Cathal was life of party

Cathal was born on August 25, 1936 to Charles and Margaret. He was one of nine children and grew up on Wellington Street, attending St Peter’s School.

He got his first job at Clendinning’s factory before becoming a rep for Tuborg. He also installed and maintained pumps for Bass.

He worked as a bar man, part time, in the Derryhirk Inn for 15 years and earned the nickname Freddie because of his resemblance to Freddie from Freddie and the Dreamers.

Through his work in the pub trade Cathal became a well known face in bars around the town.

As well as supplying pubs with beer, Cathal also liked to join in the craic and led an active social life.

He loved to attend ceilis in Lurgan and it was at one of these music events that he met his wife-to-be Margaret.

They married in 1959 in St Patrick’s Church in Magheralin and went on to have three sons - Paul, Sean and Greg - 10 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Cathal and Margaret lived in Ardboe Drive in Lurgan and Holywood before settling in Castlevue Park in Moira, where they lived for the last 50 years.

Cathal was a keen sportsman and played for the St Peters’ team who won the Town’s Cup in 1955, seen by many as a forerunner to the Ulster Championship when they met teams from Antrim, Derry, Tyrone and Down. Cathal was one of the youngest in the senior team who also won the Davitt Cup that same year.

He also played soccer for Clendinning’s team and did a bit of fishing, golf and shooting.

In addition, Cathal was a keen amateur photographer and a member of LCA.

In 1996 Cathal was forced to retire from his work due to failing eyesight.

His wife Margaret said: “He was very good to his family and never out of work. He always provided for his family. He loved a bit of craic.”

His son Sean commented: “He was the life and soul of the party, they would have near paid for him to go for the craic.”

Cathal’s health deteriorated in recent months and he sadly passed away on June 8.

His funeral was from his home at Castlevue Park to St Patrick’s Church, followed by interment at St Coleman’s Cemetery, where he was buried with his mother and father.

Cathal’s wife, sons, daughters-in-law, brother, sisters and family circle offered their sincere thanks to all those kind friends and neighbours who sympathised with them in their recent sad bereavement.

Those who sent mass and sympathy cards, called at the home, attended the funeral, or helped in any way were greatly appreciated for their support.

They thanked Rev Brian Brown who conducted the funeral service and McAlinden and Murtagh for the dignified manner in which they carried out the funeral.The Month’s Mind Mass for Cathal will take place on Saturday, July 7 at 6.30pm in St Patrick’s, Magheralin.