Duffy, Martin
March 08, 2011
The parish of Knockcroghery, St. John's and surrounding areas were plunged into shock and sadness when the news broke of the sudden and unexpected death of one of its best known parishioners Mr. Martin Duffy of Culleen, Knockcroghery who passed away on Wednesday, February 23rd. Martin was formally from Derryneil, Ballydangan, Athlone and was a member of a well-known family. Aged 63 years, he born in October 1948 to the late John and Ciss Duffy, Derryneil, he was the second youngest of a family of eight children, five boys and three girls. He was an outdoor employee of C.I.E. covering the Athlone area from 1973 until he retired in 2001. He was deservedly popular with his work colleagues and members of the general public and was regarded as a very reliable and honest worker.
With Martin's energy he was anxious and he took further employment with Roscommon Mart and the Rural Development Scheme and again was well-respected for his hard work.
He possessed many interests and was a lover of all sports. He was a member of the St. Dominic's GAA Club and held the position as chairman, he also gave his time to the hurling team, he was a supporter and follower down the years.
He was a former committee member and grounds man for the St. John's Athletic Club and was regular at the pitch on match days to watch his son Mike playing for the team or just to see how the lads were doing. He was a great friend of the club. Martin was well-known through Knockcroghery and Lecarrow, particularly in the spring and summer time when he would be seen regularly on his ride-on lawn mower around the areas cutting the many roadside lawns, in fact his won lawns and garden are a testament to his work. He also had a great interest in horses, ponies and donkeys and was a regular attendant at the annual Ballinasow October fair and at the horse fair in Maam Cross, Connemara. He supported both church and community activities along with carrying out many neighbourly deeds, ready to support or help whenever the need arose. He will long be remembered by all who knew him.
He married his wife Marie (nee Kilcline) in July 1971 and came to reside in Culleen where he became part of the community and was well-received. They both raised a family of four children, two boys and two girls. Martin was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is now survived by his loving wife Marie, sons Loughlinn, Warrenpoint, Co. Down and Michael (Culleen); daughters Amanda (Culleen) Martina (Culleen), son-in-law Hugh, daughter-in-law Martina; his four grandchildren, Katie, Hanna, Matthew and Isabella; four brothers Willie, Michael, John and Kieran; sisters Mrs. Maureen Pettit, Barna, Mrs Annie Grenham and Mrs. Rita Delaney and a wide circle of family and friends.
His remains reposed at his home from Friday until his removal on Saturday morning to St. Patrick's Church, Knockcroghery, arriving for Mass of the Resurrection.
His burial was afterwards to Gailey Cemetery. The chief celebrant of the Mass was Rev. Donal Morris CC St. John's and Knockcroghery. Canon Peader Lavin, formally PP Knockcroghery, Very Rev. Eugene McLoughlin PP Roscommon, Rev. Fr Kilbane, Moore and Rev Fr. Mooney PP Glenamaddy. Readings were read by his daughter Amanda and daughter-in-law Martina. Prayers of the faithful were recited by his nieces and gifts brought to the alter by is grandchildren, nieces and nephews. As a mark of respect the St. Dominic's GAA club and St. John's athletic club formed a guard of honour as his remains approached the Church. May he rest in peace.
Courtesy of the Roscommon Herald
8th March 2011
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