Final journey home from New York for Robbie McCormack

Navan native Robert McCormack, a key figure in the Meath Association of New York, will be laid to rest in his home town tomorrow morning.

He died peacefully at Good Shepherd Hospice, Rockville Centre, New York, following an illness borne with strength and dignity.

From Parnell Park, Robbie, as he was fondly known, spent the first 19 years of his life in his beloved Navan where he played gaelic football with the De La Salles and went on to play for the Meath minors on the same team as his brother, Barry. Born into a Navan O’Mahonys family, Robbie took great pride in the fact that he lined out alongside his late father, Tony, in a junior match. Robbie also had some success in juvenile boxing representing Navan.

After finishing his secondary schooling in the CBS, Kells, Robbie spent a short time working in Navan Post Office before emigrating to New York in 1974. He spent many years in the bar business in the Bronx and made many friends from all four corners of Ireland.

It wasn’t long before he met his lifetime partner, Kathleen, who he married in 1979. Shortly after they set up home in Sea Cliff on the north shore of Long Island and Robbie took up a position in the Water Authority in Great Neck serving 32 years there.

Robbie was instrumental in resurrecting the Meath Association of New York in 1986 along with the late Sr Beata Gerrity, who died in 2012. He was president of this Association for 32 years until he stepped down in 2017. He put in countless hours helping out fellow Meath people who he met in the city. He could be seen at the top of the Meath section of the New York St Patrick’s Day Parade proudly carrying his county colours. Indeed it was on these occasions that Robbie – along with his fellow members - welcomed and hosted many Meath officials who travelled over from Ireland for the occasion.

Robbie represented Meath on the United Irish Counties committee and on the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Committee. He was honoured for his efforts by being conferred a Freeman of Kells on 17th July, 2009.

A very keen golfer, Robbie represented Meath many times in the NYC inter-county annual tournament and was President of the Irish-American Golf Club for 10 years. An overseas member of Headfort Golf Club, he enjoyed playing golf in Ireland on the many trips he made home.

A true family man Robbie embraced, entertained and loved everyone who came into his life.

Pre-deceased by his father Tony, Robbie is survived by his wife Kathleen, son Thomas (Helen), daughter Caroline (Jimmy) and granddaughter Faye; mother Ita; brothers Barry (Joan) and Martin (Jacqueline) sisters Elaine (Willie), Maria (Derek) and Fiona; nephews, nieces and extended family.

A family funeral Mass under restrictions will be held tomorrow (Friday) at 10.30am in St Mary's Church. This may be viewed on www.navanparish.ie/webcam. Burial afterwards will be in Old Athlumney Cemetery.

PHOTO: In 2009, Robbie McCormack received the Freedom of Kells, where he attended school, from Cllrs Willie Carey, Brian Curran, and the late Joe Reilly. Photo: Seamus Farrelly