John was prolific mountain walker who put his skills to use with scouts

JOHN Kirby, Philip Street, Dundalk who died peacefully in Castleross Nursing Home on May 27th had a great love of the outdoor life and nature that he shared with great enthusiasm not just with his family, but the local scouting movement, in which he was deeply involved.

Aged 86, John’s health deteriorated in the final few months of his life, making it difficult for his family to see the man who once trekked so many mountains deal with his immobility and illness. They were however, deeply grateful for the loving care he received first in Dealgan House and later in Castleross Nursing home and for his peaceful death.

One of two children of Michael and Elizabeth Kirby from Philip Street, John was educated at the De La Salle schools after which he served his apprenticeship as a motor mechanic in Murphys Coachbuilders on the Dublin Road.

Later he worked in Martins garage in Francis Street before joined the ESB where he worked for most of his life and from which he retired.

John spent his youth hiking, hostelling and fishing, and his family recall him reminiscing recently about camping trips to Wales in his youth. It is not an exaggeration to say that he knew every hill and bump in the Cooley mountains by name, and mountains in the Mournes, Wicklow, Kerry, Wales and Scotland were all trekked by John at one time or another.

His life revolved round his family, and a Sunday outing for the family would either be a picnic in Ravensdale forest, Greenore or the Long Woman’s Grave, or chasing shoals of mackerel off Greenore. They recall too that when the heather was in bloom, John always picked a bunch to attach to the grill of his car.

That love of the outdoor life did not go un- noticed by the town’s best known scout leader, the late Peter Dixon for he persuaded John to become involved in the St. Patrick’s Unit of the boy scouts.

John’s knowledge of the local area, and his experience in hiking and camping was invaluable in leading summer camp outings, and later he became a founder member of the 5th Louth Special Needs Scout movement, to which he gave unstinting service and which gave him immense satisfaction.

The presentation of the shamrock to the scouts on St. Patrick’s Day was always special day for John, for he took great pride in the occasion. That pride was motivated by his love of all things Irish, wearing his fáinne, and always willing to speak his ‘ cupla focal’.

That deep affinity with his Irishness extended to a love of history, including local history, expressed through the Old Dundalk Society and sadly illness deprived him from participating in the 1916 Centenary celebrations.

John believed in giving back to his community, and apart from his active participation in the scouts, he was a member of the Civil Defence and St. Vincent de Paul at one time, was always willing to volunteer for various church duties while his strong faith and devotion to Padre Pio was a great comfort in his final years.

Having met his beloved wife, Mary in Croke Park in 1956 the couple married the following year, and after living for a time in Lurgangreen where Mary grew up, they moved to John’s family home in Philip Street which they resided for most of their happily married life.

John enjoyed a laugh and a craic with his friends whom he met regularly for a chat, and he will be remembered by them with great affection as a valued and caring friend.

To his family he was a loving presence in their lives that will never be replaced but they are consoled by their many, many happy times they shared, especially their Sunday trips to the Cooley peninsula.

John is survived by his wife, Mary (née Hoey) a native of Haggardstown, daughters, Ann McMahon (Knockbridge), Yvonne Finegan (Dowdallshill), Geraldine McCoy (Carrickmacross), Patricia Prenty (Balbriggan), and Marie (Thomas Street), 12 grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

He was predeceased by his Clarke.

Having reposed at his home, John’s remains were taken to St. Nicholas Church where they reposed overnight before Requiem Mass was celebrated the following day by Rev. Brian Slater, C.C., St. Patrick’s who gave the eulogy.

Also present where Very Rev. Eugene Sweeney, P.P., VF, Dungannon, and Rev. Martin Hughes.

The Readings were given by grandchildren, Sean McMahon and Kate Prenty, while the Prayers of the Faithful were led by grandchildren, Niamh McMahon, Ronan Prenty, Claire Kirby and Eoin McCoy.

Daughters, Ann, Marie, Geraldine, and Yvonne presented the symbols of remembrance before Mass along with grandchildren, Evan and Nathan Kirby, Aine McMahon and Liam McCoy.

The Offertory Gifts were presented by grandchildren, Mikaela Finegan and Aoife McCoy and the Communion Reflection that eloquently captured her father’s life was given by daughter, Patricia.

The music was provided by Kevin Shields playing the flute after the removal and at the Mass, Audrey Delaney was the soloist soloist and Trevor Shields was the organist.

After Mass burial took place in St. Patrick’s cemetery and the attendance at John’s home, his removal, Requiem Mass and interment was a testament to the manner in which he lived his life and the regard by which he was held.

Many current and former scouts were present at his Mass and removal, and poignantly the flag on the scout hall, across the road from John’s home flew at half mast during his funeral.

Month’s Mind Mass in St. Nicholas Church on July 3rd at 12.00 noon. sister, Monica