Kevin maintained his schoolday friendships despite moving out of town many years ago

Kevin Conlon, a member of a well known Dundalk family, died in Belfast on May 19th after a long illness borne with great fortitude.

Aged 77, Kevin was the youngest of a family of seven from Moira Terrace off the Castletown Road.

After completing his education at the De La Salle schools, taking his Leaving Certificate in 1961, Kevin apprenticed in the accountancy firm of Malone & Company, Clanbrassil Street.

In his youth, Kevin was a noted badminton and squash player, and a member of Dundalk club, where he met his wife, Mairead, a native of Newry.

After his marriage, Kevin settled in Newry, living in Meadowbrook, and worked for a firm in Warrenpoint that was involved in the aircraft industry.

At a comparatively young age Kevin suffered from a heart complaint, but after surgery he battled bravely with the loving support of his wife, Mairead and family.

Sadly his wife, a former social worker and magistrate in the Newry area, died suddenly less than two years ago just after the couple moved from Newry to Belfast to be closer to his children, son, David and daughter, Emma.

Throughout his time living away from his native town, Kevin maintained his links with school friends, and enjoyed his many visits for social occasions.

He continued to live independently after Mairead’s death, and with the support of his son and daughter, retained his involvement with a club in Newry, of which he was a member, and his friends in Dundalk.

Sadly his last visit to this area was in February last when his sister, Maureen Maguire, Gaultrimsland, Riverstown, died.

Kevin is survived by his son, David and daughter, Emma, grandchildren, sister, Phyllis ( Warrenpoint) and brother, Paddy (Dromiskin). He was predeceased by sisters, Helen and Maureen and brothers, Gerry and Sean.

A quiet, gentle man, who lived for his family, Kevin will be fondly remembered and deeply mourned not just by family, but by his friends who valued his loyal friendship.

He died in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast surrounded by his family.

Kevin’s Requiem Mass had to be held on Saturday last under the strict protocol set down because of COVID-19 in St. Colmcille’s Church, Ballyhockmore, Belfast and was viewed on the video link by friends in Dundalk and Newry.