Pat a keen conservationist
Pat McKenna 1926-2020
PAT McKenna, Green Road, Dromiskin, passed away peacefully on Sunday, 22 March, 2020.
Aged 94, he was a farmer who worked hard and who developed his farm into the success it is today. He was innovative and enterprising, being skilled in adapting farm machinery to make the task in hand easier.
Pat always kept up to date with modern farming methods in order to get the best from the land. He was particularly skilled at growing barley and took great satisfaction in producing a premium crop. Indeed, he won several trophies for the quality of his produce.
His outlook on life was based on the simple philosophy that the sun may not be shining today but let’s make the most of it. An obliging and kind neighbour he always made time for anybody in need of a helping hand.
In his spare time there was nothing he liked better than to go angling along the River Fane where he taught many through his example, the skills of this pastime.
Many is the fine fish Pat landed and he was always keen that the art of fishing was handed on to the next generation.
Nonetheless, he was a person who saw the fragility of nature leading him to become a keen conservationist. This would lead him to being involved with others in the conservation of water quality and fish.
At the end of an evening’s fishing he enjoyed the craic and the banter with neighbours and anglers on the bridge beside his residence.
On the day he came home and in remembrance of those bygone times his family bore his remains shoulder high one last time across that very same bridge.
Pat was predeceased by his parents Owen and Mary Alice, his brother John, by his sisters Anna Byrne (Carrickmacross), May Whelehan (Dublin,) Margaret O’Connor ( Wexford) and Kathleen McGeough (Corderry). He is survived by his brother, Owen.
Pat was a great family man and is survived by his wife Carmel (nee Lynch) and their family Jim, Orla, Anthony and Aiden. He is sadly missed by his daughters in law, Joan, Caroline and Briege, by son in law, Charles Ross. Pat will be also sadly missed by his grandchildren of whom he was very proud.
Following removal from his home, Pat’s Requiem Mass was celebrated by Very Rev. Fr. Pat McEnroe in St. Peter’s Church, Dromiskin, on Tuesday, 24 March.
Narrated by his daughter, Orla, the symbols representing all that was important in celebrating Pat’s life were presented by his grandchildren, Claire, Patrick and Brian.
The readings were by his sons, Anthony and Aiden McKenna. Prayers of the Faithful were read by his grandchildren, Áine, Patrick, Olive, Brian, Tom and Niall. Offertory gifts were presented by Joan and Briege McKenna.
A reflection was read by his son, Jim.
Following Requiem Mass interment took place in Dromiskin graveyard with graveside prayers conducted by Fr. McEnroe.