Recent deaths 10-07-10

The death occurred on 11th June last of Fr Peter Gerald Toner, a native of Ballivor and a member of the Carmelite Order, who died a month after a road collision in the country of his work, Zimbabwe. Aged 79, Gerald Toner was a native of Robinstown, Ballivor, the youngest of a family of nine, eight boys and a girl, of Patrick and Anne Toner. When he joined the Carmelite Order in 1950, it was customary to be given a new name, to mark the beginning of a new way of life. He was given the name Peter and since then was known as Peter among Carmelites and his friends in Zimbabwe, but continued as Ger or Gerald among family and friends, and neighbours in Ballivor. Deceased was ordained to the priesthood 35 years ago, in 1975. Deceased made his First Profession as a Carmelite at the Friary in Kinsale on 2nd September 1951. Within three years, Fr Toner left for Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, where the Irish Province of Carmelites had established a mission in 1947. The chief celebrant of Fr Toner's funeral Mass in Ballivor, Fr Martin Kilmurray, Provincial of the Order, said it must have been a daunting task for the young man from Robinstown, but he embraced it with enthusiasm. It was an exciting challenge and he had skills which he could share with the people to whom he would minister. Fr Toner was concerned about the physical and social well being of the people of the country he worked in, as well as their spiritual needs. He loved the land and his interest and skills in farming made him a highly effective and influential presence at Triashill and St Barbara's Missions deep in the Zimbabwean countryside. He spent the next 20 years between these two missions. Fr Kilmurray said there were many small farm holdings around those missions. The Carmelites wanted to help the farmers improve their ways and methods of farming, especially in the care of animals and growing of crops. Fr Toner was the one who could head up the project, becoming a much valued instructor and supervisor. He was to be seen travelling a great deal on his motorbike or Land Rover trying to cajole the farmers around to new ideas like dipping centres for warble fly. He advised and instructed on the planting and watering of crops, introducing contoured ridges so that crops on sloping land would not be swept away by heavy rains. In the early 1970s, Peter Gerald, after 20 years of service to the people of the two missions, felt called to priestly ministry within the Order, studying at Beda College in Rome for four years. He was ordained in July 1975 and returned to Zimbabwe the following year, to St Therese Mission as priest in charge. It was a difficult and dangerous time in the country because of the Liberation Struggle. Due to his bravery and diplomacy, the principal of the Mission School and other were spared certain death in one incident. In 1977, he was appointed Administrator of the Cathedral in Mutare were he remained until 2001, where he was loved by parishioners and had a friendly greeting, an encouraging word and a story for each one he met. Deceased moved to the Carmelite Formation House in Harare as Spiritual Director where he helped young Carmelites at the beginning of their journey. Fr Kilmurray said that, to them, with his white beard, he was something of a grandfather figure with many stories to tell. Last autumn, Fr Toner moved to the Priory at Hatfield, Harare. It is unusual that a Carmelite is returned home for burial after dying on mission work, but Fr Toner had a great love for his native place. "Zimbabwe was his life, but he loved Ireland too, and Meath especially," Fr Kilmurray said. "He loved his family and despite his years away from Ireland he kept close to you all. When he wanted a break from ministry or rest due to health problems, he always came back to Robinstown to be with his sister Nancy and the family. I know that Nancy's death last year left a big gap in the family." Fr Kilmurray was assisted by 20 members of the Order, including Assistant Provincial, Fr Patrick Staunton and Fr Bernard Murphy; and Fr Martin Mukosera from Mutare, Zimbabwe; Fr Oliver Devine, PP, Ballivor; Fr Patrick O'Connor, PP, Athboy; and Fr Matthew Mollin, retired PP, Ballivor, as well as a number of priests from the Diocese of Killaloe. A Memorial Mass also took place in Mutare Cathedral, celebrated by Fr Norbert Heaslip. Fr Toner's last visit home was for the funeral of his sister, Nancy, last November. He is survived by his brother, Joe, Warwickshire, England, sister-in-law, Avis; nephews, nieces, relatives and friends and neighbours; and the Carmelite confrere. The Toner family wish to express thanks to all those neighbours in Robinstown and in the parish of Ballivor for their ongoing support and fundraising for Fr Toner's work in Zimbabwe during his ministry there. _____________________________________________________________ Carol Jones, Slane The sad death recently occurred, at her home, of Mrs Carol Jones, Creewood, Slane. She was aged 48. A member of the O'Neill family, originally from Kells, the late Mrs Jones worked as a clerical officer at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown. Deceased is survived by her husband, William Jones; daughters, Melissa, Louise and Orla Jones; mother, Mrs Marie O'Neill; brothers, sisters, grandmother, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces. After her remains reposed at her home, the funeral took place from Rathkenny Church to the local cemetery. _____________________________________________________________ Eileen Kelly, Athboy The regretted death took place on 21st June last at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, of Mrs Eileen Kelly, Grennanstown, Athboy, at the age of 78. Wife of Michael Kelly, she was a member of the Sheehy family of Listowel, Co Kerry. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son, Eamon; daughter, Alice; sister, Mary; daughter-in-law, Marguerite; grandchildren, Alan, Laura, Christopher, Eoghan and Aaron; nephews and niece and extended family. The funeral took place from St James's Church, Athboy, to St Jamess' Cemetery. _____________________________________________________________ Patrick Quinn, Mountnugent The death occurred on 18th June last, at Cavan General Hospital, of Mr Patrick Quinn, Ross, Mountnugent. He is survived by his wife, Breda; brother, sisters, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces and other relatives. The funeral took place from Ballinacree Church to Ballinacree Cemetery. _____________________________________________________________ Nellie Flood, Nobber The regretted death occurred on 15th June last of Ms Nellie Flood, Cregg Road, Nobber, at the age of 79, at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan. Deceased was a native of Ross, Mountnugent, and worked with the Brennan family, Kingscourt, for most of her life, before retiring to the Monaghan family home in Nobber. She was greatly loved and respcted by all who knew her. Ms Flood is survived by the Flood family, Ross, Mountnugent; the Brennan family, Kingscourt and the Monaghan family, Nobber. The funeral took place from the Church of St John the Baptist, Nobber, to Ballinacree Cemetery. _____________________________________________________________ Alan Callaghan, Navan and Rathfeigh A well-known Navan family is in mourning again this week following the death of Alan Callaghan (36), of the Commons Road Cars company. Mr Callaghan, who lived at Edoxtown, Rathfeigh, with his wife, Amanda (Mullen), and new baby daughter, Lucy, died unexpectedly at the weekend, following a short illness. His passing comes just three years after that of his father, Dermot, from whom he had taken over as dealer principal. His grandmother, Delia, who had reached her 100th birthday, died last year. Mr Callaghan was very popular with all staff at Commons Road Cars, and also enjoyed golf as a member of Headfort Golf Club. He was a well-known and respected business man who was well loved by all who knew him. Deceased is survived by Amanda and Lucy; mother, Nancy, sister, Joanne, extended family, relatives and friends. His remains are reposing at his Rathfeigh home today (Wednesday) and will be brought to St Mary's Church, Navan, for Funeral Mass tomorrow (Thursday) morning, at 10am, followed by burial in St Mary's Cemetery, Navan.