The Late Ned McDonald The people of Hacketstown united in sympathy recently to pay their respects to a local man held in high esteem within the community. Edward (Ned) McDonald, 7 Hillview Tce, Hacketstown recently passed away at St Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny following an illness. A native of Hacketstown, Ned (71) worked for many years as a lorry driver with the local factory Duffy Meats. The work took Ned out on the road every day, which he thoroughly enjoyed and equally brought him in contact with many people throughout the region. Ned loved nothing more than being out on the road, meeting people, having a chat and getting to know every town and village in the region. Prior to his employment at Duffy Meats, Ned worked with John O'Neill and Carlow Sugar Factory again as a lorry driver, but it was Duffy Meats where he spent some of his working life until the factory closed. In the 1950s Ned was part of the Clomore GFC team that shot to fame on the county stage. The success was a huge source of pride to Ned, given that he was joined on that winning county team by his brothers Paddy and Bill. The success led to some wonderful memories for Ned and a lifelong interest in the GAA. Sadly, Paddy predeceased Ned in 1986, while his brother Bill passed away just three weeks prior to Ned. In the late 1950s Ned moved to England where he met and married his wife Marie, a native of Galway. In 1962 the couple moved back to Hacketstown, where Ned and Marie raised a family of three children. Ned was a great family man and always took an interest in his children and in later years, his 11 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He loved spending time with the children and his sad passing is now a terrible loss to them all. Ned was a very sociable man, which was evident in the large numbers who attended his funeral mass. He loved going out to the local pub, enjoying his pint and having a chat and a laugh with all. The remains were removed to St Brigid's Church, Hacketstown and were taken to Hacketstown Cemetery following Requiem Mass the next day. As a mark of respect Clonmore GAA formed a guard of honour while the remains were received by Fr PJ McDonald PP Hacketstown and Fr McCormack CC Hacketstown. Ned is survived by his wife Marie, sons Paul, Castlebar and John , Celbridge, daughter Margaret Doyle, Hacketstown, daughters-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers Michael and Denis, England, sister Maureen, England, relatives and a wide circle of friends. Ned 's month mind Mass will be held on February 26th in Hacketstown. Courtesy of the Nationalist 18th February 2005 Tweet

Most Read Stories