Sadnessatthesudden passingofwell-known GoreymanSeánDixon
THERE was deep sadness at the loss of Gorey man Seán Dixon, who was born on November 5, 1944, and passed away suddenly in the early hours of September 20.
Seán was the eldest son of George and Chrissie Dixon, Clonattin Road, Gorey, and he let it be known that he was very proud of his position as the eldest of a very large family.
He attended school in Gorey where he proved to be an excellent student all round, but particularly in technical drawing. After finishing school he attended Bolton Street College where his keen intellect and considerable talent were recognised.
In Ireland of the late 1950s and early 1960s, training and apprenticeships were difficult to secure. Nevertheless, Seán was able to secure a position with a firm in Pearse Street, Dublin, where he continued to hone his talent for technical drawing.
Subsequently he secured employment with Wexford County Council and he continued to work there for many years. Following his time with the County Council, he was self-employed and he drew up many a plan for many a local.
His funeral was attended by many who expressed gratitude and admiration for his work.
He put his considerable talents to good use, acting as a Peace Commissioner for the area for a period of time.
Seán had a life-long passionate interest in the political life of the country, and was a staunch supporter of Fianna Fáil. This was reflected in the large number of public representatives of all hues who attended his funeral.
Seán loved the country pursuits of shooting and fishing, and won many awards over the years.
In shooting, he won too many trophies and medals to mention here, but his most treasured medal was the one he won in 1975 when he became the Rifle and Pistol Association of Ireland’s national champion in the 25 yard indoor target rifle competition.
People will remember seeing him on many a morning, rifle on his shoulder, his dog Lucky alongside, setting out, hoping to bag a brace of pheasants.
Seán also loved fishing and even after he suffered a very severe stroke and suffered physical impairment, he had good friends who encouraged him and facilitated boat fishing trips, which meant a lot to him. Seán’s family are deeply appreciative of the effort and time these friends devoted to helping Seán continue to have a good quality of life.
However, life was not all about country pursuits. Seán also enjoyed a good pint and a game of darts. Again even after he encountered health problems, thanks to the support of family members and friends he was able to continue to enjoy the chat and banter that went along with these social activities.
When it came to his support of Arsenal Seán ‘wore his heart on his sleeve’ or more accurately ‘around his neck’ where he proudly displayed his Gunners scarf. Through this sport he developed many friendships at home and across the pond, and he attended many a duel at Highbury.
Seán had a very keen and incisive intellect and possessed a voluminous vocabulary which he exercised daily by completing the Irish Times Crossaire crossword.
While Seán loved a good ‘discussion’, even family members made sure to research the facts before engaging in ‘ battle’ as he had an encyclopaedic knowledge together with an acerbic wit and was known not to suffer fools gladly. No matter what the subject matter or the company, Seán called it as he saw it.
Seán’s sudden death was a great shock. He will be sorely missed by his loving mother Chrissie and all his family.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam