Stephen’s life was filled with family, good friends and rewarding work
THE death on June 14 last of Stephen Redmond of Tomsilla Upper, Gorey, and late of Redmond Dry Cleaners, Gorey, was met with deep sadness and regret.
He passed away peacefully at Middletown Nursing Home, Courtown. He was 83 years of age.
Son of John and Harriet Redmond, Stephen was born in Cooladine just outside Enniscorthy in 1933. His family had a good farm, but he knew the farm wouldn’t be for him, so as soon as age allowed him he quit his schooling with the Christian Brothers and he took up an apprenticeship in a garage with Fred Doherty to become a mechanic.
Like so many people in the 1950s in Ireland, he knew he would have to emigrate if he wanted to secure regular work, which is how he found himself working in a foundry in Birmingham rebuilding after the war.
He always knew from the moment his feet hit the platform in New Street Station in Birmingham, his dream was always to return home to Ireland to live and raise his family.
While he did briefly return home to Ireland to win the county final in 1959 with Oilgate/Glenbrien, he returned to Birmingham where he married Tipperary native Maureen, his wife for the next 52 years until her passing in 2013, which left him heartbroken.
They finally returned home to Ireland to Gorey in 1968, after many years of saving and hard work to open up Redmond Dry Cleaners.
They were a great business team to- gether, culminating at one stage having branches in Gorey, Enniscorthy, Arklow, Tullow and Athy.
Stephen’s prowess at hurling as a younger man stood to him when he turned his hand to golf. His skill led him to win the captain’s prize in 1974 and his involvement and dedication to Courtown Golf Club saw him hold positions of captain and president.
Stephen lived a good and rewarding life, filled with hard work, good friends and fun.
He was a loyal and generous friend to many, stories that were unknown to his family, until they heard them at his funeral.
His Funeral Mass was held at Star of the Sea Church, Riverchapel, and he was laid to rest afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
Beloved husband of the late Maureen and loving father of John and Stephen Jnr., Stephen Redmond is deeply regretted by his loving sons, grandchildren Dylan, Finn, Lauren and Romy, daughters-in-law Mary and Catherina, sisters Margaret and Joan, relatives, friends and neighbours.
Stephen’s Month’s Mind Mass will be held on Saturday, July 22, at 6 p.m. at Star of the Sea Church, Riverchapel.
May he rest in peace.