On golden South Beach… Pic: GG

t’s always difficult to know what to say to someone who has just lost a loved one…

You can always try a few traditional words of comfort, letting them know just how much their dearly departed will be missed.

Then again, maybe a little borrowed philosophy about this notoriously mortal coil might help bring a little perspective into the equation.

Always look on the bright side of death, and all that. As the late, great W.C. Fields quipped, it’s a funny old world, and you’d be lucky to get out of it alive. When it came to the big farewell, Sir Woody of Allen famously said that he wasn’t afraid of dying, he just didn’t want to be there when it happened, whilst an anonymous London graffiti artist of the late ’70s perhaps said it best when he sprayed ‘Death is just nature’s way of telling you to slow down’.

And as to why more and more people are choosing cremation for their final curtain, well, must be nice to finally have a smoking, hot body.

Which all goes to prove that you have to hold on to your sense of humour when dealing with the final curtain, embracing all the joyous, triumphant and plain ol’ silly moments that makes up a life well lived.

May all such happy memories flood over those who knew and loved the friends we have lost…

Biddy McCormick Greystones

McCormick (née Dimond) Biddy (Elizabeth) Greystones, Co. Wicklow, in her 92nd year, September 22nd 2023, surrounded by her family and in the loving care of all the staff of Wicklow Hospice, Magheramore. Predeceased by her husband Prof. James Stevenson McCormick, daughter-in-law Lynne and son-in-law Tadhg. Remembered with love by her children Mark, David, Lucy and Julian, mother-in-law of Nicky and Doreen, proud grandmother of Kate, Neil and David, Alison, Susan, Jonathan and Karen, Emma, Jackie and Aoife, Sophie and James, her thirteen great-grandchildren and sister-in-law Anna, extended family and friends. 

Funeral Service in thanksgiving for the life of Biddy on Monday, September 25th at 11am in St Patrick’s Church, Church Road, (click here to view the service online), after which Biddy will be laid to rest in Redford Cemetery. No flowers by request, donations in memory of Biddy to Wicklow Hospice, Magheramore here. Enquiries to Mark Kinsella Funeral Home on 01 281 0360.

Angela Barrett Kilcoole, Delgany

Angela Barrett (née Malone) late of The Bentley, Kilcoole, Delgany, Co. Wicklow, and Delgany Golf Club, September 15th, 2023, peacefully surrounded by her family while in the care of Liz, Pat, and their wonderful staff in Eyrefield Manor Nursing Home. Remembered with love by her family, children Leslie, Ian, Michelle, Cyril, Niall and Marc, daughters-in-law Alina, Carmel, Marika, Staci and Caroline, grandchildren Mark, Andy and Violet, Laura and Seán, Niamh, Niall and Viktoria, Noah and Ruben, Keira and Ronan, Rachel and Ethan, and Angela’s siblings Lal Curtin, Aileen Doogue-Kenna, Alan Malone and James Malone, extended family, and friends.

Reposing at Mark Kinsella Funeral Home, Main Street, Newtownmountkennedy A63 X456 (opposite St. Joseph’s Church) on Wednesday evening (September 20th) from 6pm until 8pm. Funeral Mass on Thursday morning (September 21st) at 10am in The Holy Rosary Church, Greystones (which can be viewed online here), after which Angela will be laid to rest in Redford Cemetery, Greystones. May she rest in peace. Enquiries to Mark Kinsella Funeral Home on 012810360.

Justin Connolly Snr Kilpedder, Newtown

Justin Connolly Snr of Glenview Park, Kilpedder, formerly O’Neill Park, Newtownmountkennedy Co. Wicklow & ESB. September 19th 2023 peacefully at the Blackrock Clinic surrounded by his loving family. Remembered with love by his wife Dorrie (née Donohoe), children Yvonne, Justin Jnr, Alison & Stephanie, daughter-in-law Lynne, son-in-law Rodney, Stephanie’s partner Neil, adored Gaga to his beloved grandchildren Lucy, Luke, Beth, Bobby, Owen, Grace, Bella & Sophia. Deeply regretted by the extended Connolly, Wheatley & Donohoe families, nieces nephews, colleagues, neighbours & large circle of friends.

Reposing at Mark Kinsella Funeral Home, Main Street, Newtown (opposite St. Joseph’s Church) on Thursday evening (September 21st) from 7pm until 8pm. Funeral Mass on Friday morning (September 22nd) at 11am in St. Patrick’s Church, Kilquade after which Justin will be laid to rest in Kilmurray Cemetery, Newtownmountkennedy. No flowers by request, donations in memory of Justin here. Enquiries to Mark Kinsella Funeral Home on 0872160740.You can explore our Thank You For The Days archives right over here.