Cyril returned to home county and was a keen accordion player
Cyril (Syl) Califf, Meadow Grove, Dundalk, died suddenly at his home on 23 November, 2017, aged 80.
He was originally from Tully, Corcreaghy, Louth, and attended Stonetown N.S. At the young age of 17, like many country lads at the time, he set off to seek employment in Dublin.
Cyril initially worked as a general shop assistant in the “22” – John Tully’s General Stores in Cabra West. It was here at the age of 19, he met his wife Helen, not long after she commenced working in the same shop.
He emigrated to London a number of years later, residing in the Hackney area. In 1960 he got married in Our Lady’s and Saint Joseph’s Church on Tottenham Road, Hackney.
During his time in London, Cyril worked in Bow Waters Printing and Packaging Company. He remained in London for two years but longed to return home, but not before the arrival of eldest daughter, Carol.
On his return, Cyril resided in Palmerstown, Dublin. He worked in Herlihy’s General Store in the Ballyfermot area.
But he always longed to return to Louth, and when the opportunity came up he jumped at it.
He worked as a pork butcher in the first Quinns store on Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk.
During this time, he resided in the Blackrock area and three more children Elaine, Andrew (deceased) and Gerard were new additions to the family.
Cyril loved working in what was then known as “Quinns” and remained there until it closed some years later.
He then worked for DPM Butchers (Harry McArdle) for several years in West Street in Drogheda.
Finally, he worked for O’Gorman’s in Carrickmacross, until ill health forced him into early retirement.
During his life, Cyril resided in Blackrock, Muirhevnamor, Cooley Park and Meadow Grove.
Meadow Grove was where he loved, especially the banter with the firemen in the nearby station.
Such was the regard he had for the firefighters, he would always say when they were called out “I hope they all come back safe and sound.”
The esteem in which he was held by the firemen, was demonstrated when they formed a guard of honour as the hearse passed by the fire station.
He was a keen accordion player, and played darts. His passion, though, lay with his beloved Arsenal, through thick and thin. He collected over 50 years of memorabilia.
He also followed Dundalk, but having spent some time in Inchicore, he had a soft spot for “The Pat’s”, Saint Patrick’s Athletic.
Cyril too was a very keen GAA follower. It didn’t matter who was playing, he’d watch it. He always willed on the underdogs in big games.
One of his other passions was reading - sports autobiographies being his favourites.
He was predeceased by his parents, Hugh and Anna; and sister, Rose. He was also predeceased earlier this year by his son Andrew (Andy).
He is survived by his wife, Helen; daughters, Carol and Elaine; son, Gerard; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Murphy (Mullaharlin); and brother, Jim (Dealgan Nursing Home); and cousins.
After reposing at his home in Meadow Grove, his remains were removed to the Redemptorist Church, where the funeral Mass was celebrated by Father Eamon Kavanagh.
The first and second readings were read by granddaughter, Clara Califf and sonin-law, Gerry Arrowsmith. Prayers of the faithful were read by Yvonne Govan, Andrew Califf, Sean Berry, Gerard Arrowsmith and Oliver Morgan.
The Offertory procession was formed by his son, Gerard and his wife, Maria; while the gifts were taken up by Louise O’Brien, Marguerite Murphy (god daughter) and Sarah Arrowsmith.
Music was provided by the Crawley sisters.