Well respected and popular Castlewellan man

The Castlewellan community was greatly saddened recently to learn of the passing of well respected and popular local man Mr Francis (Francie) McAlinden which occurred on 28 November 2010. He was 84.

Francie passed away following a long illness which he bore with stoic resolution, dignity and a sense of humour, for which he was renowned. Francie from Grange Close in Castlewellan, was a devoted, generous and loving husband and father to both his wife Maureen (who predeceased him by 16 years), daughters Rose, Patricia and Anne, and sons Gerard, Charles, Michael, Rory and Francis (including James who died in 1985).

Francie was born in the Ballylough Road, just outside Annsborough and attended Annsborough Primary School, leaving at age 14 to take up an apprenticeship in horticulture with Singers Nursery in Newcastle.

Employment opportunities in horticulture in those days were limited so most of his early working life was spent with the forestry Division who had embarked on an extensive afforestation programe. After he left the forestry division he was employed for several years in the construction industry before eventually taking up a position as assistant and later caretaker of St Malachy's High school, Castlewellan, where he remained until retirement in 1991.

Before his illness Francie would regularly be seen in Castlewellan town and in the victory of the Forest Park, walking with his daughter Anne and exchanging a kind word with every passer-by.

Francie loved most sports and as a young man was a member of Castlewellan GAC championship winning teams of the 1950's. After his playing days ended Francie was heavily involved in club administration striving as a committee member and being on various management teams for many years.

Francie's other great interest was gardening. His interest was so great that he would regularly tend other people's gardens especially older members of the community who could no longer look after their own. Francie possessed a strong community ethos and was committed to several community bodies including the St Vincent de Paul Society and the Parish Bingo Committee.

The well attended funeral took place on Wednesday 1 December to St Malachy's Church, Castlewellan, and Francie was interred alongside his late wife and osn in the family plot in Aughlisnafin Cemetery.

Courtesy of the Mourne Observer 5/1/11 Tweet

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