Seánalovinghusbandandfather
THE death occurred peacefully of Seán McMahon, Cedarwood Park, Dundalk, following a short illness at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, on 11 November, 2017.
He was a friendly and outgoing man, who was a qualified mechanic and worked in a number of local garages, before spending the final part of his career in the former Ecco electronics factory.
Seán was, first and foremost, a loving husband and father, to his wife Rosaleen and their two sons and three daughters. He and Rosaleen shared 52 years of marriage.
Formerly Miss Murphy, Rosaleen hailed from Saint Nicholas Avenue. The couple married in 1965 in Saint Nicholas Church after meeting at a pioneer social.
They lived for a few years in Bridge Street, before settling into their home in Cox’s Demesne. It remained the family home ever since, spanning a period of 49 years until Sean’s sad passing.
They raised their children and were very much part of the local community there.
Seán retained precious friendships from his childhood with, Jim, Gene and Clem with whom he always kept in touch. They were deeply affected, like his family, by his demise.
He was brought up on the Avenue Road by his grandparents, Anne and Owenie McMahon. He was the youngest of four children, two sons and two daughters of John and Violet McMahon. He was only two when his mother died.
Seán was educated at the Friary National School and later at the Old Technical School in Chapel Street.
He began work in Mourneview Garage, which was on the Dublin Road, and served his time as a mechanic, working for spells in Martins and Byrne & Maguire.
He then went to the Ecco factory, and finished his working career there, after completing three decades with the company.
In his leisure time, Seán loved coarse fishing, a hobby that he pursued on the lakes of Monaghan in the company of his son-in-law, Colin and friend, Brendan.
More recently, he took up photography from which he also derived great enjoyment, and was a member of the local Táin camera club.
He walked daily, weather permitting, and with his friendly and outgoing nature, liked engaging in chat and catching up with the goings-on with those he met on his rambles. He was somewhat reserved, but enjoyed engaging in craic
It was only in June last that Sean was diagnosed with the illness that proved fatal. He underwent treatment and then surgery, but to no avail, despite the wonderful care and attention of the staff of Beaumont Hospital.
His death is deeply regretted by his wife, Rosaleen; sons, Stephen and John; daughters, Pauline, Tracy and Rachel; brother, Joe, Birmingham; sisters, Theresa, Birmingham and May, London; sonin-law, Colin; daughters-in-law, Kathleen and Jane; grandchildren, Carrie, Michele, Andrew, Amy, Dylan and Seán; great-grandson Jayden; sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends.
He reposed at his residence on the Sunday and was removed the following morning to the Church of the Holy Redeemer. Father Sean McGuigan CC celebrated Requiem Mass and delivered the eulogy.
Gifts symbolising Seán’s life were laid before the altar by his daughters, Pauline and Rachel. These included a fishing reel and a photography magazine.
The Readings were given by his other daughter, Tracy and son, Stephen.
The Prayers of the Faithful were led by grandchildren, Carrie, Andrew, Michele and Sean.
The Offertory Gifts were presented by grandchildren, Amy and Dylan.
Son, John gave a very apt reflection, while the beautiful music was provided by Saint Nicholas Church choir.
Burial took place in Saint Patrick’s Cemetery, Dundalk.
The Month’s Mind Mass for Seán will take place on Sunday, 10 December, 2017, at 11.30am in The Church of The Holy Redeemer.