Byrne, Michael (Mick)
December 24, 2013Aged 79, Mick Byrne was well summed up in a sympathy card received by his wife Kathleen, which stated: 'Mick was a great character, very obliging and a gifted plumber.'
One of a family of five, Mick was son of the late James and Ellen (nee Carter). He had been in serious ill health since April, being treated at the Bon Secours Hospital in Glasnevin. He spent the two weeks before his death in the District Hospital, Carlow.
Mick emigrated to Scotland and by the age of 21 had moved to London, where he met his wife-to-be Kathleen McDonagh from Tuam, Co Galway and where he served his time to the plumbing trade in the English capital.
They married in Tuam cathedral on 30 March 1959, coming to reside in an apartment in Pollerton Castle in March 1961 before moving to Laburnum Drive in January '64.
Mick worked as a shift fitter with the Irish Sugar Company in Carlow from 1960 to '65 before going on to work with Tynagh Mines in Co Galway until the late 1960s.
The family continued to live in Carlow and when Mick returned from the west he decided to have a go at private enterprise as a plumber. The work took off and he remained busy for the remainder of his working life, coming through the oil crises of the 1970s and '80s, all the while establishing a reputation as an excellent man at his job.
In fact, Mick Byrne never really retired from plumbing. Only last September he oversaw the repair of a cooker with his son Jimmy - the last job undertaken by the popular south Carlow man.
A former hurler and footballer with Kilcloney GAA club at minor level, and later with Borris in senior ranks, Mick, who played at wing-back, remained a dedicated follower of Gaelic games after his own playing days had ended.
He was a very fine dancer and would joyfully dance the waltz, quickstep and jive. A great family man, Mick's passing represents a huge loss to his wife Kathleen, his four children, brothers, sisters and extended family. Mick was waked at Healy's Funeral Home, Pollerton Castle before removal to the Cathedral of the Assumption on Monday 2 December, where his remains were received by Fr Tom Little, PP, Askea-Bennekerry-Tinryland, assisted by Fr John Cummins, Adm, Carlow.
Fr Little was a good friend of Mick - the Byrne and Little families were neighbours in the Cournellan-Clashganny area of Borris. The funeral Mass on Tuesday morning was celebrated by Fr Little, assisted by Fr Liam Morgan, CC, Askea-Bennekerry-Tinryland. The readings at Mass were by Aoife Byrne and Sarah Rossiter (granddaughters), while grandchildren Liam and Callum Marshall, Maria Rossiter, Roisin Byrne, Gemma and Aaron Bruce recited the Prayers of the Faithful.
The Offertory gifts were brought to the altar by Catherine Bruce (daughter) and Ciara Byrne (granddaughter). In a eulogy during Mass, Fr Little spoke with great affection about a good friend, providing fitting anecdotes from Mick's life.
Afterwards, Mick was laid to rest in St Mary's Cemetery, Carlow, with Fr Little reciting the final prayers at the graveside. Mick is survived by his wife Kathleen, children Eileen Rossiter (Swords), Rose Marshall (Wokingham, Berkshire), Jimmy (Clane) and Catherine Bruce (Clane), brothers Pat (Cournellan), Simon (Dublin), sisters Nancy Harrison (Cournellan) and Mary Cunningham (Raheny) by his nine grandchildren - whom Mick adored - by nephews, nieces, extended family, good neighbours and his many friends.
Carlow Nationalist, 24th December 2013 Tweet
