Recent deaths 10-10-09

The death of Mrs Jacinta Lyons (nee Darby), Dean Hill, Hayes, Navan, in her 42nd year, was a source of widespread regret throughout the parish of Yellow Furze and beyond. Although Mrs Lyons' life was cut short with illness, she led a very full and active lifestyle, and she was a brilliant seamstress and curtain maker, noted for her attention to detail. In her youth, deceased was a member of the K&S Accordion Band, and played Gaelic football and badminton for Seneschalstown, and later brought her two sons to play Gaelic and soccer. Mrs Lyons did her best not to miss a match right up to ladies senior football final between Seneschalstown and St Ultan's of Bohermeen the Sunday prior to her passing. She was actively involved in the community, and was a member of the Yellow Furze NS Parents Association, was a minister of the Eucharist and a hand maid with the Meath Hospitality to Lourdes. Mrs Lyons was a great support and comfort to others in times of need and was always ready to lend a helping hand. Her positive attitude to life was an inspiration to all who knew her well, and her passing leaves a void in those who loved her dearly. Deceased is survived by her husband, Greg; sons, Niall and Jason; parents, Thomas and Theresa Darby, Dean Hill; sisters, Veronica Darby, Dean Hill, and Miriam Ward, The Paddock, Navan; brothers, Patrick and Declan Darby, Dean Hill; mother-in-law, Vera Lyons, Slane; sisters-in-law, Dolores, Margaret and Yvonne; brothers-in-law, Martin Ward, David and Ronan Lyons; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, Godchildren Ivan and Dylan; neighbours and friends. The funeral took place from the Church of the Assumption, Beauparc, to the adjoining cemetery. A month's mind Mass will be celebrated on Friday 16th October at 7.30pm, in Beauparc Church. _____________________________________________________________ James Madden, Kells Sadness was aroused over a wide area by the recent death of Mr James (Sonny) Madden, Kilmainham, Kells, which occurred at St Joseph's Hospital, Trim. Aged 89 and a native of Kilmainham, Mr Madden's wife, Ellen, predeceased him in February 2006 at the age of 93. He was the eldest of a family of 12 and worked initially in the Tara Shoes Factory in Kells before going on to work for over 30 years at International Harvester, the farm machinery manufacturers, in Doncaster, England. He was a quiet man who was never known to use bad language, say a bad thing about anyone or lose his patience. He had a beautiful salutation for everyone he met - 'Happy Day'. Mr Madden had been in St Joseph's Hospital since the end of January where he received wonderful care and attention. Deceased is survived by his sisters, Sr Rosemarie Madden, Lucan, Dublin, and Anna Frances McDonnell, Oldcastle; and brothers, Colin, Kilmainham and Oliver, Thailand. The funeral took place from St Colmcille's Church, Kells, to St Colmcille's Cemetery. _____________________________________________________________ Fr Paddy McMahon, Moynalty and Africa The death has occurred of Moynalty native Fr Paddy McMahon, who worked on the African Missions with the Oblate Fathers. He passed away recently on a visit home to the Royal County. At the huge age of 97, Fr McMahon was still actively involved in the raising of funds for the hospice, which he established in South Africa. He went to South Africa in 1946 and was the sole survivor of a group of four young men from Ireland assigned to the African mission 63 years ago. He established the Sukumawenze Hospice in 1984 in Inanda, a sprawling impoverished area of 1.5 million people just outside Durban. Fr McMahon returned home regularly where he was strongly supported by the people of the parish of Moynalty-Newcastle, without which he could not continue his work. All funds raised recently have been forwarded to the Sukumawenze Hospice to continue his good work. Fr McMahon was an avid internet user in his 80s and 90s and kept in contact with friends and family by email. He also gave computer lessons to the young people of the area. Besides taking care of the dying, the hospice also houses the children of parents who are ill and who have no-one to care for them. A feeding scheme is up and running, where hungry school children from the community receive two meals a day. Sukumawenze is a Zulu name and means 'Stand Up and Do Something'. The centre and all who worked with Fr McMahon have truly 'stood up and done something' that has made a great impact on the community. The funeral mass took place on 21st September 21st and deceased was buried in Inchicore. _____________________________________________________________ Anne Connolly, Navan and Zimbabwe The death occurred suddenly in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Saturday last, 3rd October, of Mrs Anne Connolly (nee McQuillan), formerly of Kilcarn Heights, Navan. Mrs Connolly was daughter of Ellen (Nellie) and the late Harry McQuillan, the well-known international amateur golfer who was member of Royal Tara Golf Club. Deceased is survived by her husband, Joe; son, Eoin; daughter, Aoife; mother; brothers, Cahal and Shane; mother-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces; nephews, aunts, uncles, relatives and friends. _____________________________________________________________ Martin Conaty, Carlanstown The death occurred on 26th September last of Mr Martin Conaty, Deer Park, Carlanstown. Deceased was a well-known painter and decorator in the area, and was aged 47 at the time of his passing. He is survived by his wife, Josephine (nee McMahon); brothers, Paddy, Larry, Gus, Christy, Dominick; sisters, Margaret, Anna, Mary, Ger, Anto, Gwen, extended family, relatives and friends. The funeral took place from St Colmcille's Church, Kells, to St Colmcille's Cemetery. _____________________________________________________________ Edward Farrelly, Navan The regretted death occurred on 14th September last, at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, of Mr Edward (Eddie ) Farrelly, Dunloe Drive, Windtown, Navan, after a bravely borne illness. Aged 59, deceased was son of the late Patrick and Margaret Farrelly, and was a native of Boyerstown, Navan. A construction worker, he will be remembered as a very caring, independent, and witty man with a great sense of humour. He had a great passion for Gaelic football and hurling, as well as a great love of music, country walks and catching up with friends. Mr Farrelly is survived by his partner, Mary; son, Matthew; daughter, Kelly; brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law; grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. The funeral took place from Boyerstown Church to the adjoining cemetery.