Seán was a pivotal figure in foundation and development of town’s Credit Union
THE death has occurred of Seán (John) McDermott, Dublin Road, Dundalk, who was a pivotal figure in the foundation and development of the town’s credit union into one of the top five credit unions in the country as its first manager.
He was also the last surviving founder member of his local Saint Patrick’s GFC in Lordship, and contributed substantially to the wider Dundalk community.
Over the years, he assisted a number of organisations in different capacities, including the Dublin Road School Bus Committee, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, The Friary, The TARA Committee and Saint Malachy’s National School.
He was also a member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association for over 75 years, and served in the Local Defence Force during The Emergency and was a member of the Dundalk Railway Heritage Society.
Essentially, he was a quiet man, devoted to his family and serving his community, most notably through Saint Patrick’s GFC and Dundalk Credit Union. He was involved in the start-up of both, in the case of Saint Patrick’s in 1953 and the Credit Union in 1968. He was the first secretary of Saint Patrick’s.
He married Mary Rocks, Park Street, Dundalk in 1961. They went to live on the Dublin Road and had four children, Gerard, Michael, Anne Marie and Sinead, during a long and happy marriage that lasted 56 years.
Seán gave long and distinguished service to Saint Patrick’s GFC and Dundalk Credit Union. The club made him an Honorary Life President in recognition of his contribution. He was club chairman when the club won their first trophy, the Louth Junior Championship in 1960.
One of his proudest moments came in 2003 when the Pat’s won the Louth Senior Football Championship for the first time. Gaelic Football remained a passion with him throughout his life. He regularly attended Louth inter-county matches and Croke Park as well as watching it and other sports, especially snooker, on television.
He was also a keen reader and follower of current affairs, as well as a gardener.
He was best known publicly for his service and work with Dundalk Credit Union. He was the first full-time employee when he was appointed Executive Officer a few years after its foundation.
As the credit union grew, he was appointed as the first manager, a position he held until his retirement.
During his time in charge he saw Dundalk Credit Union establish itself as one of the top five credit unions in Ireland. He oversaw the move from its first home in Clanbrassil Street to the present location in Market Street.
He was the eldest son in a family of ten of Thomas and Celia McDermott, Rampark, Lordship, who had three sons and seven daughters.
He grew up on the family farm at Rampark, and received his primary education at Lordship National School and then attended Dundalk Technical School.
He started his working life on the Great Northern Railway as a pattern maker, moving to Dundalk Engineering Works before joining S&S as an estimator when it commenced operations in Dundalk.
Seán passed away at Blackrock Abbey Nursing Home, Co Louth, on March 8, 2017.
He was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Celia, sisters, Rita, May, Lena and Sheila.
He is survived by his wife, Mary, sons, Gerard and Michael, daughters, Anne Marie (McQuillan) and Sinead, son-in-law, Brian McQuillan, daugh- ters in law, Yvonne and Norma, grandchildren, Shane and Ciara McQuillan, Mia, Liam and Lauren McDermott. He is also survived by brothers, Tom and Michael and sisters, Fanny, Joan and Irene, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
After reposing on Friday, March 10 at McGeough’s Funeral Home, Jocelyn Street, Sean was removed the next day to Saint Fursey’s Church, Haggardstown for Requiem Mass, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Fr Padraig Keenan, PP, Haggardstown and Blackrock, was the chief concelebrant, and was assisted by Fr Cathal Cumiskey, CSsR, Redemptorist Community, Dundalk, Fr Ronan Cusack, OPM, Dominican Friary, Dundalk and Fr Pat Horgan, CSsR, Redemptorist Community, Dundalk.
Grandson Shane McQuillan read the First Reading and son Michael read the Second Reading. The Responsorial Psalm was sung by singer Sarah McCourt, who also sang several beautiful hymns during the Mass. She was accompanied by Anne Quinn on the organ.
The Prayers of Intercession were read by grand-daughter Ciara McQuillan and grandson Liam McDermott, while daughters Anne-Marie and Sinead, along with grand-daughter Lauren McDermott, participated in the Offertory Procession.
A Reflection, entitled ‘What Makes a Dad’ was read by son Gerard McDermott. Burial took place in the adjoining cemetery. Month’s Mind Mass will take place on Sunday, April 9,2017, at 11am in St Fursey’s Church, Haggardstown.