SEAN WAS A TRUE WEXFORD GENTLEMAN
THE curtain came down on one of Wexford’s best-loved gentlemen with the passing of Sean Meyler of John’s Road on Friday. Sean worked his whole life at The People Newspapers, making many friends here over a number of years. However, making friends was something that came completely naturally to him and he counted people of all backgrounds and ages among his friends.
Sean passed away on Friday at Wexford General Hospital, where he received excellent care from the dedicated staff there. His funeral mass took place yesterday (Tuesday) at Rowe Street Church and although, due to Covid, it was a much smaller affair than would surely have taken place in normal times, the eyes of hundreds watched on on the Parish webcam as Sean’s son Vinnie spoke about their beloved father.
He noted that in recent days, the family had received messages of condolence from as far away as Canada and South Africa for a ‘true gentleman’.
‘Sean Meyler was a gentleman,’ Vinnie said proudly.
‘Not just because we were told this, and we have been told by many, but because we saw it in the way he treated people. He was the personification of the golden rule “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. He could talk to anyone. He took an interest in you and what you were saying.’
Vinnie noted that Sean grew up in Carrigeen Street, one of a large family, in ‘the smallest house in Ireland’, having lost his mother at an early age. He noted that, despite having spent his whole life in Wexford apart from the odd trip to South Africa
or cruise, Sean was extremely well read and had no problem relating to people of all kinds of backgrounds.
Recalling his Dad’s work, Vinnie said that Sean and his colleagues would work long hours to get the paper out and that there was a real sense of community among the People Newspaper employees, as well as great craic in the break room!
However, Sean will always be remembered as being part of a duo. He and his beloved wife Una, who passed away in 2013, did everything together and between the pair of them, they became engrained in the cultural landscape of Wexford town over their 53 years together.
‘They loved each other dearly and really brought the best out of each other,’ Vinnie noted.
‘Their contribution to entertainment in Wexford was a significant one, which is a big achievement in a town so rich in culture.’
Sean and Una played a major part in the staging of countless productions in Wexford over the years. In fact Sean was made an honorary life member of Wexford Light Opera Society back in 2011. He debuted with the society back in 1953 in ‘Rose Marie’ as a member of the chorus and was involved in countless shows since. In addition, Séan served on the committee in several roles.
He won several awards with WLOS over the years, including AIMS Best Director for ‘New Moon’ in 1990 and Best Director for ‘The Desert Song’ at Bangor Festival in 1984. However, of all the accolades, his proudest was receiving his honorary life membership from Fr John O’Brien at the WLOS Centenary Concert in 2011.
In a statement, WLOS said: ‘Séan was a dear Friend to so many, with only words of encouragement, support, amazement, and respect. An honest, honourable, and kind gentleman that we are all the better for knowing. Thank You Séan for being a special part of WLOS, you will be remembered as one of the true legends. Please keep watch over us all guiding our path.’
Sean’s passing sent ripples throughout the world of stage in Wexford, with Wexford Drama Group and Wexford Pantomime Society also joining in the tributes. Sean was a cast member from some of the panto group’s earliest shows, as well as serving as a director in latter years, and they described him as ‘a true showman who freely gave his time to many dramatic and arts groups within the Wexford area. He was a gentleman to all, an inspiration to those in the arts.’
As well as this Sean and Una were both heavily involved in the Tops of the Town group and they were also well known as judges of the annual Singing Pubs competition.
‘Growing up there was always some panto or show on,’ Vinnie recalled.
‘Mam and Dad showed great encouragement to all performers and they were never happier than when they were in the middle of all that. Dad performed well into his 80s, whether it was entertaining children with stories in school or playing the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol”.’
Sean’s favourite role though, was that of father and grandfather. He was extremely proud of his children Jane, James, Adrienne, Seanie, Padraig, Melanie and Vinnie and was beloved ‘Pops’ to his 16 grandchildren Aoife Sara, Natasha, David, Daire, Flavia, Lloyd, Katie, Daisy, Garman, Sean, Tom, Setanta, Kate, Ada, the late Kenyon and his 7 great-grandchildren.
There were difficult times for Sean too. 2013 was a tremendously difficult year as he lost his beloved wife Una in the same year as his grandson Kenyon, for whom it was noted ‘he took the long trip to Australia to get justice for’.
While the pace of life slowed a little for Sean, it was noted that he still had a lust for life. There were always newspapers to be read, books to be finished and matches to be watched!
Bringing his loving speech about his father to a close at his funeral mass, son Vinnie said: ‘And now, here we are at the final act. It’s been a long run with a cast of thousands. The leading man will join the leading lady offstage as the curtain comes down. There will be no encore. The show is over...but what a show!’
Sean is sadly missed by his loving sons daughters, brother Liam, sons in law, daughters in law, sister in law, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. May he rest in peace.