Recent deaths 14-02-09

J J Fallon, Trim The death occurred last week of Mr J J Fallon, Newhaggard, Trim, who was one of the founding members of the Trim branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. Mr Fallon was one of the most instantly recognisable faces involved with the traditional music movement in Trim and Meath over the past 40 years. Born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in the United States in 1919, his family returned to their native Elphin, Co Roscommon, when he was young. He worked as a psychiatric and TB nurse and came to Meath in the late 1940s to work in the Meath County Council health department headquarters in Trim, when the county council was still the local health authority. Deceased was an environmental officer with the council initially, before the responsibilities were taken over by the North Eastern Health Board, now the HSE. Educated at Summerhill College in Sligo, he had a great love of the Latin and Irish languages, and was a promoter of all things relating to the Irish culture. He was a founder member of Conradh na Gaeilge in Trim. In March, 1968, Mr Fallon and Colm McCole called a meeting in the Genville Hotel in Trim, with a view to setting up a branch of Comhaltas. He was appointed treasurer, a position he was to hold for 29 years. Colm McCole was appointed chairman; Norman Pratt, vice-chair; and Frank Moran, secretary. When a Comhaltas county board was formed in 1979 with a view to hosting a county fleadh, Mr Fallon was appointed treasurer, with fellow Trim members Frank Moran, and Liam Ryan also serving as officers. Over the years, Mr Fallon was a familiar tin whistler and singer at sessions in Trim, the Warrenstown Arms, and in more recent times, Dunsany, where his rendition of 'The Old Bog Road" was a favourite. 'Red is the Rose" was another popular rendition, and he had a very distinctive singing voice. Deceased also took part in a number of productions by Trim Musical Society, and was active in other community organisations such as the Order of Malta. He was a lifelong member of the Pioneer Association. Mr Fallon, who celebrated his 89th birthday last summer, died peacefully on Wednesday last at his residence in the care of his family and the Palliative Care Team. He was predeceased by his wife, Renee, and is survived by his family, Mary, Joe, Peg, John, Teresa, Tom and Bill; brother, Francis; sister, Geraldine; sister-in-law, Kitty; grandchildren; nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. The funeral took place on Monday from St Patrick"s Church, Trim, to St Loman"s Cemetery. Elizabeth Lee, Trim The regretted death occurred on 25th January last of Mrs Elizabeth (Bessie) Lee (nee Long), St Loman Street, Trim. A native of Trim, Mrs Lee (70) worked as a HSE family support member in Dunshaughlin. She devoted her time to her husband and all her family. Mrs Lee was also involved in Trim Country Markets and the school board of management. Her passion for gardening and love of nature was clearly seen by all who knew her. Throughout her time, she put everybody else first. Deceased is survived by her husband, Gerard; daughter, Collette Lenihan; sons, Gerard, Edward, Brian and Dermot; son-in-law, Gerry; daughters-in-law, Eileen, Sinead and Sara; sisters-in-law, Mrs Patsy and Michael Murphy; grandchildren, Rebecca, Hannah, Ciara, David, Sophie, Aaron, Calum and Isabell. The funeral mass was concelebrated by Fr Andy Farrell, PP, Trim, along with Fr Hugh Lee MHM, Dom Bernard O"Cist, Fr William O"Cist, Fr Sean Dunne, Columban Fathers, Fr Michael Daly, Fr Mark Mohan, CC, Fr Denis McNellis, PP, and Rev Dean Robert Jones. The funeral took place from St Patrick"s Church, Trim, to St Loman"s Cemetery, Trim. Br Colman (Richard) O"Flaherty, Ardbraccan The regretted death occurred recently of Brother Colman O"Flaherty, Holy Ghost Fathers, Ardbraccan, Navan, in Marian House, Kimmage, following a long illness, which he bravely fought. Bro Colman was born in Tiernevin, Gort Co Galway on 16th August 1921. He attended Multyfarnham Agricultural College from 1936 to 1939. He entered the novitiate in Ardbraccan, Navan, and was professed in 1961, making his consecration to the Apostolate in 1967. Bro Colman spent his entire religious missionary life in Ardbraccan where he managed the farm and also served as community bursar for some time. He is remembered as a very kind and gentle person who frequently visited the sick and had a kind word for all. Deceased is survived by his sisters, sister-in-law, nieces and nephews. The funeral took place from St Ultan"s Church, Bohermeen, to Boyerstown Cemetery. Donal O"Brien, Garlow Cross Much sadness was occasioned over a wide area by the death of Mr Donal (Don) O"Brien, Corballis, Garlow Cross, Navan, at his home on 14th January last. Mr O"Brien (89) was a native of Johnstown, Navan, and worked in Tara Mines. Deceased is survived by his wife Elizabeth (Teenie); daughters, Mrs Teresa Smyth and husband David, Donaghmore, Navan; Mrs Siobhan McCarthy and husband Cathal, Garlow Cross, Navan; Mrs Sinead McEnery and husband Brian, Tara Court, Navan; son, Mr Donal O"Brien and Aileen, Canterbrook, Navan; grandchildren, Caoimhe, Sarah, Shane, Kate, Laura and Sally; brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews and other relatives. Deceased"s remains were removed to The Church of the Nativity, Johnstown, with burial following the funeral Mass to Old Kilcarne Cemetery. A month"s mind Mass will take place in Johnstown Church on Saturday 28th February at 7.30pm. Carol Walsh, Clonalvy Ms Carol Walsh, Bartramstown, Clonalvy, who died in mid-January, took part in the 2003 Special Olympics in Kill, and in the 2006 event in Belfast, in pony riding, and while she qualified for Beijing last year, unfortunately was not on the final squad. Ms Walsh died on 12th January at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, aged 46. She was also a keen swimmer and took part in summer games in Claremont, and also loved walking and keeping fit. Most important to her was her work in Versatile Beechmount, across from Midway which she attended, and the Navan Arch Club was another outlet for her. Ms Walsh enjoyed taking part in variety concerts, sing-songs and weekends away, as well as pony riding at Bachelor"s Lodge in Kells. She enjoyed respite breaks with Clann Mor on the Commons Road, as well as her computer classes. Deceased is survived by her sister, Olive Madden, Donore; Finola Tuite, Sydney, Australia; Marie Edwards, Bartramstown; brothers-in-law, Seamus Madden, James Tuite and Colm Edwards; nephews, Eirin, Stephen, Edward and Leon Madden; nephews, Alli and Nikita Tuite; grandniece, Katie Rose Madden, and other relatives, friends and colleagues. The funeral took place from St John the Baptist Church, Clonalvy, to Clonalvy Cemetery. A month"s memory Mass will take place there on Sunday next, 15th February at 10am.