John, askilled craftsmanand respectedfarmer
JOHN Lambe, Rosmakea, Knockbridge, Dundalk who died peacefully at the home of his daughter, Joan on May 7th was a member of one of the county’s best known and highly regarded farming families.
In his 90th year, John had been involved in working his family farm a few months before his death, and his passing after a brief illness that be bore with great dignity and fortitude will be deeply mourned.
Educated at Knockbridge N.S., John left school at a relatively young age to work on the family dairy and tillage farm in Rosmakea. His father, John then delivered milk to large parts of Dundalk in the pre-pasteurised bottled milk era, and while John helped out in the deliveries at times, he mostly worked on the farm.
Over the years the family built up an envied reputation for the quality of their product and after the death of his father John took over the farm and continued to enhance that reputation for excellence.
John loved the rural way of life working close to nature.
His reputation as an extremely hard worker was renowned, and remained until the last few months of his life when he continued to drive a tractor on occasions.
He also realised that a successful farmer had to develop skills other than the traditional ones to main his farm and equipment and over the years he taught himself to become a highly skilled craftsman, especially in the discipline of welding.
Not only did he carry out repairs, but he designed and built gates, exterior lamp posts, seats and other such outdoor furniture, not only for his own home, but for his children and grandchildren, whom he also taught to weld.
John also supported his farming community through the N.F.A. and later the I.F.A.
He had a lifelong devotion to St. Gerard and the rosary, and his strong faith was a source of comfort to him throughout his life.
The death of his beloved wife, Lena in 2010 was deeply mourned by John, and he leaves behind a legacy not just of the farm that he helped build, but a family to whom he was devoted.
John is survived by his sons, Sean (Rosmakea), Desmond (New York), daughters, Mary Caragher (Upper Merches, Dundalk), Geraldine Deane (Rosmakea), and Joan Byrne (Knockattin, Dundalk), brothers Seamus (Newtownbalregan), sisters, Nan Keane (Little Ash), and Kathleen McLoughlin (Dublin), 13 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his wife, Lena (née Brennan) who was a native of Cortial, Kilkerley in 2010 and by his brother, Kevin.
Having reposed at his home, John’s remains were taken to St. Mary’s Church, Knockbridge for Requiem Mass celebrated by Very Rev. Gerard McGinnity, P.P., who gave the eulogy.
The Readings were given by sons-in-law, Stephen Caragher and Eugene Deane, while the Prayers of the Faithful were led by grandsons, David and Ciaran Deane, Shane Caragher and Olivia Lambe.
The Offertory Gifts and the gifts that symbolised John’s life were presented by granddaughter Niamh Byrne, and sisters-inlaw, Mary Lambe, Nellie Brennan and niece, Marie Smyth.
The beautiful music was provided by soloist, Ruth Kelly, accompanied by Brendan McCourt while grandson, Niall Caragher also gave a rendering of ‘ Bring Flowers of the Fairest’.
The Communion Reflection ‘ Footsteps’ was recited by granddaughter, Ciara Byrne.
After Mass burial took place in the adjoining cemetery and the large attendance at John’s home, his Requiem Mass and interment reflected the high esteem by which he was held in his community.
Month’s Mind Mass on June 11th in St. Mary’s Church, Knockbridge at 7.30 p.m.