The Late Charlie Lavin

The death occurred on Sunday 18 March at his home at Blackhall, Calverstown of Charlie Lavin, surrounded by his wife Betty, son James, daughters Mary, Pauline, Noeleen and Evelyn, who all cared for him so lovingly during the final months of his life. Charlie had an unfailing love for Kildare and he returned to his roots in Mayo every year. A native of Woods, Swinford, Co Mayo he was one of a group of seven families who settled on land commissioned holdings in the mid 50s. Later he married local girl Betty Cassidy. He loved farming and he had become a dairy farmer before his marriage. Charlie and Betty continued to supply milk to Premier Dairies for the next 50 years. A man of quiet disposition, a good friend and neighbour and he was never heard to utter a harsh word. At family gatherings such as weddings, christenings with neighbours and family parties and on many a Sunday night when a sing song was the order of the day in Hickeys, Charlie was a little shy in coming forward but he never failed to give a rendition of his famous party piece The Galway Shawl. Soprano Celine Byrne gave a lovely rendering of the same song at his funeral mass. His granddaughter Nathalie Dean paid a very touching tribute to her grandad, highlighting the unconditional love he had for all of his grandchildren. It brought tears of sorrow and laughter to the congregation present, well done Nathalie for a beautiful tribute. President of St Laurence's GFC JJ Walsh, another Mayo man, spoke of the transition from Mayo to Kildare, and he told stories of Charlie's involvement with the Larries in those early days but I have been warned not to repeat some of the stories as they were never told in public before. As Charlie's coffin was carried to Crookstown graveyard, Celine Byrne sent him on his way with a song about his native Mayo. He is survived by his wife Betty, son James, daughters Mary, Pauline, Noeleen, Evelyn sons-in-law, grandchildren, sister Nora Gallagher Kilcullen, Katie Mayo, Peggy and brother Paddy England, nephews and nieces and extended and friends. A large congregation present was a sign of the high esteem in which Charlie was held.

May his generous soul rest in Peace.

Courtesy of the Kildare Nationalist, March 27th, 2012. Tweet

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