Francis O'Neill, class '49
In Memoriam
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The Union was saddened to hear of the passing of Francis O’Neill, class '49
The death has occurred of Francis O'NEILL
Chapel Lane, Thomastown, Kilkenny
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Formerly of Hamilton Lodge and 'The Maltings'. Francis died peacefully at St Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny. Beloved husband of Fay, and dear father of Fiona, Shane, Mandy, Lisa, Anny, Richard and Tanya. Francis will be sadly missed by his loving family, brothers, sisters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, 21 grandchildren, extended family and friends. Reposing at St Columba's Hospital Mortuary, Thomastown from 6pm on Tuesday with Rosary at 7.30pm. Removal on Wednesday to the Church of the Assumption, Thomastown to arrive for 12 noon Requiem Mass followed by interment in St Mary's New Cemetery, Thomastown. |
Date of Death: Saturday 24th January 2015
Francis was the 4th son of William and Betty O’Neill of Hamilton Lodge, Mount Merrion. One of eight boys and three girls, he grew up in a very large happy family. All the boys went to Castleknock and took a very active role in the school, especially in sport. Francis was no exception, witness this excerpt form the 1948-49 SCT notes -
F. O'Neill had an excellent game. He was always on the ball and well up for anything that might happen. He scored two delightful tries, one in the first minute of the second half which must have been something in the nature of a tonic to our supporters.
After SVC he played his rugger at Bective and whilst in Sydney, with Eastern Suburbs where he made many friends. He was also a great swimmer as were all his family. The Blackrock baths and water polo took up much of the summer holidays.
After school, Francis studied flour milling inspired by his father who was Managing Director of Johnson Mooney and O’Brien. He decided in the mid 50’s to head south to Australia and met his wife Fay on the boat on the way. In 1961, he headed for the UK with two children in tow and had four very happy years in Buckinghamshire before returning to Ireland to set up a waste clearance business. It was one of the first of its kind and was quite a challenge.
A complete career change in 1978 when he and Fay opened a restaurant in the picturesque village of Inistioge. Francis’ larger than life personality and Fay’s great cooking made it a huge success. He finally retired to Thomastown where he and Fay enjoyed the tranquillity of village life. He died peacefully on 24th January, 2015 after a short spell of ill health.
Francis always had time to talk to everyone and was one of the most welcoming of people. He will always be remembered with a smile by family and friends the world over.
He is lovingly missed by his wife Fay, children Fiona, Shane ('77), Mandy, Lisa, Anny, Richard ('85) and Tanya, their spouses Paul, Leanne, Tommy, Trevor, Paul, Eugenie and Roger; his twenty grandchildren; and his surviving siblings: Anne (UK), Dermot (Canada), David (Killarney), Winnie (Dublin), Margaret (UK) and Vincent (Castlebar).
Requiescat in Pace.