Michael Clinton did so much for the Franciscans
Sept 1984
The Franciscan Community in Drogheda have lost one of its greatest advocates and workers by the rather sudden death at his residence on Thursday last of Mr. Michael Clinton, 44 Chord Road, Drogheda.
Aged 71 years he was son of the late Peter and Margaret Clinton, Gate Lodge, Greenhills Convent, and a member of a family held in high esteem. Of a very quiet and unassuming disposition Michael had hopes of devoting his life as a Franciscan Brother and studied at the famous Louvain Monastery and University. But such was not to be and Michael returned to his native town to serve the great Order in another way — as a diligent and lay worker in the cause of the local community.
Tributes to his efforts for the Franciscans were paid by the local Guardian Very Rev. Fr. Maelisa O.F.M. both at the removal of the remains on Friday evening and again during his homily at the Requiem Mass on Saturday. He sympathised with Michael’s wife, Kathleen (nee Hill, Oldcastle).
On his return from Louvain, like his late father he was employed by the Presentation Sisters as a chauffeur—caring for the Sisters as they transferred a number of times daily between Greenhills and the schools and convent in Fair Street and Duke Street.
Later he was to be employed as a storeman with Cement Ltd. at Boyne Road, a position he held for upwards of twenty six years until he retired some years ago.
He was also one of the founder members of the St. Peter’s Branch of the Catholic Young Men’s Society and the Order of Malta — both bodies being formed back in the mid-thirties when Mgr. Patrick Lyons was P.P. and Archdeacon — later he became Bishop of Kilmore. Michael served both organisations well for a number of years — but above all he was a member of the Third Order of St. Francis.
To his wife, Kathleen, brothers Joe, Paddy and George and his sister Mrs. Margaret Reynolds, we offer our deepest sympathy. For Mrs. Reynolds it was a sad double bereavement as onl y recently her husband died. Michael was predeceased by two other brothers Harry and Peter.
The remains were removed from the Cottage Hospital on Friday evening to the Franciscan Church — the Church of the Immaculate Conception. They were received by Very Rev. Fr. Maelisa, Very Rev. Fr. Jude, O.F.M., P.P. Mell, Rev. Fr. Paschal, O.F.M. and Rev. Bro. John O.F.M. Also present at the Rosary and Benediction which followed the reception of the remains was Rev Bro. Michael, O.S.A., Drogheda.
Fr. Maelisa was the chief celebrant of the concelebrated Mass on the following morning which preceded the funeral to St. Peter’s Cemetery. The other co-celebrants were Rev. Fr. Nicholas, O.F.M. (former Guardian, Drogheda), Rev. Fr.
Flavian, O.F.M. Drogheda, Rev. Fr. Ronald, O.F.M., Gormanston College, Rev. Fr. John, O.F.M. Merchants Quay and Rev. Fr. Martin McVeigh, C.C., St. Peter’s. In the nave of the church were Rev. Bro. Alphonsus, O.F.M. Merchants Quay and Rev. Bro. John O.F.M., read the readings and was master of ceremonies.
The church was crowded for the Mass and the Franciscan choir rendered very suitable hymns to add to the solemnity of the occasion as the Community paid its farewell tribute to Michael.
Among the large cortege which accompanied the remains from the Hospital on Friday evening and again on Saturday morning to St. Peter’s Centenary were His Worship the Mayor Coir. P. Hughes, Aid. F. O’Dowd Colr. P. Moore, Colr. J. Murray, Mr. P. Grey, Personnel Manager Irish Cement Ltd. council members and members of the Third Order of St. Francis, Presentation Convent Sister, as well as friends and neighbours of the famify. The chief mourners were Mrs. Kathleen Clinton (wife), Joe, Paddy and George (brothers), Mrs. Margaret Reynolds (sister), Eileen, Margaret, Cepta, Patsy and Teenie (sisters-inlaw), nephews and nieces. Fr. Maelisa officiated at the graveside assisted by all the other clergy.