Joe was popular barman who loved music and football
JOE Conlon, Farndreg, Dundalk, who died on 7 February, 2018, worked for 57 years as a barman, and was one of the few professionals in the trade in town, where he was well-known and highly regarded.
He was also known from riding his bicycle and fondly referred to as ‘ whistling Joe’.
Earlier in life he took part in productions by Dundalk Musical Society, and had a love of music, fishing and films, especially cowboys, and was involved in schoolboy and junior soccer.
Son of the late John and Brigid Conlon, he was born in 7 Line Terrace, Hill Street. He attended the Friary School, later moving on to the Tech.
Joe became a member of the Joe McEntee Men and Boys’ Club and played football for Saint Joseph’s Boys’ Club, run by Joe McEntee for many seasons.
Later he helped manage a number of junior teams, including Hearts who played under a number of names. Around that time and for years after he took part in musical society shows and sang his heart out as he enjoyed nothing better than a good sing-song.
He was a member of the entertainment group “Pink Champagne”.
He served his time in 1952 in Peter Sloan’s Century Bar, moving on to the former Charlie Reilly’s, Crowe Street, The Adelphi Bar & Restaurant, MJ’s Bar on Park Street, and finally McKeowns Bar in Clanbrassil Street where he called it a day in 2009.
While working in the bars he had great banter with customers; he told many a story and would enthral everyone with his fine singing voice.
Joe met his good wife Maura (nee Flynn) in McArdle’s shop where she worked, adjacent to the Adelphi, and it was love at first sight.
They married in Glassdrummond Church in 1966 and were happily married for 52 years. He was a devoted husband to Maura and more than anything he loved spending time with his family.
He was a loving father to his four girls, Louise, Yvonne, Joanne and Claire. He was constantly guiding and educating his children to recognise and enjoy the simple things in life, such as the beauty of nature, down to fixing a bike in his beloved shed.
He encouraged all of his children in their unique talents and supported them in their chosen directions in life.
Joe was a member of Carrick Angling Club and spent many happy hours by the lake fishing for trout with his good friend Tommy Gartland (RIP), his brother Tomas and his loyal friend Eamon.
He was a successful fisherman and shared the catch with family, neighbours and friends, making sure everyone got their fair share.
His favourite singers were Dean Martin and Mario Lanza and he enjoyed listening and singing along to opera.
His time in MJ’s in the ‘ 80s gave him an appreciation of pop music and he enjoyed bands such as Queen.
Joe was well-known for singing ‘ The Goodbye Song’ - famously performed by Josef Locke - as he was leaving many a party or family gathering.
Joe was not a materialistic man; he was more interested in the simple things in life. He lived in the minute and the simplest of pleasures made him happy.
He was always seen on his bicycle around the town which he called the Iron Horse. You would hear him first as he rode along whistling a merry tune, hence “whistling Joe”.
He loved living in Dundalk and always had a great way with people. His good nature and kindness ensured he was loved and respected by all who had the pleasure of meeting him.
In the last eight years, Joe suffered from an illness which he accepted with great dignity. He passed away peacefully at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, where he received great care, surrounded by his loving family.
Joe’s passing is deeply regretted by his beloved wife, Maura; daughters, Louise, Yvonne, Joanne and Claire; brothers, Tomás and Bernie; sisters, May and Ann; sons-in-law, Pat, Patrick, Michael and Craig; grandchildren, Joseph, Fay, Jem, Tomás, Lily and Fionn; along with brothers and sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family relatives and his wonderful neighbours and friends.
Joe reposed at home in Farndreg and his funeral Mass took place in The Holy Redeemer Church and was celebrated by his friend, Father Sean McGuigan.
His daughter, Joanne brought up his cap and fishing rod, symbolising his life.
The Readings were given by grandchildren, Joseph and Fay Reynolds, while the Prayers of the Faithful were led by daughters, Louise Reynolds, Claire Kelly and Yvonne Conlon and son-in-law Michael Kelleher.
The Offertory gifts were taken up by grandchildren Jem and Fionn Kelly and Tomás and Lily Kelleher.
The beautiful music was provided by Olivia Finnegan and Susan Dixon.
Burial took place afterwards in Saint Patrick’s Cemetery.