Peter had a warm smile and twinkle in his eye
THE community of Kilcarra in Arklow came together to bid a final fond farewell to local man Peter Monaghan, who was laid to rest recently.
A native of Ballymurn in Co Wexford, Peter was one of seven siblings and is survived by his brothers John and Willie.
As a young man, he went to London in search of work. Along with work, he also found his wife to be, Rosie, and the couple were married in 1954 and returned home to Ireland.
They went on to have nine children: Pat, Caroline, Charlie, Gina, Rose Marie, Suzie, Gerry and the late Chris.
Peter’s working life varied from working the land, farming, Roadstone, NET, the block lorry and constantly working from home. It was invariably said of Peter: ‘every time you passed, his head was under the bonnet of a car’.
He was gifted with his hands and an all-rounder in DIY. Whether plastering, painting, decorating or wall papering - whatever the job, Peter had the skills.
He was an avid gardener and, until recently, loved to potter outside in his garden, keeping it in shape.
He took great care of his fruit and vegetable plots. When illness reduced his energy levels, he would follow his son Pat and ensure that he kept up to the same high standard of workmanship.
By nature, Peter was very sociable and had a big, warm smile for everyone and a twinkle in his eye. He rarely had a cross word with anyone and the worst his children ever got was a ‘tut, tut’ if they misbehaved.
He loved his pint of the black stuff at the Valley Hotel, just as he loved to socialise with family and friends on many occasions.
Peter was proud of his Wexford roots and always tuned in to Tony Kehoe on South East Radio.
He also loved music, and the family have the fondest memories of Sunday mornings growing up. After Mass, they would have the big fry-up and listen to the tunes of Jim Reeves, Big Tom and the Shadows.
Those who knew Peter sometimes jokingly likened him to a magpie and said that he was an awful hoarder. His answer was: ‘you never know when you might need it’.
Peter was loved by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and they had him wrapped around their little fingers. He loved nothing more than family life at home with Rosie and the children, watching movies, listening to music and telling tales.
Peter bore his illness bravely and with dignity. Despite health setbacks, he never complained and always replied ‘I’m fine, thank God’ when somebody asked how he was.
He was a true gentleman and utterly devoted to Rosie. Even in the midst of sickness, when she entered the room, his eyes would light up.
Peter will be sadly missed by his sorrowing wife, sons, daughters, sons-inlaw, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
May he rest in peace.