Samuel and Dromin made great team

OBITUARY

A work assignment proved life changing for Samuel McMillan (right) when he was sent to the GEC factory in Dunleer to install a new sprinkling system.

The experience led to Samuel moving from his native Belfast in 1970 to live in Mansfieldtown, Castlebellingham. He spent his remaining 47 years there until he was called to a better place on 1 August, 2017.

Known as Sammy, he was an accepted and respected member of the Mid- Louth community in which he played an active part as a sportsman. He was quiet, inoffensive and very decent, and wouldn’t offend or insult anybody.

As a talented soccer player, he lined out for a number of teams when living in Belfast, including Coleraine in the Irish League.

He gave his allegiance to two local soccer clubs in the early years in his new surroundings. He started playing first with Dromin in 1970, and Mansfieldtown in 1972.

He wrote his name in the Dromin record books, scoring seven goals in one game. He made 96 appearances for the club, many as goalkeeper, and scored 43 times.

Soccer was a life-long passion. In his later years, once there was football on television and he was able to watch games, Sammy was happy. Contrary to what most were led to believe, his favourite team was Tottenham.

He also participated in other sports, racing pigeons and playing darts.

He raced birds all over for years, including to the continent and France. He was a member of the local club in Castlebellingham. In later years, he kept pigeons as pets when he no longer took part in competition.

Sammy was accomplished at darts, winning quite a collection of trophies, playing for local pub teams like Gormleys and Mulhollands.

He grew up in East Belfast, one of five children of Mary and Samuel McMillan.

His working career saw him employed as a baker, welder and plumber.

He worked for his uncle in the baking trade in Belfast, and then became a welder and plumber, which brought him to Harland and Wolff, the renowned shipbuilders and offshore construction firm.

He was employed by Heydens when he took on that fateful job in Dunleer which resulted in such a big change to his life, and led to him meeting his partner Brigid.

When that contract was completed, he took up employment with John Joe McGuinness who made hay sheds, and subsequently worked in the same line of business for two spells for Harry Byrne, including his final years before retiring.

In between, he also worked for Mooney Brothers in Slane.

Sammy died peacefully at home, in his 82nd year, following a short illness.

He was predeceased by his partner, Brigid; and sister, Isobel.

He is sadly missed by his daughter, Fiona, Mansfieldtown; brother, Andrew, Ballymena; sisters, Betty Wightman and Anna Oliver, Belfast; Fiona’s partner, Michael; brothers-in-law, sisterin-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

After reposing at Connors Funeral Home, Dunleer, Sammy’s remains were removed to Saint Michael’s Church, Darve, for funeral Mass. The celebrant was Fr. Patrick McEnroe PP, who delivered the eulogy.

Personal gifts symboliszing Sammy’s life, including a soccer medal and darts, were taken to the altar by his niece and nephew, Linda and Michael Wightman.

The Offertory gifts were presented by sisters, Betty and Anna; and a reflection was read by Dolores Grimes.

The Readings were given by Fiona’s partner, Michael O’Connell and Fergus Grimes; while the Prayers of the Faithful were led by Paula Daly, Ciara Grimes, Paddy Duffy, Kim Daly, Ramona Daly and Susan McMillan.

The music was provided by Pauline McMahon. Burial took place in the adjoining cemetery.