The Late John Larkin John Larkin was a man with a great capacity for fun. A person with generosity of spirit, a good heart, and an adventurous soul. John's unexpected passing in Dublin's Mater Hospital, has left a tremendous void in the lives of those closest to him not least in those of his family, to whom he was completely devoted. He was 62 years of age. John from 'Kellar', Maudlintown, was a carpenter by profession, and was a member of the Clerk of Works Institute of Ireland. His most recent position was as a clerk of works with the Respond building agency. His previous employment included a period working with National Shutters, a subsidiary of National Aluminium. However and entire episode of the Larkin family life was played out half-way across the globe- as John, his wife Dympna and their family emigrated to Australia in the mid 1980s. Showing his true adventurous spirit, John and his family forged new friendships in Australia and carved out a new and successful life for themselves in Oz. However they continued to think of home, and eventually returned back to Wexford some years later after the family had secured Australian citizenship. A very engaging and loveable guy, John Larkin was always 'up for a laugh'. Whether it involved dressing up in fancy dress, or getting up to dance to 'get things going' at a party. John was always in the thick of the things. He loved socialising, never more than when he could do it with close family and friends. John and Dympna were also headline makers as they were married in a 'triple wedding' ceremony, along with Dympna's brothers Dermot and Rory Kelly and their wives, Marie and Anne. At the time the 'triple Kelly wedding' was the talk of Wexford, and even television cameras filmed the unusual event. Throughout his life John showed a great interest in sports, and as a young man he hurled with both the Parnels and Na Fianna. He also played football with St. Mary's of Maudintown and featured on the team when they reached their first Junior District Final in 1969. He had also played football with Sarsfields and won a Senior championship medal with them in 1967. His sporting interest also saw his take the role of Chairman of St. Mary's Bord na nÓg. A former member of the Town of Wexford VEC, John was also very politically active and for many years canvassed for the Fine Gael party. Most recently he supported his good friend Johnny Roche in politics, and was his director of elections for his Wexford Borough Council election campaigns He was a good neighbour and kind hearted individual, and could have been considered 'the original Mr. Fixit'. A handyman by nature, he was never found wanting when someone had a DIY crisis. John was always delighted to help people out and almost 'wore himself out in the cause of others'. However the great loves of his life were his wife Dympna and his family. He adored his children and grandson Cian. He is survived by his wife, Dympna; son John Jnr; daughters Anne Marie; Clodagh, Dympna and Laura; grandson, Cian; brother, Oliver, sister, Marie Browne; son-in-law, John; brothers-in-law, James Browne, Ciaran Kelly, Rory Kelly, Declan Kelly and Dermot Kelly; sisters-in-law, Aileen and Nuala; relatives and many friends. His remains was taken to St. Ibar's Cemetery, Crosstown following requiem mass in Church of the Assumption, Bride Street. Courtesy of the Wexford People 14th January 2005 Tweet

Most Read Stories