There was a deep sense of sadness when the news broke of the death of Mr Edward (Ned) Ward of Scregg, Knockcroghery, who passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 27th at his home in Scregg in the loving care of his wife, Annie; sons, Con and Aidan and extended family. Ned was one of the oldest and best known senior citizens in the parish. Born on September 4th, 1917, Ned and his family had the pleasure of celebrating his 96th birthday on September 4th last. He was born in Kilderney, Curraghboy and was the youngest of a family of four, three boys and one girl, born to the late Bernard and Mary Kate Ward, he was the last surviving member of the Ward family. Predeceased by his two brothers, John and Bernard and his sister Mary Kate. Ned lived a very full and interesting life. He received his primary education at Corrick National School, Curraghboy and also received his First Communion and Confirmation in Curraghboy Church. He later came to live in Tobberdan, Lecarrow and enjoyed many happy years there and in later years he came to live in Culleen with his brother Bernie. Ned's working career started in the Foundry in Roscommon, but at the age of 19 years he emigrated to England where he worked for some years on the building construction and made many friends. When he returned home he bought a lorry and provided service for the local community and later worked as an agricultural contractor and was well respected amongst the farming community. During his time he worked with the ESB on the rural electrification scheme, later he worked with CIE and remained there until his retirement. He was a lover of all sport particularly Gaelic football and in his younger days he played football with Rahara, St. John's and St. Patrick's, now St. Dominic's. He continued to maintain a keen interest in both hurling and football at club (St.Dominic's) county and national level and was a regular attendee at all matches until his health prevented him from doing so. He then resorted to the radio and telly to keep him undated with results.
He also had a great love and passion for traditional Irish music and was a long time member of the Knockcroghery pipe band and played the bag pipes all over the country. The most memorable occasion was the band leading the 1943-44 Roscommon All Ireland winning team up the streets of Roscommon town. He was also accomplished accordion player and played with his brother Bernard at many parties, weddings and various other functions during his time.
He was a life long member of the pioneer association and had the distinction of receiving his silver and gold jubilee pins and more recent in November 18th 2011 in Culleen Hall he had the highest honour bestowed on him when he received the Fr Cullen medallion in recognition of being a life long member of pioneer association. In 1969 Ned married Annie Kearney and moved into the Kearney household at Scregg, where they raised a family of two boys Con and Aidan. He was a devoted husband and caring father and so on September 10th last Ned and Annie celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary with their family and friends, which was a memorable occasion for all of the family. Throughout his life he maintained a great interest for the land and livestock and was deeply interested in all farming matters and retained this interest up until his death. A deeply religious person devoted to his prayers and the sacraments and looked forward to the visits of Canon Lavin and Fr. Milton with the Blessed Sacrament, for which he was deeply grateful. He supported all church and community activities during his life. He had many friends and good neighbours throughout his life and he liked nothing better than having them call for a chat and a cup of tea. He possessed a wonderful memory and could discuss many topics relating to family history dates and genealogy. In fact Ned attended a recent gathering of the Toberdan residence and was able to inform the gathering of their ancestors and where they once lived. Ned spent the last eight years travelling to Galway on dialysis three days a week and took it in his stride never once complained, the same way as he lived his life.
He is now sadly missed by his loving wife Annie, sons Con and Aidan, brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbours, friends and staff at Unit 7 Merlin Park Hospital, Galway.
His remains reposed at his home until his removal on Wednesday, October 30th to St. Patrick's Church, Knockcroghery, for his funeral Mass celebrated by Very Rev. Ray Milton PP and Canon Peader Lavin, retired PP of Knockcroghery. The local choir provided the music and hymns. At the end of the Mass the accordion was played by a friend of the family Pat Naughton who played Ned's favourite tunes, such as the 'Old Bog Road' and 'Mothers Love is a Blessing'. As the cottage approached the cemetery it was lead in by a piper Gerry Broderick and he also played at the graveside, the burial took place in Gailey Cemetery.
Before Mass a number of items relating to his interests in life were brought to the altar, a basket with items representing his farming life, some of which were turf, hay, potatoes and many more items including his cap; his accordion and part of the bag pipes which represented his love of music; family photograph representing the love for his family; Fr Cullen's medallion which he received in recognition of a life long member of the PTAA; Kidney Association emblem representing Ned's 8 years on dialysis in Galway; St Dominic's Jersey as a former player and supporter of hurling and football in the club. May he rest in peace.

Roscommon Herald, 19th November 2013 Tweet

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