Patrickwasa quintessential gentleman
AS a quintessential gentleman, devoted husband and father, the death in his 90th year of Patsy Reenan, was still too soon for his family.
His loving presence is so sadly missed, with his mannerly, unassuming, caring and gentle nature, and his absolute adherence to routine and punctuality.
Before his sudden passing, on 26 December, 2017, Patsy spent a very short period in the Coronary Care Unit of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. The dedicated staff provided exceptional care and compassion for which the family are eternally grateful.
Patsy resided most of his married life in Broughton Street, Dundalk, and was a proud family man, and proud of his Haggardstown roots, being born and reared in Heynestown.
He worked for a large part of his career in CIE, and was a driver on the Dundalk to Galway bus route for 18 years before he retired in 1993.
He had an avid interest in sport, including motor cycles in his younger years, and was a member of Dundalk golf club for 50 years.
He held the distinction of attending a GAA match in the famous Wembley stadium, and in his job as a bus driver, ferried many groups to different sporting events.
Patsy spent his formative years in Haggardstown, where he attended the old Mullagharlin School.
He played and coached with the Geraldines. It was nothing unusual for him to travel over and back to Ardee on his bicycle to play a match.
He took up a number of jobs, which included working in the former GNR Works in Dundalk, and as caretaker of the Fairways Hotel pitch and putt course.
He then headed off to London with his beloved wife, Rita. Formerly Miss Hughes, she hails from the town’s Culhane Street.
The couple stayed for a couple of years in the English capital, residing in Victoria, near the train station. They both worked in a factory that made the renowned Crosse and Blackwell sauces.
They returned to their home town, and Patsy was a door-todoor salesman of the popular Pink Paraffin oil.
The couple resided for a short time in an apartment in Clanbrassil Street before moving to Mary Street and eventually settled in Broughton Street.
Patsy joined CIE in 1970 and was employed with the company for 18 years. After his retirement, he obtained a parttime job as a lollipop man at Realt Na Mara primary school which he thoroughly enjoyed for seven years.
His priority was his family, and above all wife, Rita, who became ill at this stage in his life, and Patsy’s care and support to her was unstinting.
When she needed to be entrusted into the hands of the wonderful staff of Saint Oliver Plunkett, he never missed a day at her side.
Family and home life was paramount to Patsy, and around which his daily time table revolved in a very active, long and healthy life. He was driving until 18 months before his demise.
The annual highlight for him was the holiday breaks he and Rita spent with sisterin-law Mena and her husband Brian McGuinness, travelling to Blackpool, Westport and Enniscrone.
He retained his interest in sport, enjoying watching matches and sport of any kind on television, and always insisted on keeping up to date with the results.
The second eldest of six siblings, he was predeceased by brother, Peter in 1990 and sister, Molly in 2012, and also by his parents, Paddy and Kathleen, brothers-in-law, Oliver Callan and Billy Arrowsmith, sisters-in-law, Bridget (Babs) and Valerie Reenan.
His passing is deeply regretted by wife, Rita; son, Steve; daughter, Cathrina; son-in-law, Patsy Mathews; daughter-inlaw, Audrey; grandchildren, Ashling, Laura, Sean, Kate and Aoibhe; great-grandchildren, Lauren, Caolan and Cian; brothers, Jim and Gerry; sister, Nonie; sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
He reposed at his daughter Cathrina’s home, 24 Mountain View, Point Road, before being taken to Saint Fursey’s Church, Haggardstown for funeral Mass, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Father Padraig Keenan PP was the celebrant, and gave the eulogy, while grand-daughter Laura spoke movingly about her grandfather.
Eoin McGuinness and grand-daughter, Laura gave the Readings, with the Prayers of the Faithful led by niece Kitty, god daughter, Barbara, nephew, Patrick, great-granddaughter, Lauren, grandson, Sean and daughter-in-law, Audrey.
Gifts symbolising his life were taken to the altar by granddaughter, Ashling, nephew, Brendan Kerley and nieces, Noeleen and Marian.
These included his cap, a golf ball, a model motor cycle and some family photos.
The Offertory gifts were presented by brother, Gerry and sister, Nonie. The Eucharistic minister was Patsy’s brother, Gerry.
The beautiful music was provided by organist, Brendan McCourt and singer, Sarah McCourt.