Paddy’s heart belonged in the Quay
PADDY (Mucka) Byrne, 280 Beechmount Drive, Dundalk, hailed from the Quay area of the town, and it was where his heart always remained.
He enjoyed walks along the Navvy Bank, and was a life-long supporter of Sean O’Mahony’s GFC.
Paddy, who died suddenly on 15 December, 2017, at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, was the youngest of six children of Tommy and Katie Byrne, who resided at the old military barracks, Dundalk. He was the last surviving sibling.
He was, by nature, an exceptionally quiet individual, a real home bird, and was content when those nearest and dearest to him, his wife, Nora and their five children and grandchildren were happy and had their needs. Son-in-law, John was like an extra son to him.
Paddy resided for a total of 42 years - nearly all his married life in Beechmount Drive.
He met Nora (nee Quinn), a native of Belfast, in 1972. They struck up a relationship,her brother being married to Paddy’s sister, and they married two years later.
They lived in Newry for a while, but the pull of home was too strong for Paddy and they moved back to closer to his roots.
He enjoyed reading, and listening to the music of Johnny Cash, and being in the company of family and knowing that they were happy and fine. He called his two granddaughters his princesses.
He took an occasional drink, but his favourite pastime was to go strolling on the Navvy Bank, such was his strong attachment to his native area and its traditions.
His father and brothers worked on the docks in the days when the harbour was busy, and Paddy went fishing with his older brothers when he was younger.
He loved boats, and collected model boats, some of which were made for him by his grandson.
He played Gaelic football for the Quay in the street league as a youngster, and followed the fortunes and supported Sean O’Mahony’s all down the years. The club flag draped his coffin for the funeral ceremonies.
Paddy attended the former Point Road National School, and began his working life with Michael Boyle, who had a religious and mirror shop at the corner of Clanbrassil Street and Yorke Street.
He went then to work with Ovelle when the firm was located at Dublin Street, and finished his working career with Dundalk Bottling Company at John’s Lane, off Bridge Street.
He was predeceased by his parents, along with his brothers, Phil, James and Tommy; and sisters, Julie and Kathleen.
Paddy is very sadly missed by wife, Nora; sons, Patrick, Dominic and Thomas; daughters, Eilish and Michelle; son in-law, John; grandchildren, Conor, Kaitlynn and Amelia; nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family relatives, neighbours and friends
He reposed at home from the Friday until the Monday when he was removed to The Church of The Holy Redeemer for Requiem Mass. Father Sean McGuigan CC was the celebrant, and the eulogy given by his niece Katherine Crosby.
Gifts symbolising Paddy’s life were laid before the altar by his nieces and nephews, Mary and Eugene Hannaway and Anne, Majella and Patrick Quinn. They included a model ship, Johnny Cash CD, a personal photograph and also a photo of one of his grandchildren, along with his Santa hat and Sean O’Mahony’s jersey.
The Readings were given by grandson, Conor, son-in-law John and niece Kellie.
The Prayers of the Faithful were led by Ciaran McKeown, Kaci Quinn, Kate O’Hanrahan, Gary, Courtney and Emma Quinn, all nieces and nephews.
The Offertory Gifts were presented at the altar by Kaitlynn and Conor.
The music was provided by Olivia Finnegan and Roisin Crawley.
Burial followed in Saint Patrick’s cemetery, Dowdallshill.
Month’s Mind Mass was on Sunday, 21 January, 2018, at 11.30 in the Church of the Holy Redeemer.