Frank Dowley, class '67
In Memoriam
The Union is saddened to report the passing of Frank Dowley, class '67
The death has occurred of FRANK DOWLEY
Garristown, Dublin
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Suddenly, beloved husband of Alison (nee Mackey), dear father of Karen and Simon and partner Solongo, loving grandfather to Lilie, loving brother of Gillian, Leslie, Raymond and Peter, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, neighbours and friends. Reposing at his home Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 pm - 8pm. Thursday morning house private. Removal Thursday morning to St. Mary's Church, Garristown, for 12 noon Mass. Burial afterwards to local cemetery. |
Date Published: Monday 23rd November 2015
Date of Death: Friday 20th November 2015
Frank Dowley was born on June 9th, 1948. His early life was dominated by severe bouts of asthma, which regularly put his life in danger but never dampened his genial spirit. After spending some time in Piltown National School and Carrick-on-Suir CBS, he followed his older brother, Leslie, to Castleknock. However, the dreaded asthma continued to take its toll and when he was at deaths door in 1965 it was decided to remove him from the school after only three years.
After leaving Castleknock he turned to work on the land. The outdoor life seemed to have a positive effect on his health and the frequency of asthma attacks reduced and became less severe. With improving health he joined the Farm Apprenticeship Scheme and trained to become a farm manager. Most of his training was done with different farmers in Co. Cork where he developed lifelong friendships with all who knew him.
When he qualified, he became the farm manager on a large farm near Garristown in Co. Meath. He also provided a contracting service as well as taking con-acre. This, together with his pleasant and fun loving nature made him a most popular figure in the area. While living a long way from his native south Kilkenny, he never lost contact with his family and Castleknock mates in the area. His many friends in Carrick-on-Suir eagerly looked forward to his regular visits to the area where these reunions were always celebrated appropriately.
He married Alison Mackey in 1984 and they have two wonderful children, Simon and Karen. It was while working in Garristown that he became a keen and accomplished golfer, playing out of the Castleknock Golf & Country Club as well as Hollywood Lakes. One of his most cherished victories was winning the Dowley Cup in the annual family outing in Carrick-on-Suir in 2007.
Following a number of visits to St. Vincent’s Private Hospital with chronic lung infections, Frank died suddenly on November 20th, 2015, aged 67. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Requiescat in Pace.