The late Edward 'Neddy' Franey The Rathnew community had been deeply saddened by the death of one of its most treasured sons, Edward 'Neddy" Franey, at the age of 82 years. Born in Rathnew in 1924 the only child of Julia Franey, Neddy was a great lover of sport and was a member of the last hurling team that won a Senior championship for the village in 1956. He was also a founding member of Rathnew AFC in the 1950s, and served as president both for the soccer club and Rathnew GAA for many years. In 1949 Neddy married Marjorie and they had five children, Marie, Ann, Anthony, Fiona and Eamonn. While Marie now lives in Aughrim and Anthony in Wicklow Town, Ann, Fiona and Eamonn still reside in Rathnew. One of Neddy's proudest moments was when his two sons who are separated in age by 10 years, played on the same Rathnew soccer team that won the Wicklow Cup in 1990. A prize photograph taken on the day shows Neddy, Anthony and Eamonn posing with the cup - Neddy, bursting with pride, looking like he was ten feet tall! Neddy also cheered Eamonn on when he played on the Rathnew team that won the Leinster club championship and was very proud of his achievement. A skilled carpenter and wood-worker, there were few gardens in the village that didn't sport some piece of furniture Neddy had lovingly crafted, and he was renowned for his Christmas cribs. Neddy put much thought and love into all of his creations, and many will now treasure the pieces he made for them. A devout church-goer, Neddy was a gentle soul who could talk to anyone and always had a joke to tell. His easy-going nature meant he could relate to both young and old, a fact borne out by the number of young people who attended his funeral to say goodbye. He was loved by many children in the village and had a kind word for everyone. He will be sadly missed by all. The last year of his life was made much easier by the heart failure team at St Michael's Hospital in Dun Laoghaire, and especially by his own nurse, Mary Ryder. Neddy passed away peacefully at his home at Bridge Cottage on June 24, 2006 and was laid to rest in his beloved Rathnew following a funeral mass in St Joseph's Church on June 27. He is survived by his wife Marjorie, his five children, 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Courtesy of The Wicklow People 13 July 2006 Tweet

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