Recent deaths 09-01-10

Mrs Judy Sweeney, of Tinahely, Co Wicklow, whose death occurred in late October, was a member of the Mullins family of Killeen Glebe, Dunsany. Daughter of the late John A Mullins and his wife, Joan, who later lived at Arlonstown, Dunsany, she had been married to horse trainer Edward O'Grady, prior to marrying Peter Sweeney. A recent tribute in the Irish Field racing newspaper, reproduced here, described Mrs Sweeney as 'an earthy character who thrived on simple things.' Mrs Sweeney is survived by her husband, Peter; family Jonathan, Amber and Lucy; stepchildren, Denis, Anna and Jane; sisters, Anne Magee, Di Murphy; brother, Peter; sons-in-law, Robert and Jed; grandchildren, Jasper, Freddie and Ned; niece, nephew, relatives and friends. A memorial service took place in All Saints Church of Ireland, Carnew, Co Wicklow. Appreciation Judy's story is made of the substance that fills the pages of Enid Blyton, Jennifer Johnson and William Trevor. Each vein of information is richer than the next, each thread of her story is more important than the other, and yet, she would be the last one to think of herself in these terms. Judy's 59 years could be described in three parts; as Judy Mullins, Judy O'Grady and Judy Sweeney. My earliest memories of her go back to the early 1960s, to the days of the Meath Pony Club, the pony camps on Laytown Beach and her idyllic childhood in Killeen Glebe, Dunshaughlin. The Mullins' home was well known to anyone with a love of ponies, horses and country life. Her parents John and Joan ensured that Judy, Anne, Di and Peter had every opportunity to explore and live everything this way of life offered. Judy became a well-known follower of the Meath Foxhounds and a regular winner at gymkhanas. Boarding school in England and finishing school in Switzerland did nothing to dampen the spontaneity and natural joie de vivre that were so much part of Judy. Indeed, with her school days behind her, she worked as a pedigree researcher with Goffs and partied her way through her single years. However, behind this feisty and lively exterior there was a strong will, a steely determination, a practical streak and a capacity for organisation that combined a vision for the bigger picture with an eye for every detail. When she married Edward O'Grady she moved from Killeen Glebe to Killeens in Tipperary. With Edward she worked hard to establish a leading National Hunt training establishment at their Ballynonty home near Thurles. Her three children Jonathan, Amber and Lucy were reared at Killeens and became her life and her joy. Her commitment and her absolute love for them was a powerful driving force in her life. When Jonathan was born she was told by doctors that his life both physically and intellectually would be restricted. However, she chose not to bow to this diagnosis and, thanks in no small part to her capacity for facing adversity, Jonathan has, in recent years, completed an MBA at Harvard. Judy became a popular member of the Tipperary Hunt and was a regular racegoer. She spent days on end with Amber and Lucy as they competed in pony classes all over the country. Their subsequent accomplishments in the equestrian world were a source of great pride to her. During this period, she developed a reputation as a wonderful hostess and to be a guest at Killeens was indeed a memorable experience. Judy's final years were among her happiest. She spent them as Judy Sweeney with her beloved Peter in Coolroe, Co Wicklow. Friends and family were delighted when the couple met, fell in love and got married in 2007. In Wicklow she hunted regularly with the Shillelagh & District and was an active member of the Tinahely Riding Club. Judy always loved an occasion, christenings, confirmation days and her daughters' weddings. These events were undertaken with great planning and precision and were always unforgettable. Indeed, her own wedding to Peter was a particularly memorable day. There is no doubt that Judy enjoyed the finer things of life. She treasured her trips to the opera in Verona, she loved her horses, dogs, nature and the outdoors, she had an eye for good design and, as an excellent cook, she relished good food. Along with a genuine sophistication, Judy brought a simple and pragmatic approach to life. She was an earthy character who thrived on simple things. She took great pride in her garden and one of her last chores was to purchase 800 spring bulbs for her garden at Coolroe. Judy's last year was spent fighting a courageous battle with illness. She died as she lived, with great dignity, good humour, serenity and strength. She had a large personality, was forthright, honest and engaging. She was a wonderful conversationalist. One of the great joys in the last chapter of her life was becoming grandmother to Jasper, Freddie and Ned. She enjoyed them immensely and could talk about them forever. Judy had a great life. She had many accomplishments, a great family, good friends and much love. Her life was celebrated at a service of memory in Carnew. It was a beautiful autumn day; the sun was shining, the leaves swirling and a gentle breeze reminded us of weather on a good hunting day. People came from far and wide to bid farewell to Judy. She will be greatly missed. - SP.