One of St Mel's Musical Society's greatest stalwarts, Frank O'Rourke died recently in Co Wicklow.
Frank, who was born in New York in 1931 returned to Cavan in his childhood. There he attended St Patricks College and signed up to play football with Cavan Slashers. One of the golden moments of his teenage years was the winning point he scored for the side in the county's Minor Football Championship and it was the Cavan grandee Lord Farnham who recommended Frank as a likely candidate to Sir John Keane, Bank of Ireland's Governor.

Frank was hired by Bank of Ireland and it was his role within the financial institution that subsequently brought him to Longford where he very soon became a much loved member of the town's musical society.
Maura Sheehan (nee Wynne) remembers Frank from their amateur dramatics days. "He was so talented," she said adding that Frank possessed a 'beautiful and lovely voice'.

"He lived in Longford for about 20 years and it was here that he met his wife Rose Browne who hailed from Main Street."
Together Frank and Rose had five children - three boys and two girls - but sadly Rose passed away in 1997.
Frank's great passions in life were music, reading philosophy and all things Italian. He loved to holiday in Italy. He was also a pivotal figure in the repositioning of Bank of Ireland during the 1970s and 80s and originated the sponsorship of the GAA All Stars award in 1978.

Frank O'Rourke died peacefully at his home following an illness borne with courage and dignity, in the care of his family, on August 22nd last. He is survived by his children Fergal, Tiernan, Mona, Shane and Aedamar, his daughters-in-law Johan O'Rourke and Margaret Rooney, his sons-in-law Raymond Comyn and Brian Farrell, his much loved grandchildren Niamh, Brian, Rosalind, Roderic, Caoimhe,Cliodhna, Muireann, Odran, Roisin and Tiernan, his brother Charlie, Joe and Kevin (Columban Fathers), sisters-in-law Joan, Marie, Brigid and Ruth, his brother-in-law Vincent Kyne and his wonderful circle of friends.
He was removed to the Holy Rosary Church, Greystones on August 24 last and laid to rest at Shanganagh Cemetery, Shankill, Co Dublin following Funeral Mass the following day. The large crowds that gathered to bid a final farewell to Frank was testament to the high esteem in which he was held. May he rest in peace.

- Courtesy of the Longford Leader 9th September 2011 Tweet

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