Aidan was well-known in Omeath
THE sudden death of Aidan Mulligan, Ardán Gentili, Omeath took place on 11 September, 2018, and his untimely passing at the age of 67 caused widespread shock in the close-knit community of Omeath.
He was the third eldest of a family of fourteen children of the late Paddy and Mary Mulligan of The Corner House in Omeath.
He had five brothers, Michéal, Seán, Kieran, Peadar and Patrick, and eight sisters, Frances, Patricia, Miriam, Sheila, Bronagh, Kathleen, Rose and Pauline.
Aidan grew up living above the family business in Omeath and attended the local St. Laurence’s N.S. under Master Dónal Cullen and Mrs. Margaret Conlon.
He went on to attend Bush Post Primary School before moving on at an early age to work as an apprentice sprayer at AgriTiller, Dundalk.
He took on a new job as a helper in a lorry with Greenore Ferries and so set himself on the road of driving and haulage for the rest of his life.
He later drove for Brian Boyle and Herbie Campbell of Ballymascanlon, before setting out on his own in 1977 with his AEC Mandator AZY 484. His business grew until he had six trucks on the road, employing a number of men under the name of Omeath Transport Ltd.
Aidan married his loving wife Mavis in 1973 and they went on to have four daughters, Róisín, Mairéad, Shauna and Fiona.
Two of his proudest days were when he walked his daughter Shauna down the aisle and gave her away to Owen Dobbin in 2004, and when he gave Mairéad away to Laurence O’Reilly in 2009.
He had four grand-daughters, Lauren, Tara, Katie and Ellie and was, like the rest of the family, eagerly awaiting the arrival of his fifth grand-child.
Given the sisters, sisters-in-law, daughters and grand-daughters, who pampered and cared so well for him, he was known to say when referring to himself as ‘Blessed art thou amongst women!’
In retirement Aidan was a familiar figure in Omeath on his ride-on lawn mower, which he used to maintain the local GAA pitch, and many private gardens.
His beloved St. Bernard ‘Barney’ pre-deceased him by a number of years, but was another familiar sight accompanying him on his grass-cutting runs.
Aidan was an avid member of North Louth & Border Vintage Club and was an enthusiast with his Ford Corsair.
He was the ‘go to man’ for his daughters and many others. When they wanted something fixed, or replaced or tidied up, he was the man.
In the past he was very involved with the now disbanded St. Laurence’s Accordion Band, transporting the members to parades all around the region.
In latter years Aidan, with P. J. Mc Donnell, completed two charity runs to Chernobyl, bringing much-needed aid and supplies to this devastated region.
He proudly displayed his speeding fine from one of these journeys, having it framed and mounted in his living room.
Aidan was a well-known character, coming from such a big family, involved in the locality and having been in business for so many years. His sudden death was a shock to all, and he is sadly missed.
Aidan’s family had a traditional wake at his house and were overwhelmed by the number of people who came to pay their respects to Mavis and the family.
En route to the wake the cortège waited for the hearse to take one last inspection of his beloved shore line with the old railway wagon in which he spent so much time, and to say goodbye to his old friend Hughie McCourt.
The journey to the church for his funeral took place on Saturday, 15 September. Along the way to the church a guard of honour was provided by Cúchulainn Gaels GFC, North Louth & Border Vintage Club and St. Laurence’s N.S.
A man with a deep faith, Aidan would have been delighted with the beautiful Mass which celebrated his life.
The celebrant at the requiem Mass was Rev. Christy McElwee IC.
The music was provided by Carmel Rice, accompanied by Fidelma Bellew.
The readings were read by Aidan’s brothers, Peadar and Kieran, the prayers of the faithful led by nieces and nephews, Jackie Cromie, Pádraig McDonagh, Caroline Mulligan, Séamus Murphy, Sinéad O’Hanlon, Laura Taylor.
Gifts were taken up by Aidan’s grand-daughters, Lauren and Tara who brought the bread and wine, Katie who brought Aidan’s glasses and cap, and Ellie who brought his favourite nutty chocolate.
The reflection “Miss me-but let me go” was read by Aidan’s nephew, Brendan Gillard and the eulogy was given by his brother-in-law Seán Brosnan.
The final journey to the adjoining cemetery was led by Mark Toner who played a moving lament on the bagpipes.
Aidan would have been impressed by the large numbers at the mass and burial, and the support and comfort given to his wife Mavis, to his daughters and to the extended family which was beyond expectation.
The family is very appreciative of the support and comfort given to them.
A donation was made to The Irish Heart Foundation, in lieu of flowers, and as a result of a fund-raiser held in Bayview Tavern (Howe’s Bar), Omeath, in Aidan’s memory.
Go ndeana Dia trócaire ar a hanam.