Ardee man Mick comes full circle...

‘IT WAS as if he came full circle’, Fr Denis McNelis told mourners at the funeral of famed Ardee photographer Mick Slevin last Friday at the majestic Laytown church.

‘He took his first photograph, for a passport, in Ardee and he took his last, about a month ago, in Ardee too,’ he poignantly remarked.

In a fitting tribute to Mick (72), he spoke warmly of a man who loved Margaret and his family and who always wore a smile, ‘ always ready for a chat,’ he stated.

He knew the old adage, there is a story to be told in every opening door, and he knew the game to perfection.

Working initially at the premises of his parents, Jim and Gertie,who ran a small shop on William Street, Ardee, he went on to become a staff photographer with the Drogheda Independent, before joining the Irish Press and then going freelance, including with the Dundalk Democrat.

Fr McNelis remarked on the great legacy Mick had left behind, his images of weddings, parties, presidents and sporting triumphs there for everyone to enjoy into the future.

‘A picture can paint a thousand words and Thank God for the memories he left us,’ Fr McNelis added. He said memories of Mick’s daily good humour and jokes will ‘ brighten the days when we feel his loss.’

Mick had great loves, covering the likes of the Ras na hEireann during a lifetime association with Dunleer AC and the great Larry McGuill.

He also found himself at Oriel Park most weeks, charting the progress of the league champions.

His funeral saw many photographers turn out in tribute and as his final journey to Piltown cemetery began, former colleagues formed a guard of honour and applauded him for one last time.

Mick is survived by wife Margaret, sisters-in-law Gabrielle, Theresa and Orla, brother-in-law Kieran, nephew Alex, niece Jenny, relatives and friends.