Agnesenjoyedmusicand wastremendousknitter

AGNES McArdle (nee Eccles) passed away peacefully, on 29 October, 2017, surrounded by her loving family, in the kind and gentle care of the staff at the Louth County Hospital.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Brian; her daughter, Marie; and her sons, Tony and Roy.

Hailing from St. Nicholas’ Avenue, Agnes was the youngest of three.

She spent her early years in Castletown Girls School, and then went on to work in Rawson’s factory, where she remained until her marriage.

Agnes first met her husband, Brian at the cinema when she was fifteen. They set up home just one door away from her mother, where they spent their lives bringing up their seven children.

Faith was an important part of her life and this was deepened when she made a long-anticipated trip to Lourdes.

She was extremely proud of the fact that her mother gave her gold wedding ring to help with the making of the statue of the Virgin Mary’s crown.

It was Agnes’ strong faith that helped her through the death of her husband and three children.

She loved music, and Val Doonican was a big favourite in her house, so she was only too happy to travel to see him in concert whenever the opportunity arose.

Of course, he was only second favourite to her own son, Roy. She would be sure to secure a front row seat whenever he sang in O.R’s, at one time a pub in Park Street and weekend music venue, or The Big Tree in Clogherhead.

When she wasn’t travelling to see her favourite musicians, Agnes perfected the art of knitting and loved to knit for her children and grandchildren.

Friday night was family night in the McArdle house. Agnes thrived on hosting the weekly get-together where the family would have a singalong, talk about old times and catch up on the news of the week.

Agnes was a very proud and dignified woman and remained that way until her death.

The staff of Louth County Hospital respected and enabled this dignity which was an enormous comfort to Agnes and her family.

She received tremendous support from local T.D. Peter Fitzpatrick towards the end of her life, which she immensely appreciated, and for which her family will be eternally grateful.

Agnes’ remains reposed at her home from Sunday, 29 to Tuesday, 31 October, followed by 11a.m. mass in St. Nicholas Chapel and burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Fr. Brian Slater officiated.

The Readings were given by grandsons, Brendan and Darren; and the Prayers of the Faithful were led by grandson, Darren and granddaughter, Marie.

The gifts were presented by grandson, Brian (a remote control to represent her love of her true crime favourites), great-granddaughter Kyra (a Frank Patterson CD to symbolise her fondness of music) and great-grandchildren Sean and Holly (knitting needles and wool to signify her favourite hobby).

The beautiful music was provided by Kevin Shields.