St John the Baptist, Kilberry, to St Mary’s Cemetery, Navan, celebrated by Fr John O’Brien, PP, assisted by Fr Gerry Markey and Fr Derek Darby.
Monsignor Jim Mennis, Navan and Florida
The funeral has taken place in Navan of Monsignor James Finbarr Mennis, a 30 year veteran of the US Navy, who died on 28th October last, at the McGraw Center for Caring Hospice Facility in Jacksonville, Florida, USA. He was born on 25th March 1938, in Ballycastle, County Mayo, to the late John and Sarah Ruddy Mennis, and the family moved to Dunmoe, Navan, in 1944.
A past pupil of St Finian’s College, Mullingar, Fr Mennis, commonly known as Fr Jim, entered All Hallows College Seminary in Dublin, Ireland, in 1956 and was ordained a priest in June 1962 for the Diocese of Sacramento, California. His first assignment was as assistant pastor in St Basil’s Church, Vallejo, California. In 1966, he was assigned to Holy Spirit Parish, Sacramento, followed three years later by a posting there as the Diocesan Catholic Youth Director.
Fr Mennis was commissioned in the US Navy in November 1970, and his first assignment as a naval chaplain was to the Marine Air Group 56 in Santa Ana, California.
Four months later, he was trained at Coronado, California, in preparation for duty with COMNAVSUPPAC Saigon, Republic of Vietnam, as a Circuit Rider in the Delta region covering some 32 units/ships. Upon his return to the United States, Fr Mennis had tours in the Naval Disciplinary Command in Portsmouth, New Hampshire; the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 62 home-ported in Gulfport, Mississippi; temporary assignments to Rota, Spain, and Okinawa, Japan; the Naval Station in Charleston, South Carolina; and Naval Station Keflavik, Iceland.
In September 1979, he was directed to Boston College for post-graduate studies specialising in Religious Education and was then assigned to the Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. His next assignment was back overseas, this time to Naval Activities, London, England, as the Command Chaplain in September 1983.
He then enjoyed four successive tours in the Tidewater area of Virginia, followed by sea duty onboard USS Dwight D Eisenhower as the Command Chaplain with additional duty to COMCRUDESGRU Twelve. That was followed by a three-year tour as Command Chaplain at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek beginning in June 1991, then as the Command Chaplain of Naval Station Norfolk with additional duty to COMNAVBASE Norfolk.
From Norfolk, he travelled south to Florida to become the Command Chaplain of Naval Air Station Cecil Field, after which he was assigned to Naval Station Mayport, Florida, as the Command Chaplain. In 2000, he retired from the US Navy and remained in the Mayport/Jacksonville area. Before and after his retirement, he served as chaplain for several military-related organisations in the Jacksonville area, including the Navy League of the United States, the Mayport Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, and the Semper Fidelis Society.
Captain Mennis received numerous awards during his navy career, including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Kuwait Liberation Medal and the Legion of Merit Medal.
Fr Mennis enjoyed life-long friendships with people all over the world, from his school days in Ireland, through his dedicated US Navy career, and following his retirement to northeast Florida.
He was known by his friends as an avid golfer, who achieved a hole-in-one on three occasions, a caring chaplain, a trusted confidant, a benevolent citizen, and a true friend. He made over 60 visits home since his departure for the US in 1962, to visit his family and native place.
Fr Mennis was predeceased by his brother, John. He is survived by brothers, Tom and Michael and by his sister, Sr Francis, of the Mercy Order, who was a teacher at St Joseph’s, Navan, and is now retired at Convent of Mercy, Trim. He is also survived by 10 nieces and nephews and their extended families.
The funeral Mass, led by Bishop Michael Smith, took place in Mary’s Church, Navan, and Fr Jim was laid to rest with his parents at St Mary’s Cemetery, Navan.
Fr Sean Holloway ssc, Navan
Columban Missionary, Fr Sean Holloway died unexpectedly but peacefully at St Columban’s Nursing Home, Dalgan Park on Wednesday 29th October last, aged 93 years.
Born in Horseleap, Co Offaly, on 25th August 1921, he was educated at Horseleap NS, Tubber NS and St Finian’s College, Mullingar. He came to Dalgan in 1941 and was ordained priest on 21st December 1947. He was a very proud Offaly man but had deep roots in Co Meath.
Assigned to the Philippines, he spent the first two years in Mindanao, the Southern Island, before being assigned to Negros Occidental where he would spend the next 18 years in the parishes of Isabela and Himamylan. Seán was among the first Columban group to be assigned to this new district. It covered a huge area, had been served by a bare handful of priests, and few of its old churches were standing. Building up the existing parishes and developing new ones was a herculean task. Sean had the gift for bringing the best out of lay people. Working with the help of innumerable presidia of the Legion of Mary, he wore himself out over the following two decades.
Assigned to the Region of Ireland in 1970, he spent three years on Vocations Ministry, followed by five years as farm manager and bursar of Dowdstown House. Availing of the expertise of competent lay friends, he established the beginnings of the present cattle herd. He was also responsible for developing and sustaining Dalgan’s much-admired network of forest and river walks. It is very fitting that one of the walks in Dalgan along by the Skane river is named after him. Many people from the surrounding areas now benefit from the Dalgan walks masterminded by Fr Sean. On hearing of his death, Fr Dan Troy in China sent an email which sums up the person Sean was: 'he was a kind, gentle and friendly person. The trees around Dalgan will surely bow to him during these days. He made a huge contribution to shaping the amenities that now contribute so much to the lives of people'.
There followed a 12 year period as assistant and later parish priest of St Joseph’s, Balcurris, Dublin 11. The people of Ballymun always remained very close to his heart as was evident by the number who attended his funeral Mass in Dalgan.
As in the Philippines, his charm, friendliness, and reliance on the laity won him many friends. He established a school for the Travellers and helped integrate them into the parish. He is remembered there with great affection. On returning to Dalgan in 1991 he served in other management roles until his health began to deteriorate. A man of great charity and generosity, there was a childlike transparency in Sean, and a great capacity for making friends, helping develop their gifts, and seeing creative possibilities in every situation.
In his final testimony he wrote the following: 'I wish to thank everybody for their personal kindness to me over the many years that the good Lord has given to me.'
Fr Sean is survived by his sister, Sr Elizabeth, Sisters of Mercy, Dun Mhuire, Athlone; nieces Lily Mulvihill, Ballymahon, Co Longford; Norah Holloway, Athlone; Mary Costello, Salthill, Galway; Cora Sharry, Ballinalack, Mullingar; nephews, John Holloway, Gageboro, Horseleap and his wife Madge; Jim Holloway, Farganstown, Navan; extended family, his Columban Confreres and a very wide circle of friends in the Philippines, Ballymun, Gageboro and Navan. His late brother, Monsignor James, was parish priest of Kells, and also ADM in Navan for 25 years.
A very large crowd from many walks of life attended Fr Sean’s funeral Mass at St Columban’s, Dalgan Park, on Saturday 1st November. Fr Donal Hogan ssc, chief celebrant, captured very movingly the person Sean was in the Philippines, Ballymun and Dalgan. He thanked the Holloway family for gifting the Missionary Society of St Columban with Sean. His gentle presence will be greatly missed in Dalgan, where he is buried at the Community Cemetery.
A month’s memory Mass will take place at Ss Peter and Paul Church, Horseleap, on Friday 5th December at 7pm.
Des Hughes, Kildare
Trainer Des (Dessie) Hughes, who passed away at the weekend, was the jockey who rode Monksfield, trained by Moynalty’s Des McDonogh, to some of his greatest successes at Aintree and Cheltenham. Des, of Osborne Lodge in Kildare, passed away on Saturday night. He was 71 and had been suffering illness.
A native of north Dublin, he began his racing career as an apprentice with Dan Kirwan in Kilkenny, and then Willie O’Grady’s yard in Tipperary, where he had his first winner, Sailaway Sailor in a flat race in Ballinrobe in June 1962. He rode Davy Lad to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup for trainer Mick O’Toole in 1977.
His partnership with Monksfield began in 1977, when injury forced regular rider, Tommy Kinane, out of the Aintree meeting that year. One of the most thrilling races in hurdling history followed, with Monksfield and the Paddy Broderick-ridden Night Nurse called as dead heaters after an epic battle in the Templegate Hurdle.
Kinane was aboard when Monksfield beat Sea Pigeon and Night Nurse in the Champion Hurdle in 1978, and Hughes took over again at Aintree, where the new champion was an emphatic winner from Night Nurse. In 1979, much to the annoyance of Kinane, Des McDonagh placed Hughes on Monksfield, and another great finale was produced, when he defeated Jonjo O’Neill on Sea Pigeon in an epic that O’Neill almost won.
As a trainer, Dessie Hughes’ first winner was at Fairyhouse on New Year’s Day 1980, with Church Island, and he won the Grand National there with Timbera in 2003, ridden by Jim Culloty.
He was trainer of Hardy Eustace, winner of successive Champion Hurdles at Cheltenham for Conor O’Dwyer in 2004 and 2005, and enjoyed success more recently with Our Conor, Triumph Hurdle winner of 2013, before suffering a fatal injury earlier this year. His latest high profile racehorse was The Tullow Tank, which won at Fairyhouse earlier this month. Cortown jockey Roger Loughran is based at the Osborne Lodge stable, as was the late Kieran Kelly.
Des is survived by his wife, Eileen; daughter, Sandra; son Richard, the British champion flat jockey; daughter-in-law; grandchildren; brothers and sisters including Mary Keane, Kilmessan and formerly Leshamstown, Drumree; extended family and friends. The funeral took place in Kildare on Tuesday of this week.
Thomas O’Connor, Navan
The death occurred suddenly on 5th October last of Thomas (Tommy) O’Connor, late of McDermott Villas, Navan, at Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, aged 61.
Son of the late Daniel and Marcella O’Connor, deceased attended De La Salle primary school, Navan, followed by Marist College, Dundalk, Co Louth. Later, he was to work with Meath County Council for many years.
Thomas was a keen member of the late Fr Herbert’s male choir for a decade. He loved music, and was at his happiest when playing the piano. He composed piano pieces which were never published. In his youth he loved running, and often out ran his peers, in which he secretly took great pride.
Thomas was a lover of animals, and horses in particular, so much so that he
trained to become a jockey for a while to fulfil his dream. Birds were another favourite, and he had his own little aviary in his younger years.
Deceased had a fantastic sense of humour, enjoyed by all who knew him, and his family is especially grateful for all the laughter he bestowed on them in both childhood and adult years. He had a great devotion to Padre Pio and attended the monthly Masses regularly. It was unfortunate that Thomas wasn’t afforded the opportunity to express his creative ability to its fullest because of mental health issues which he was burdened with for the greater part of his life. His family will miss his gentle, caring and infectious personality which was Thomas at his best.
They sincerely appreciate anyone who touched his life in any way; as well as the emergency service personnel and all the staff at Our Lady’s Hospital units for their work and the way they cared for Thomas.
He is survived by seven brothers and five sisters; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; uncle, aunt, cousins, nephews and nieces, grand nephews, grand nieces, and as wide range of special loyal friends.
The funeral took place from St Mary’s Church, Navan, to St Mary’s Cemetery, celebrated by Fr Stephen Kelly, CC.
Joe Goggins, Trim and England
The regretted death of Joe Goggins occurred on 8th October last in Bedford, England, following a long illness, surrounded by his loving family.
A native of Trim, Joe and his family relocated to the village of Carlton in Bedfordshire in 1996 where he became landlord of The Fox Inn public house. He and his family were quickly welcomed and accepted into the local community and spent the following years building a successful business. During this time, Joe entertained locals and visitors alike with his witty personality and unending ability to tell funny stories, sing and generally have the ‘craic’.
He is survived by his wife, Ger; daughters, Donna, Amy and Amanda; grandson, Conor; mother, May; brothers, sisters, son-in-law, Turner; relatives and many friends.
The funeral took place in The Church of St Mary the Virgin in Carlton on Monday 27th October. His cremated remains will be laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery on Saturday 22nd November.
Jim Fox, Skryne
There was widespread regret following the passing of Jim Fox, Oberstown, Tara, at Beaufort House, Navan, after a long illness, on 19th October last. He was aged 74.
Deceased was born and reared at Oberstown, where he lived all his life. In his early days, he worked as a driver for Roadstone, Slane. He then established his own business as a cattle trucker and farmed at Oberstown.
Jim was a lifelong supporter of Skryne GFC and over his lifetime was a club player, selector, committee member and chairman. A minute’s silence was observed prior to the Meath senior county final between Navan O’Mahonys and Donaghmore/Ashbourne in his memory.
He is survived by his wife, Lily; daughter, Louise; sons, Nigel and Keith; grandchildren, Ciaran, Garret, and Erin; sister, Anne; daughters-in-law, son-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, and a large circle of friends.
The funeral took place from St Colmcille’s Church, Skryne, to the adjoining cemetery.
Skryne GFC tribute to Jim Fox
It was with great sadness that the parish of Skryne learned of the death of Jim Fox, Oberstown, Tara, after a long illness borne with dignity and no bitterness.
Jim was a loyal Skryne supporter all his life and served the club on the executive committee for a long number of years and was chairman in 1980. He attended all Skryne’s games both underage and adult. If you didn’t see him at a match you would certainly know he was there as his booming voice could be heard from all sides of the pitch as he encouraged the ‘Blues’ to greater efforts.
Jim began his long association with Skryne at a very young age and won an Under-16 Football Championship medal as far back as 1956. He added another championship in 1967 in the Junior B grade when Skryne, as underdogs, defeated Bective in the final with Jim starring at right full back. He won a Feis Cup medal in 1965 and numerous tournaments over the years. He was also a shrewd selector and acted in that capacity on many occasions for Skryne senior and junior teams.
His wife Lily has spent many years as physio to all Skryne teams from Under-12s right up to senior level. She has also worked with the Ladies section and her dedication is well nigh impossible to match. The Skryne club is indebted to those two people for their massive contribution of long and loyal service.
Jim’s sons, Nigel and Keith, have kept the Fox flag flying, playing all grades of football for Skryne. Nigel was part of the senior panel beaten by old rivals Navan O’Mahonys in 1987. He also served on the executive committee and as club secretary in 1995.
The esteem in which Jim was held by the Skryne Club and the people of the parish in general can be gauged by the enormous crowd who visited the family home on hearing the sad news and also the huge numbers who attended his funeral in the Church of St Colmcille, Skryne.
The football club formed a guard of honour and his coffin, draped in the famous blue and white, was carried into the church by members of the present Skryne senior team.
The children of Skryne NS lined up on lawn of the school opposite the church forming another impressive Guard of Honour dressed in their school uniforms with every second student in a Skryne GFC tracksuit. How fitting all this was for a man of Jim’s stature and I’m sure he appreciated it very much as he proudly looked down from on high.
To his wife Lily, sons Nigel and Keith, daughter Louise and all the rest of his relations and friends we offer sincere sympathy.
Ar Dheis De go raibh a anam.