John Daly was synonymous with Bull Ring
THE death has taken place of John Daly of Shamrock Villas, described by his family as ‘ a laid-back gentleman’.
Well known in the grocery and golfing circles, John Daly was born on March 10th, 1929, and would have celebrated his 90th birthday in a couple of weeks.
Sadly, he passed away on January 6th last.
John was the only child of Thomas and Mary Daly, who ran a grocery shop and pub on the Bull Ring, now demolished.
The family lived over the shop, as did most business people in the town. After leaving school, John served his apprenticeship in Ardee, where he continued to play Gaelic football, winning many matches and medals in Ardee and with Naomh Mhuire in Drogheda, amongst them, the Louth Championship in 1952 and the Macardle Cup.
It was whilst down in Drogheda Rowing Club playing table tennis one evening that John met Breda McQuillan, from a retail business family in West Street.
The couple married in 1956 and moved to Shamrock Villas, where they raised their family of four daughters whom he adored – Anne Marie, twins Geraldine and Breda, and Grainne.
He was introduced to golf by friend Hugo McDonagh in 1957, and joined Laytown and Bettystown GC, where the family had a summer house. He enjoyed the sport, serving as Captain at one stage, winning many prizes and travelling the country for games. It was a shared pastime, as Breda also played and serviced as Lady Captain.
John also played with the Grocers Golf Society, and every September enjoyed their annual away-trip.
John loved his work, bottling and labelling his own stout and packing the loose-leaf tea on site.
He welcomed his regulars and enjoyed the Sunday custom of ‘ bona fide’ drinkers, who walked the three miles into Drogheda to circumvent the licensing laws of the time! Joe Moore from Yellowbatter worked in the shop, and a messenger boy did deliveries on his bike.
The demolition of the Bull Ring in 1976 and the CPO of his beloved business affected John greatly, as he felt the town had been cut in half by the new bypass, and the character of the town destroyed. He watched the demolition from his car parked at the old bus station on the Quays, and it distressed him greatly.
John then went into the wholesale fruit and veg business and opened Daly’s Deli in James Street, supplying fresh food and sandwiches, which the couple ran for five years before he retired.
With a pleasant disposition, a quick hearty laugh and a kind personality, John had many friends, and knew virtually everyone in the town! He remained active in his retirement and enjoyed visits from his grandchildren, who kept him up to date with their lives and modern trends.
John passed away suddenly in his home, where he reposed before removal to Our Lady of Lourdes church for Requiem Mass which was celebrated by Fr Paul Murphy.
Deacon David gave the homily. John’s family read the readings. Gifts included his golf putter, a photo of the victorious 1952 Naomh Mhuire team and a book on the Industries of Drogheda by friend and favourite author Richard Gerrard.
St Peter’s Male Voice Choir, led by Edward Holly, sang sacred music, and finished with ‘Any Dream Will Do’. A Guard of Honour was provided by Laytown and Bettystown Golf Club and included past Captains.
John Daly is survived by his wife Breda, daughters Anne Marie, Geraldine, Breda, and Grainne, sons-in -law Tom Rowan, Donal Murphy and Cavan Kane, six grandsons and two granddaughters, sisters and brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces and a wide circle of friends.
Months Mind Mass will be celebrated in Our Lady of Lourdes church on Sunday February 10th at 12pm.