Obituaries 13-10-2012

Dinny McCarthy, Dunshaughlin One of Mr Dinny McCarthy's life passions was Dunshaughlin Gaelic Football Club, and it was only fitting that in death, his remains were carried from Dunshaughlin Church by members of the club's senior county football championship-winning team of a decade ago. The Church of Ss Patrick and Seachnall was overflowing for the funeral Mass of the man who was known the length and breadth of the county for his following of GAA, and indeed, as Fr Joe Clavin said, also knew the length and breadth of the county. A lover of animals and nature, he knew every road and field across Meath, and what was in that field this year, and last year, whether it was tilled or grazed, Fr Clavin said. The passing of Mr McCarthy at the age of 65 on 26th September last came just two years after the death of his wife, Patricia, in September 2010, his father, Hugh, in 2008 and mother, Josie, in 2005. Mr McCarthy lived all his life on the family farm at Grangend, where his parents had moved to from nearby Ratoath. After leaving the local national school, he worked on the farm before working for a period with Hora builders. However, his love of animals and the rural way of life saw him take up a job as herd at Woodpark Stud, where he looked after the cattle, sheep and farm matters. Deceased played underage football with St Martin's GAA, the local set-up in Dunshaughlin and Drumree, and was on the team that won the championship in 1959, completing a three-in-a-row. His love of the game saw him on the umpiring teams of club referees Paddy O'Dwyer, Jim Smith and in recent times, Frank Gallogly, up until recent months when illness prevented him. Mr McCarthy was a familiar figure at club and county games, travelling far and wide. And wasn't slow in letting a referee know his views. In her book, 'I Remember When - Memories of a Childhood in Dunshaughlin', launched as part of the Dunshaughlin Harvest Festival on the day of Mr McCarthy's funeral, Bernadette Carey recalls her old Grangend neighbour. She recalls: "Dinny McCarthy has always been a great follower of football, especially of Dunshaughlin. He played every match from the sideline, with his shirt sleeves rolled up to the elbows and his hands on his hips as he paced up and down to the delight of the other supporters around him, and Dinny was never afraid to tell the referee what he thought of his decision, be they right or wrong!" Deceased was also an avid racegoer, and enjoyed the annual Dunshaughlin pilgrimage to Listowel, as well as attending local race meetings. The McCarthy house was also famed for card-playing, with Mr McCarthy particularly strong at 25s, He was involved for a period helping with the Dunshaughlin Hurling Club which was in existence in the 1980s. In the Offertory Procession at his funeral, a Dunshaughlin jersey was brought to the altar by Dunshaughlin GAA club president Patsy McLoughlin; deceased's cattle stick for herding by his grandson, Luke; his umpiring jacket by referee Frank Gallogly; his Fairyhouse Racecourse badge by John Brady of Woodpark Stud; and his hurl by his match travelling companion, Peadar Lynam. The bread and wine were brought by granddaughters, Megan and Ellie. Deceased is survived by his son, Hugh; daughter-in-law, Trudy; grandson, Luke; granddaughters, Megan, Ellie and Alex, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was also predeceased by his brother, Michael. The funeral took place from Dunshaughlin Church to the local cemetery. Fr Clavin was assited by Fr Colm Browne, CC. Dunshaughlin GFC provided a guard of honour at the obsequies. A month's memory Mass will take place on Sunday 28th October in the Church of Ss Patrick and Seachnall, Dunshaughlin, at 9am. ____________________________________________________ Bridget Byrne, Kilcock The death, at her residence, of Mrs Bridget Byrne, Gallow, Kilcock, aged 76, was the cause of widespread sadness. Mrs Byrne was a member of the Mannering family, The Paddocks, Kilbride, and was daughter of the late John and Alice Mannering. She is survived by her husband, Frank Byrne; sons, John, Ronnie, Ray, Mark, Leslie and Gordon; daughters, Edel, Stephanie and Lynda; in-laws, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers, sisters and a large extended family. The funeral took place from the Church of the Assumption, Coole, to Gallow Cemetery. _________________________________________________________ Anthony Carney, Hayestown Great sadness was occasioned by the recent death of Mr Anthony Carney, Hayestown, Navan, at the age of 79. A native of Laragan, Balla, Co Mayo, he was a retired farmer and a great admirer of all sports, especially his beloved Mayo senior football team. He is survived by his wife, Margaret; sons, John, Anthony Junior, Bill, Seamus and Tommy, all Hayestown; daughters, Mary McCabe, Hayestown, and Bernie Brady, Fennor, Slane; sisters, Evelyn Sloyan, Kiltimagh, Co Mayo, and Kathleen Farragher, London; sons-in-law and daughters-in-law. The funeral Mass was held in the Church of the Assumption, Beauparc, and burial took place afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Mr Carney's month's memory Mass will take place this Saturday, 13th October, at 7pm in Beauparc Church. _______________________________________________________ John Bell, Bohermeen The regretted death of Mr John (Sean) Bell, Durhamstown, Navan, occurred at Knightsbridge Nursing Home, Trim, on 26th September last. Aged 91, deceased was a native of Bohermeen, Navan, and worked as a road supervisor with Meath County Council for about 40 years before his retirement a number of years ago. He had a keen interest in sport and gardening was a huge part of his life. He was predeceased by his wife, Bridie, in 1994, daughter, Margaret in 1998, and son, Patrick, in 1985. Mr Bell is survived by his son, Joseph, Dundalk, Co Louth; daughters, Pauline Rennicks, Phoenixtown, Navan and Patricia Fox, Clonardron, Garlow Cross, Navan; sister, Margaret, Dublin; sons-in-law, Vincent and Sean; grandchildren, brother-in-law; nieces and nephews. The funeral took place on Friday 28th September from St Ultan's Church, Bohermeen, to the adjoining cemetery. _______________________________________________________ Elizabeth (Lily) Bennett, Dunshaughlin The unexpected passing at her daughter's home in Navan of Mrs Elizabeth (Lily) Bennett of Greenpark, Dunshaughlin, at the age of 90, caused widespread sadness. Originally from Killinkere, Virginia, Mrs Bennett (nee Brady) moved to Belfast in the 1940s where she worked as a nanny. She married the late Jimmy Bennett and moved to Skryne in 1949. Together, they built up their family farm and raised their family. Deceased was a gentle, welcoming person who enjoyed the company of many visitors. However, her life was touched by tragedy, first losing her beloved husband, Jimmy, in 1970 and then her two youngest sons, Brian and Anthony, both in their 20s. Her eldest son, Stephen, passed away in 2004. A very loving mother and grandmother, Mrs Bennett enjoyed spending time with her family. In later years, she enjoyed her Friday Club and made many great friends there. Deceased is survived by her daughter, Maureen, Athlumney, Navan; daughter-in-law, Carmel, Greenpark, Dunshaughlin; sister, Rose, Killinkere; brother, Fonsie, Leixlip, Co Kildare; sister-in-law, Alice, and grandchildren, Cormac, Niamh, Lisa, Mary and Ronan. Her funeral took place from St Colmcille's Church, Skryne, to the adjoining cemetery. Mrs Bennett's month's mind Mass will be offered this coming Sunday in St Colmcille's Church at 7pm. _________________________________________________________