John remembered with great affection
THE death took place peacefully of John Duffy in his 87th year on October 5 last in the Lourdes Hospital Drogheda.
He was predeceased by his father, Michael, mother, Mary and eight siblings, sisters, Molly, Maggie, Brigid, Kitty and Anna, and brothers, Paddy, Joe and Mick.
He lived in the family home at Green Road, Dromiskin, where he was born, just a half-mile away in 1930.
Having attended the local primary school, John worked for a time with local farmers and then for the ESB on the electrification scheme.
He had a long spell with the Board of Works, travelling on his bicycle and later by motorbike through mid and north Louth working on the county rivers.
He worked with the builders until an unfortunate accident which in turn led to a talking point, especially among his nieces and nephews, as to why uncle John had only three fingers on his right hand.
He went on to work in the local glasshouses for a number of years. For the next 21 years or so, until his retirement, John was back on the roads, literally, working for Louth county council throughout mid and north Louth. For part of this time he was a ganger.
The varied work experiences left John very handy with grape, shovel and briar hook, which he put to good use vegetable gardening and hedge trimming and even helping out with roof thatching when called upon.
John was a very good Gaelic footballer, playing into his forties, and winning a junior championship medal with the Unknowns in 1955
In his time, he played with a number of teams, RoundTowers and Emeralds included from the Dromiskin side of the parish.
He also turned out in 1964 for the St Joseph’s team that brought together both sides of the Darver ( Volunteers)/ Dromiskin (Unknowns) parish.
In retirement, John did his bit supporting the Joe’s with the maintenance of Cluskey Park, where for years his chief task was cutting the grass.
His main relaxation was fishing the River Fane, along with the stories and craic on the river bank and bridge. Then there was horse racing, especially steeple chasing, watching on TV and attending local tracks, a day not passing without a few bob bet.
John was shy by nature, yet was great in company and would regale you with his life stories and leave you wondering why you did not record the exchanges for posterity.
John visited his circle of friends, and in the week he would get around them in his car for the chat and stories. In return, once a week his friends would gather in his house for the craic. He is remembered with affection by all who came in contact with him.
For years, John had his main meals in his sister Brigid’s house and in latter years visited his other sisters, Maggie and Anna, at least once a week while they were alive, keeping up with family happenings.
The diagnosis of John’s illness over 15 months ago brought into play the return of his kindness, especially from nieces, niece in-law, nephew in-law and friends.
His interaction with medical staff he came in contact with during visits to hospitals, clinics and in his home was light-hearted, making little of his difficulties and cheered them and his carers up as they attended him.
John is survived by his many nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Having reposed in McGeough’s Funeral Home, his remains were received in St Peter’s Church. Rev. Pat McEnroe P.P. celebrated a lovely Mass and gave a fitting eulogy on John.
Personal gifts symbolising John’s life were presented at the altar by David Reilly, Paddy Kenny and Anthony Gorham, while the Offertory Gifts were taken up by Breda Kinahan, Sabina Gorham and Bridge Yore.
The Readings were given by Owen Murtagh and Sabina Gorham, while Aidan Gorham, Rosemary Mc Morrow, Eugene Murtagh, Samantha Daly, Anthony Gorham and Gerry Kinahan led the Prayers of the Faithful.
Aidan Gorham read the Communion Reflection.
John was buried in Dromiskin cemetery and on his final journey his nephews, grand nephews and friends carried his coffin, with players and officials of St Joseph’s GFC providing a Guard of Honour.