The late Lila Byrne Lila Byrne was born into a respected old Arklow family that was dedicated to our Irish way of life and of a loyalty to the local community. Her late father, Bill, was a former chairman of the Arklow Geraldines Club as well as being an officer of the old South Board. His commitment was legendary and his in out into the promotion and the development of the GAA in Arklow was renowned. Lila was to follow in his footsteps. She was a member of the Arklow Geraldines club for over 40 years and took over the role of Club Secretary when no one else could be persuaded to take the job and continued in that role for nearly a decade. She remained an active member of the combined Arklow Geraldines/Ballymoney club and was one of there most prolific lottery sales people. She was also a valued member of the County Board for many years. In her young days Lila worked in Arklow Pottery and later in the Viking Cafe. There she would converse with both work colleagues and customers the goings on in the town and many a hopeful councillors fate would be sealed before the last cup of cappuccino was served. While the GAA was her great priority Lila had many other interests. She organised pilgrimages to Knock for many years and was a devout churchgoer. She was also a great supporter of Fine Gael and worked tirelessly to promote their cause wether canvassing or assisting with fundraising. Recently, she had returned to her weekly game of bingo which she eagerly looked forward to. The door of Lila's hospitable home was always open to young and old. On several occasions, many a hearty fire burned ceaselessly into the early hours of the morning discussing the affairs of the town and the fortunes of Arklow Geraldines and later the combined club of Arklow Geraldines/Ballymoney. Lila's true depths of Christian charity and unassuming nature made her many good friends. She was a person with a great personality and her family and a host of friends who appreciated her company, advise or assistance in any way, now this sad demise leaves. They will miss her friendship but above all her love. Many people in Arklow will testify to the fact that you could not have a better friend than Lila and a more willing hand in times of trouble, and on more ready to share ones joys in good times and offer support when needed. In one way or another we are all much the better for having Lila Byrne walk among us, sharing her friendship and gentleness of heart, we will miss a special friend, and a loyal colleague. She will be sadly missed by her sons Billy and Tommy, brothers Sean and Hughie, sisters brenda, Aileen and Ann along with her sisters and brothers in laws and other family members and a wide circle of friends. May the sod of your native Arklow rest lightly on this great Arklow lady and outstanding Gael. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis. Courtesy of the Wicklow People 3 May 2007 Tweet

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