Recent deaths 08-05-10

There was widespread sadness following the death of Mrs Joan Foley, The Gransheen, Dunshaughlin, on 20th April last, aged 62, at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown. Mrs Foley (nee Kelly), a native of Kilkelly, Co Mayo, was a national school teacher, and was married to Seamus Foley of the well-known Dunshaughlin family. She began her teaching career in the area in Culmullen National School, Drumree, in 1968. In 1971, she transferred to Dunshaughlin National School, where she was to remain until her early retirement in 2002. Mrs Foley was quite proud of the fact that almost all the members of the Dunshaughlin three-in-a-row Meath senior football championship winning side of a decade ago, were past pupils. Deceased is survived by her husband, Seamus; son Donal; daughter, Anne Louise; sister Mary; brothers Tom, Paddy and Gerry; sisters-in-law; brothers-in-law; nieces; nephews; relatives; and friends. The funeral took place from the Church of Ss Patrick and Sechnall, Dunshaughlin, to Glasnevin Crematorium. _____________________________________________________________ Michael Beatty, Summerhill The recent death at the age of 66 at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, of Mr Michael (Mick) Beatty, Clarkestown, Summerhill, was a source of deep regret within the local community and further afield in the farming community. A native of Clarkestown, Mr Beatty was a tractor mechanic who worked for 50 years at Dermot Kelly Ltd, Kilcock. His name was known by farmers all over the country and he loved every moment he spent at his job. It was said that he could fix anything that came his way. The kitchen at his home was always full of men talking about tractors and Mr Beatty telling stories of his travels around the country. There was always great joy and laughter in his home. On the night of the removal of his remains to Coole Church, a Ford New Holland tractor led the funeral cortege into the churchyard and, on the morning of his burial, a restored 4000 and 5000 were parked at the entrance to Coole Churchyard as a symbol of his lifetime devotion to Ford tractors. He was a very religious man and it showed in how he treated people, always giving a helping hand, a kind word or gentle encouragement. He never told anybody they were wrong, but would offer guidance along the right way. Mr Beatty will be remembered as a great husband, father, grandfather, godfather, work colleague and neighbour. Deceased is survived by his wife, Angela; daughters, Patricia and Pamela; son, Michael; grandchildren, Rebecca Boyd, as well as Robert and Gary Boyd; sister-in-law and and brothers-in-law. _____________________________________________________________ Máire Ní Cheallaigh, Galway The death occurred on 19th April last of Ms Mary Kelly, better known as Máire Ní Cheallaigh, who worked for eighteen years with the former ACOT, now Teagasc, in Kells as a farm home management adviser. She was well known and respected in the farming and wider community and will be remembered for her professional approach to work and her sense of humour. After retiring, Ms Kelly returned to her native Woodford in Co Galway where she was involved in all aspects of community life. Her remains were removed to St John the Baptist Church, Woodford and a large gathering attended the Funeral Mass and burial in Woodford. Sister of the late Fr PJ Kelly SSC and the late Philomena Markwell, she is survived by her sisters, Sr Rosarii OLA, Bernie, TC, Kitty and extended family. _____________________________________________________________ Frank Murphy, Ashbourne Mr Frank Murphy, Fleenstown, Ashbourne, who died aged 90, was son of the late Frank and Agnes Murphy and was a native of Ashbourne. He passed away at his residence on 21st March last. Deceased carried out farm work locally and later worked with Bamburys Bookmakers in Ashbourne. He was well known by racing and GAA enthusiasts. Mr Murphy had played both hurling and football with Donaghmore and had won medals at minor, intermediate and senior grade, as well as a Feis Cup medal, between 1938 and 1950. He is survived by his sisters, Anne and Patricia Murphy, and Una O'Reilly, all Ashbourne; nephew, Fiachra O'Reilly and his wife, Wendy, Dublin; niece, Geraldine Potter-Redmond and her husband, Peter Redmond, Duleek, relatives, neighbours, and friends. The funeral took place from St Patrick's Church, Donaghmore, to the adjoining cemetery. _____________________________________________________________ Sarah Dunne, Trim Mrs Sarah (Betty) Dunne, Bellewstown, Trim, who has died, was a member of the Dunne family of Knock, Castletown KP, Navan. Aged 82, she passed away at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown. She was predeceased in 1962 by her husband, Laurence, and is survived by her daughter, Marion Lacey, Bellewstown, Trim; sons, Gerry and Jimmy, also both Bellewstown; brothers, John, Castletown KP; and Jimmy, Knockerk, Slane; son-in-law, Pat Lacey; daughters-in-law, Ann and Rita; sisters-in-law, Maureen, Slane, and Kathleen Dunne, Swords; grandchildren; great granddaughter, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. The funeral took place from St Patrick's Church, Trim, to St Loman's Cemetery. _____________________________________________________________ Philomena Toner, Ballivor Great sadness was occasioned over a wide area following the recent death of Mrs Philomena Toner, Ballivor, at St Camillus Nursing Centre, Killucan, Co Westmeath. She was aged 88. Originally a member of the Ennis family of Ardenew, Longwood, she was predeceased by her husband, Patrick, in 1971. Deceased is survived by her sons, Fr Oliver Toner, Fort Myers, Florida, USA, and Peter Toner, Ballivor; daughter, Frances Ennis, Higginstown, Athboy; son-in-law, Frank Ennis; daughter-in-law, Maureen Toner; brothers-in-law, Joe Toner, England, and Fr Peter Toner, Zimbabwe; sister-in-law, Mrs Nora Ennis, Longwood; grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. The funeral Mass took place at St Camillus Centre, Killucan, and burial followed in Ballivor Cemetery.