Peaderliveda veryactivelife
GREAT sadness and shock were evoked by the death of Peader Hamill, Forkhill Road, Lisdoo, on 26 November, 2018.
He only recently took ill, having been very active throughout his life.
Peader was very well liked and respected. He had a jovial and outgoing manner, always with a smile to greet and talk to people.
He lived in his native Dundalk throughout his life, having spent most of his working career between the former S&S engineering factory, and as court crier to Judge Matthew Deery, retired President of the Circuit Court.
Peader also worked at other jobs, as a popular barman in Byrne’s, Hill Street and as a security man.
Prior to commencing employment in the S&S, he worked in the former Carolan’s Cash & Carry and Dundalk Engineering Works (DEW). He remained in S&S until the closure of the plant in the mid ‘ 80s.
He held the position of court crier for over 18 years before retiring. He was known as Mr Dependable throughout his years of service, with reliability another of his great qualities.
He hailed from Saint Malachy’s Villas, one of two sons of the late Daniel and Mary-Veronica Hamill.
His mother Mary Veronica
(MV) was the proprietor of a neighbourhood sweet/grocery shop which she ran for years in
Saint Malachy’s Villas.
Peader attended Saint Malachy’s school and began work at an early age.
He married Eileen Smyth from Kilkerley and they set up home and settled in Lisdoo. They went on to have two daughters, Fiona and Lorraine.
The arrival of their first grandchild, Eabha, in 2003 brought great joy to the couple.
Sadly, that joy turned to sadness a year later when Eileen passed away, leaving a massive hole in Peader’s heart and of his family. This was a difficult time for all.
The entry into their lives of a second grandchild, Ryan, in April 2005 helped somewhat to ease the sense of loss and sadness.
Peader was a devoted grandfather and supported both grandchildren through his generosity and active support
Over the years he would regularly attend at both Éabha and Ryan’s Gaelic matches for their club Kilkerley Emmets. If not able to be present he always wanted to know the result.
He was a pioneer, presented with a Silver Jubilee pin to mark 25 years as a member of the Pioneer Association.
He loved sport and was a regular visitor to Croke Park for many years, whether on hurling or football days.
Peader remained active through playing golf, bowls or dancing. He was always very much on the go. He really enjoyed his golf and played at least twice a week.
He was a member of the Killinbeg club until its closure. He then joined Cloverhill.
He was an integral part of the Kilcurry bowls club, playing in tournaments against neighbouring clubs and at national level.
It was only last year that Kilcurry won the All-Ireland Shield final at the Active Retirement Ireland (ARI) tournament in Killarney.
He enjoyed dancing and again would be out at least once a week, whether it was in Kilkerley, Monaghan or Crossmaglen. Although no Fred Astaire, he just loved these social gatherings with close friends.
These social dance events would also take him to different parts of the country. He and his companions would go on three-or four-day trips to Sligo, Westport and other destinations.
He relished being in the thick of the craic and some would say he kept everyone in great spirits.
Peader was predeceased by his brother, Pat; wife, Eileen; and his parents.
His passing is deeply regretted by his daughters, Fiona and Lorraine; grandchildren, Éabha and Ryan; son-in-law, Kenneth McEneaney; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, close friend, Mary Collins and many other friends.
After reposing at his home on the Tuesday and Wednesday, Peader was removed on Thursday morning to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Kilkerley for Mass. The celebrant was Father Paddy Rushe. Burial followed in the adjoining cemetery.