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THE death of John Byrne, Cluan Enda, Dundalk on June 17th as a result of a tragic road accident caused much sadness not just to his loving family but to the wider community.
Aged 83, John was originally from Nicholas Street and was predeceased by his parents, Joe and Margaret and one of a family of eleven.
John was a strong and healthy man who loved swimming, especially diving off the pier in Gyles Quay, a passion he indulged even in the last year. In his earlier years swimming off Gyles Quay he was known to have dived off the top of the light on the pier.
John did a lot of weight training before it became popular and with three others started weight training in the early 1950’s, forming their own small club.
After his primary education, John went to work in Hallidays Shoe factory where he remained for 34 years until it closed. He then started a new career in Keytronic Keyboard factory on the Ramparts where he worked for 13 years.
He also drove school buses for a time, and in recent times, indeed on the morning of his accident, John was the popular school warden on the Redemptorist corner where he helped young and old across a dangerous road.
John also loved a game of bowls and when the Men’s Shed opened in Seatown he was one of the first to join where he learned a new skill, wood turning.
Most of all John loved cycling and he thought nothing of cycling to Gyles Quay for his swim, and cycling home by via Carrickarnon. He cycled regularly to places like Clogherhead and Annagassan and indeed had three bikes which he maintained himself.
He met his beloved wife Doreen (née Dullaghan) a native of Jenkinstown in the late 1950’s and after their marriage in 1960 lived in Cluan Enda where they brought up their four children, Sean, Aidan, Ronan and Felicity.
John also loved DIY and was always ready and available to help out family and friends.
The shock and sense of loss felt by his family at his tragic death has left a void in their lives that can never be filled for he was a loving presence and an inspiration in the manner that he lived his life and provided for his family.
John is survived by his wife, Doreen, sons, Sean (Dundalk), Aidan (Monaghan), Ronan (Dundalk), daughter, Felicity, brothers, Michael (Marian Park), Hugh (Meadow Grove), sisters, Mairead McCourt (New Jersey), Olive Lennon (Point Road) and Briege Lennon (Point Road), seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild, all of whom he was extremely proud. He is also survived by his daughters-in-law, Maria and Helen, Felicity’s fiancé, Kieran, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his brothers, Frank, Joe, Tommy and Gerard and sister, Agnes.
Having reposed at his home, John’s remains were taken to St. Joseph’s Redemptorist Church where Requiem Mass was celebrated by Rev. Eamonn Kavanagh, C.Ss.R., who was assisted by Rev. Desmond Branigan, C.C., St. Patrick’s.
The Readings were given by son, Ronan and daughter-in-law, Maria, while the Prayers of the Faithful were led by granddaughters, Rachel and Lauren Keating.
The Offertory Gifts were presented by son, Sean and granddaughter, Karen.
The beautiful singing was provided by soloist, Deirdre Morgan, accompanied by Olivia Finnegan and John’s daughter, Felicity provided a very moving Communion Reflection.
Following Mass where a guard of honour was provided by school wardens in a fitting tribute to John, burial took place in Calvary cemetery. The large attendance of family, friends and neighbours reflected the regard by which John was held in the community.
Month’s Mind Mass on July 17th in St. Joseph’s Church at 12.30 p.m.