Recent deaths 21-11-09

In June 1927, Fr MJ Douglas, a Columban missionary priest from Skryne, wrote a poem called 'Two Hills', about the hills of Skryne and Tara in his native parish. He wrote: 'Two hills speak to my heart today: And one is where lush pastures green, Ring round the hallowed tower of Skryne; And one is Tara, old and grey.' It could well have been attributed to Paddy Farnan, who on the October bank holiday Monday, was buried beneath that same tower of Skryne on his beloved hill where he had lived and passed away. His untimely death at the age of 55, following a six month illness, brought enormous sadness as Mr Farnan was a well-known and popular character. His quiet and unassuming maintenance of the cemetery on the Hill, where his parents Patrick and Maureen are also buried, was evidence of his appreciation of the area, and his knowledge of local history, cultural and sporting achievements was immense. Like the majority of Skryne men, he played his part on local football teams over the years, and was holder of underage titles including an Under-12 Curran Cup medal in 1966 and a 1975 Under-21 championship. Mr Farnan also held Feis Cup medals from 1976, '80, '81 and one from GAA centenary year, 1984. After his playing days, he remained involved at committee level and helped out at underage when his own family were young. He also held a schools medal from his time in Navan Vocational School. Another sport that deceased followed with great passion was horseracing, and while there were trips to Leopardstown or Cheltenham in the early days, it was flat racing that he turned his attentions to in more recent years, following the fortunes of Aidan O'Brien and Ballydoyle, making the trip to Longchamp for the Prix de l'Arc Triomphe for a number of years to 2008. Mr Farnan was delighted to meet jockey Kieran Fallon earlier this summer. He enjoyed rock music, and liked to attend the concerts of big acts such as the Rolling Stones or The Who, and was a walking encyclopedia on rock 'n' roll. He worked at Tara Mines for a period and also enjoyed some cattle farming. Prior to returning to Skryne, deceased and family lived for periods in Lismullin, Kilmessan and Knockmark. Paddy Farnan is survived by his wife, Mary; sons, Conor and Thomas; sisters, Eileen Browne, Ross and Geraldine Kavanagh, Lucan; in-laws, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. He was predeceased by sister, Sheila Gaffney, Roscommon. The funeral Mass took place in St Colmcille's Church, Skryne, celebrated by Fr Thomas O'Mahony, PP, assisted by Monsignor Edward Dunne, a native of the parish, and Fr Gavan Jennings, Opus Dei, Lismullin. Mr Farnan was laid to rest on the Hill of Skryne, where piper Sean Finnegan led the large crowd of mourners to the graveside. A month's memory Mass will be held in Skryne on Friday 27th November, after which the family will welcome all back to Fox's on the hill for an evening of reminiscing and memories. 'Two hills are gathered to my heart, the hills I looked upon from youth, And I pledge in solemn truth, where e'er I go, we shall not part.' ____________________________________________________________ Dan Joe Kiely, Trim Mr Dan Joe Kiely, who died on 7th October last, was the last surviving member of his generation of the well-known Trim family. He was aged 76 and died suddenly at his residence at Whitehall. Deceased will be remembered for his love of his family, friends, faith and his farm, as well as his love of GAA and all sports. Mr Kiely was a kind, considerate and honourable man, a larger than life character renowned for his storytelling and one-of-a-kind jokes. Since 2006, he experienced the loss of all his brothers and sisters, Eugene, Lil, Mai, Tom and Margaret; and was also predeceased in 1978 by his wife, Anne (nee Leonard). Mr Kiely is survived by his family, Catherine, Elizabeth, Suzanne, Daniel and Yvonne; sons-in-law, grandchildren, Kiara, Cillian and Declan, and extended family. The funeral Mass took place from St Patrick's Church, Trim, to St Loman's Cemetery. A month's memory Mass will take place in St Patrick's Church, Trim, at 11am on Sunday 22nd November. ____________________________________________________________ Mary Moore, London The regretted death occurred in London on the 21st October last of Ms Mary Moore (49), daughter of the late James (Seamus) Moore, Horath, Carlanstown, Kells, and his late wife, Catherine. It was the third bereavement for the family this year as her mother, Catherine, passed away on 8th May last, and Ms Moore's brother, James, died just 12 days later at the age of 56. Ms Moore was their carer and confidante for many years. Her father had passed away in 1974. Born in Battersea in 1960, she had lived all her life in London, to where her father had emigrated. Never forgetting her roots, Ms Moore loved Ireland and was looking forward to the day she could return. She worked in the Department of Work and Pensions for most of her life and will be remembered as a good-natured and spirited person, which was witnessed at her funeral where many of her colleagues came to pay their respects. Deceased is survived by her brothers, Michael, Navan, and Thomas, Oswestry, UK. ____________________________________________________________ Michael Smith, Carlanstown Much sadness was occasioned on the death of Michael Smith, Farranalcock, Carlanstown, Kells, who passed away on 2nd November at St Vincent's Hospital. Mr Smith (45), who was self-employed, was a great character, always cheerful and gave a little 'touch of his magic' to everyone he met. His kind and fun loving nature will always be remembered. Deceased is survived by his wife, Yvonne; mother, Maureen; brother, Paddy and will also be sadly missed by Neville, Geraldine, Emily, George, Jason, Brendan, Vaughan, Veronica and extended family and friends. The funeral took place at St Columba's Church, Kells, on 6th November with burial afterwards at Kilbeg Cemetery. ____________________________________________________________ John Reilly, Kells The death occurred unexpectedly recently of Mr John (Johnny) Reilly, Balrath Road, Kells, and formerly Carrick Street, at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan. Aged 78, deceased was a well known and respected Kells resident who had a very broad and distinguished career, working initially in Kells Post Office with the exchange service, where his familiar voice became known by many at home and abroad. He later served in the Irish Army where he had 12 years of distinguished service, including border duty at a time when the 'Troubles' were at their worst. Deceased also served with the seventh battalion of the FCA for 21 years, reaching the rank of corporal. Medals of bravery and certificates of service to the Defence Forces were amongst the gifts presented at the Funeral Mass and the coffin was draped with the Tricolour for the removal to the church. Mr Reilly was predeceased by his wife, Kathleen, in 2008, and deceased had cared for his late wife prior to his own ill health. He is survived by his granddaughter, Kathleen Fitzsimons, and her husband Frank; stepdaughter, Mary, and her husband, Brian; stepson, Tony and his wife, Marion; grandchildren,; neighbours and a large circle of friends. The funeral took place from St Colmcille's Church to the local cemetery. Fr John Byrne, PP, Kells, celebrated the Mass. ____________________________________________________________ Eileen Sugrue, Navan The death occurred on 28th October last, at her residence, of Mrs Eileen Sugrue, Ferndale, Navan, and formerly of Clongill, Donaghpatrick. Mrs Sugrue died peacefully at her home following a short illness which she faced with positivity and courage, never complaining. Deceased took great pride and enjoyment in family life and her great sense of honour and positive attitude to life was an inspiration to all who knew her. She was involved in voluntary work in local charity shops until poor health prevented her from continuing. Mrs Sugrue was a well-liked and highly respected member of the community and enjoyed many social activities, including bingo, dancing and the Wilkinstown Active Retirement Club. She was predeceased by her husband, Dan, and is survived by her sons, Paddy, Navan, and Sean, Boston; daughters, Olivia Gaynor, Athboy; Martina Sugrue, Navan; Claire Whyte, Navan; Majella McFadden, Gibbstown, and Fionnuala Sugrue, Dublin; sister, Pearl Bruton, Rosmeen; in-laws, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives. The funeral took place from St Catherine's Church, Oristown, to Gibbstown Cemetery. A month's memory Mass will take place in the Church of St John the Baptist, Kilberry, on Sunday 29th November at 11.30am.