Scairbh
Na
gCaorach
EMYVALE
My memories of Dan go back many years to the time he came to Emyvale and became Sergeant of the Garda. It was he who stopped me at the Garda Station on the 14th August 1964 and asked me to go to Emy Lake where, he said, someone was drowning. When I got there I found that my best friend, Val Forde had lost his life and was still missing.
Dan and I have been close friends over the years since and I always respected him for the manner in which he carried out his duties as a Garda. In that work he displayed a great sensitivity towards people and it was no wonder that he became a champion of those with special needs and did so much work in the development of services for them. The independent accommodation and independent living now available is a result of his continuous and persistent efforts over many years. He never gave up hope of achieving his aims and when last we spoke he still had so much to do and so many plans to see fulfilled.
Joan Kavanagh RIP: It is with regret that I report the death of Joan Kavanagh, Ardbannagher,
Glaslough, who passed away today, Monday, November 7th. It has been a short few weeks
since we learned that Joan had been diagnosed with a serious illness and her death
has come very quickly. Her funeral will took place on Wednesday morning at 10am in
St. Mary’s Glennan with a huge crowd in attendance.
Joan, nee Finnegan, was a lively
and fun character that I got to know when she attended the Emyvale Bingo. We always
had a laugh as she went in and her funny comments in her group during the bingo were
relayed to me. She would never pass you on the street without a big hello and a big
smile on her face. She will be sadly missed in her community and by her family in
particular and she will be mourned by a very wide circle of friends. I offer my deepest
sympathy to them at this time. May she rest in peace.
The sad news continues to dominate in the North Monaghan area with the news on Friday,
Nov 11th of the death of Justin Rogan R.I.P. Just one week after the passing of his
father Dan (See down this page). Justin has been ill for some months and was being
treated in a Dublin hospital and was unable to attend the funeral of his father.
Indeed he and his father were in Dublin hospitals at the same time. This is a terrible
blow to the family coming as it does so quickly after Dan’s death.
Justin was a very
independent person despite his special needs and he was a prominent figure in the
area and among his friends in the Arch Club. He was a Eucharist Minister in St. Mary’s
Church, Glennan, and always offered his services to the priest on his arrival at
the chapel. He loved fun and socialising and he endeared himself to people all over
the county and beyond. His many friends will mourn his loss and miss him from their
company.
His funeral Mass and burial took place on Sunday, November 13th in St. Mary’s,
Glennan. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam naofa.
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I express sincere sympathy to the McCormick Family from Rockcorry on the sudden and heartbreaking death of Caoimhe McCormick, Claraghy, Rockcorry, R.I.P. which occurred on Friday, November 11th. She had been injured in a car accident some weeks ago but her life was beginning to return to normal when her death came so suddenly. Her sister Orla is still recovering from her injuries. To Orla and her parents, Barry and Bernie, we offered our sincere sympathy.
It is with regret that I report the death of Pat Kehoe, Derryhee, Emyvale, which
occurred on Wednesday, December 14th. Pat’s remains left his home at 10.45am on Sunday,
December 18th to arrive at St. Patrick’s Church, Corracrin, for 11.30am Mass with
burial in the adjoining cemetery after Mass. The celebrant was Fr. Shane McCaughey
and his homily can be read HERE
I offer deepest sympathy to Mary and the family at
this sad time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
It is with regret that we record the death of Martin McCarron, Tydavnet, which took
place suddenly on Monday January 16th. Martin is brother of GAA Referee Gerry McCarron.
To Gerry and the other members of the McCarron family I offer my sincere sympathy.
I
also send sympathies to the McVicar family in Cremartin on the death of Paddy, which
also occurred yesterday.
May they both rest in peace.
We regret to have to record that Kieran Finlay, Ballybay, has passed away on Tuesday February 14th. Kieran, the father of county player, Paul, and himself a great contributor to the GAA in Monaghan and elsewhere, has been ill for some time but bore it with great fortitude. Go ndeana Dia trocaire ar a anam naofa.
Kieran was a great character and a great friend to so many. His talents in sport were exceptional and this ability was demonstrated many times as he played for his county. He set an Ulster record for the highest scorer in an Ulster final when he scored 1 - 9 for Monaghan in the 1979 final. This stood the test of time for 20 years until it was beaten by Oisin McConville. As county and club player he was a leader and forever encouraged his team mates to greater effort and he always gave of his best. His banter will be missed by so many but his family will miss him most and to them we offer our sympathies.
The late Benny McKenna had structured the Christmas Day swim at Emy, raising large
amounts of funds for various charities. When he passed away Dan and the Friends of
the Mentally Handicapped took over the organising of the event and continued the
great tradition. When Dan asked one to do something he could not be refused and his
plans always came together with a very successful outcome.
Dan was also very involved
with many other community projects and was always willing to give more of his time,
energy, expertise, and experience for the benefit of his fellow man. May God reward
him now for his good works while among us. He will be sadly missed by the community
at large and by his family in particular. To them we offer our deepest sympathy.
His
Requiem Mass was in St. Mary’s Church, Glennan, Glaslough, on Sunday, November 6th
at 10am. May he rest in Peace.
Justin Rogan RIP