Denis (Fred) Byrne, who died at his home, 1 St Fiacc's Terrace, Graiguecullen on Friday 18th March will be fondly remembered as a man who made significant contribution to the local community throughout his life.
Aged 73, Fred had successfully fought a battle with cancer three years ago but the illness returned before Christmas last and this time Fred lost his fight for life.
Because there were three Denis Byrnes in Graiguecullen when he was growing up, he was called Fred as a means of ready identification.
For a long number of years, Fred worked as a crane driver with Thomas Thompson Steel works, Hanover, Carlow. In later life, he went into business for himself, purchasing the Hexagon Snooker Club in Castle Hill, Carlow from Tom Myler. The Hexagon went on to become a very successful venture for Fred.
In more recent times, he established a betting office at Maryborough Street, Graiguecullen, left to his by his late sister Bridie Coghill. Today that premises is Carpenter's Funeral Home and it was Fred's wish that he be waked there- a wish that was fulfiled as hundreds of his friends gathered to remember him and say last goodbye.
His final business enterprise was as an on-course bookie with his friend Sean O'Shea from Graiguecullen.
Fred Byrne had strong association with the loyalty to Graiguecullen GAA Club, being involved when the green and red last won the Laois SFC in 1965. At the time of his death, he was chairman of St Pat's Boys FC in Graigecullen. Along with his great friend Tom Hennessy and Tommy Flynn, Fred was a prime mover in the provision of the splendid allweather soccer facility the club proudly boasts today.
At the requiem mass for Fred on Monday 21 March at the local St Clare's Church, three symbols of his life were brought to the altar. Granddaughter Thea brought a pair of binoculars and a race card, reflective of Fred's love of horse racing. Another grandchild Elisa brought up a golf ball- Fred was passionate about the game- while their cousin Jack brought up a football, symbolic of Fred's involvement and love of Gaelic football and soccer.
In a eulogy during Mass, Fr John Dunphy, PP, Graiguecullen-Killeshin, spoke of Fred's love of all sports. He recalled the mutual respect that existed when Fred met leading jockey Johnny Murtagh, when the Co. Meath horseman came to Graigueullen to speak at a mission in St Clare's.
Fr Dunphy who described Fred as "a loveable rogue", said he was a shrewd punter, who would advise not to bet on Cheltenham or on a handicap race, as there were too many imponderable for the punter. Although a regular attender at race meetings throughout the country, Fred would not even have a bet unless he felt it was all systems go for a particular horse.
He also mentioned that on his last outing to Thurles Racecourse- the Co. Tipperary track was his favourite- his friends saw Fred take a long look around the venue before they departed for home, in the knowledge he would not be returning.
In terms of golf, Fr Dunphy noted that Fred was a member of The Heath, Gowran and Callen Golf Clubs, while also being president of the local golf society in Graiguecullen, based in the local GAA clubhouse. He played of a 16 handicap and it was not unusual for Fred to play two rounds of golf in the one day.
He remembered Fred's love of music and that he played drums with a number of local bands, including The Creole Swing Band, Country Flavour and The Riverside Aces. From his music days, Fred formed a deep friendship with Michael (Mick) Hennessy, while his friend from school days Tommy Alcock played the flute during communion at Mass, while Fred's grandson Ross played guitar.
Other aspects of Fred Byrne's life mentioned by Fr Dunphy were his involvement in politics (Fred was a dedicated member of Fianna Fail and a friend of deputy John McGuinness) and his voluntary work as chairman of the Sacred Heart Hall Committee in Graiguecullen.
He also informed the large congregation that Fred was responsible for setting up the first lotto fundraiser in the Carlow area, names Roso - combination of the two clubs involved, Carlow Rowing Club and the St Pat's Boys Football Club. The lotto continues to operate, being run exclusively nowadays by the rowing club. Fred's wife Mary helps out with the running of the lotto.
Fr Dunphy spoke of the courage and fortitude shown by Fred in his final illness and the manner in which his deep Christian faith shone through.
He described Fred Byrne as "a special person and a good Graiguecullen man."
Fred was, however, first and foremost a dedicated family man and his passing created a huge void in the lives of his loved ones.
His remains were removed from Carpenter's Funeral Home, Graiguecullen to St Clare's Church on Sunday night, where they were received by his lifelong friend Fr Sean Kelly, retired PP Stradbally and former parish priest of Graiguecullen.
Some 80 members of St. Pat's FC formed a guard of honour from the funeral home to St Clare's on Sunday night, with adult members of the soccer club flanking the hearse. Members of Carlow Rowing Club in their club blazers were also present.
The coffin was draped in the Graiguecullen GAA colours.
Fr Dunphy was assisted at Mass by Fr Tom Little, PP, Askea-Bennekerry and another loyal friend, Fr Jim O'Connell PP Stradbally.
The offertories at Mass were brought up by son Raymond, grandson Craig, English cousin Margaret Hennessy and niece Margaret Byrne.
Readings were by Madeline Coogan, a great family friend, by Fred's daughter-in-law Marie, while the reflection at the end of Mass was given by his cousin John Hennessy (London).
The singing at Mass was by sisters from the Poor Clares in Graiguecullen. Fred was always a good friend to the Poor Clares, driving the sisters to hospital appointments and for the fulfilment of other duties outside the convent.
Graiguecullen GAA members walked beside the hearse from St Clare's to St Mary's Cemetery, where Fred was laid to rest.
The youngest of a family of six, Fred was predeceased by his first wife Margaret and is survived by wife Mary (nee Walsh), sons Jimmy (Millennium Court, Carlow), PJ (Barrowvale, Graiguecullen) and Ray (the Gold Coast, Australia), brother Willie (Staunton Avenue, Graiguecullen), his devoted grandchildren Craig, Ross, Elisa, Thea and Ali, daughters-in-law Marie, Bernadine and Karen, brothers-in-law Pat Liam, Tom, Christy and Joe, sisters-in-law Breda, Kathleen, Ann, Rita and Eileen, nephews, nieces other relatives, neighbours and many friends.
Son Ray made it home in the days before his father's passing, which was a great source of comfort and consolation to the Byrne family and, indeed to Fred himself.

Courtesy of the Nationalist
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