Obituaries 4th october 2014

Fr TP Gavin, Summerhill

Fr TP Gavin’s life centred around the Eucharist and prayer, and his devotion to weekday and Sunday Masses provided him with the nourishment and sustenance that in turn allowed him to bring that love of the Eucharist to the people, his funeral Mass in Summerhill heard last week.

Fr Michael Whittaker, parish priest of neighbouring Enfield, delivered the homily at the funeral Mass led by Bishop Michael Smith, when he said Fr Gavin was dedicated to his role of bringing God to the people, and the people to God.

In his ill-health in recent years, his parishioners, as well as family and carers, looked after Fr Gavin, who died following a long illness bravely borne, at Mullingar General Hospital, on Tuesday of last week. He had retired as parish priest of Summerhill churches Dangan and Coole this summer, and celebrated the 40th anniversary of his ordination at a special ceremony in St Mary’s Cluain Lir centre, Mullingar, in July.

A native of Dalystown, outside Mullingar, Co Westmeath, Fr Gavin was ordained in 1974, having studied at seminary in Carlow College. He served in Tullamore (1974-’75), Kingscourt (June 1975 to May 1980), Oldcastle (May 1980 to 1988) and Enfield (1988 to 1999) prior to his appointment to Summerhill in October 1999.

In all his parishes, he oversaw improvements to church buildings, schools and parochial houses, and saw that all parish facilities were maintained to the highest standards.

He loved to visit the schools and meet the children and the teachers, and earlier this year, officially blessed the new extension to Coole NS. Fr Whittaker said the guards of honour provided by the children of Coole and Dangan national schools at his funeral were a fitting tribute.

Fr Gavin had a great interest in sport, and enjoyed horse racing, growing up close to Kilbeggan racecourse. He followed the Meath team, enjoying trips to Croke Park, and was delighted to see Summerhill win the championship in 2011 and 2013. He played golf with friends and colleagues, and oversaw the Meath Priests Golf Society for many years.

Predeceased by his parents, William and Margaret; his sister Mary Murtagh, and brother-in-law Billy; he is survived by his brothers, John, Laurence, Maurice, Malachy and Mark, sisters, Anne Fallon, and Siobhan O’Donovan; brothers-in-law, Bernard and Eugene; sisters-in-law, Nuala, Sheila, Bernie, Marie and Mary, nieces and nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews, Godchild Rachel, cousins, relatives and a large circle of good friends, the Bishop of Meath, the Most Rev Dr Michael Smith, priests of the Meath diocese and his parishioners.

His remains reposed at the Church of the Assumption, Coole, before removal to Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Dangan, for Requiem Mass on Thursday last, with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

 

Rory Rourke, Kells

The sudden death occurred on 10th September last at his home of Rory Rourke, Archdeaconry Glebe, Maudlin Street, Kells, aged 45.

Deceased was a native of Nugentstown, Kells, and attended Cortown National School. He had a great love of animals and came from a background where horses and hounds played a big part of his life in his younger days. He will be remembered as a hard worker.

Rory was a dedicated and much adored husband to his wife Elaine, and father to Shanice, Michaela, Ciaran, Caitlin, and Kianna.

He is also survived by his mother, father, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

The funeral took place from to St Colmcille’s Church, Kells, to St Colmcille’s Cemetery, Kells.

Dillie Keely, Dunderry

There was widespread regret following the passing on 9th September last, at Knightsbridge Nursing Home, Trim, of Dillie Keely, Eskaroon, Dunderry, aged 82.

Deceased was a native of Grange Bective, Navan, daughter of the late Mark and Kathleen Corley.

She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and was a keen gardener who arranged the flowers in Dunderry Church for 25 years. She was a member of the local ICA, and a great baker. She had a huge belief in education and was also very musical, singing in the church choir.

Dillie travelled extensively to Australia, America, Egypt, Israel, Lourdes, Fatima, Paris, Spain and Portugal.

She is survived by her husband, Patrick, family, Katy, Dick, Mary, Mark, Johnny, Sarah, Joan, Angie, Phyl, Jenn and Lucy; 26 grandchildren; four great grandchildren; brother, Val Corley; sisters, Josie McDonald, Trim and Phyllis Cassidy, Cortown, Kells; sons-in-law; daughters-in-law; family and friends. She was predeceased by her son, Pat in 1978.

The funeral took place from the Church of the Assumption, Dunderry, to the local cemetery.

 

Bridie Reel, Navan

The Reel family of the well known Oriel Cafe confectionery shop on Ludlow Street in Navan was bereaved on Friday with the death of Bridie (Bridget Frances) Reel, peacefully at home.

Bridie was a quiet and reserved person who had a great faith, and was a daily Mass goer at St Mary’s and St Ann’s churches in Navan.

From Newry originally, she later lived in Kilcullen, Co Kildare, where she attended the Cross and Passion College. She then came to help the family at the shop in Navan, and was very kind and helpful to everybody who came in contact with her. She loved seeing children coming into the shop.

Bridie also had a love of classical music. She was devoted to Our Lady, and the Legion of Mary. At her funeral Mass on Monday in Navan, Fr Stephen Kelly CC spoke of how she patiently and privately bore her illness over the past year, and of her faith.

Her remains were received at the Church on Sunday evening by Fr Declan Hurley, Adm, assisted by Fr Joe McGrath, a native of Navan, serving in the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise.

Bridie is survived by her brothers, James and Patrick; sister, Esther; sister-in-law, Bridie; nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives and friends, especially in the Legion of Mary. Burial in Saint Mary’s Cemetery took place after the funeral Mass.

Mary Ryan, Ashbourne

The regretted death occurred on 19th September last of Mary Patricia Ryan, Tudor Grove, Ashbourne, at her home, at the age of 76.

Nee MacDermott, she was a native of Pullis, Emyvale, Co Monaghan.

She is survived by her husband, Andrew; family, Stephen, Ken, Sinead and Lorraine; grandchildren, Robert, David, Enya and Madeline; sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, sisters, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and many dear friends.

The funeral took place from the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Ashbourne, to St Declan’s Cemetery, Ashbourne. Donations, if desired, casn be made to the Meath Palliative Care Team.

Fr Joseph Brilley, Drumraney

The death occurred on Sunday of Fr Joseph Brilley, parish priest of Drumraney, Co Westmeath and a native of Clarkestown, Summerhill. He passed away at his residence, after a short illness bravely borne, surrounded by his family, friends and parishioners.

Fr Brilley was a native of Summerhill parish and was ordained in 1986 in St Patrick’s College, Thurles. He served as a curate in Holy Family, Drogheda (1986-87), Kilbeggan (1987-89) and Tyrrellspass (1989-97).

He was appointed parish priest of Dysart in September 1997. Fr Brilley moved to Drumraney as Parish Priest in 1998 in succession to the late Fr Andrew Rispin.

He is survived by his sisters, Stella Flynn, Bridie Burke and Mary; brother, Paddy; brothers-in-law, Thomas and Mick; sister-in-law Oi; nephews, nieces, relatives and a large circle of friends, the Bishop of Meath, the Most Rev Dr. Michael Smith, priests of the Meath diocese and his parishioners of Drumraney, Forgney and Tang.

His removal took on Tuesday evening to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Drumraney, with Requiem Mass on Wednesday 1st October at 12 noon, and burial afterwards in adjoining cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations, if so desired, to South Westmeath Hospice.