By Dan Walsh
Many glowing tributes have been paid to John Byrne, (59), a popular member of the outdoor staff of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council who died suddenly while attending to his duties at the Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, last Monday afternoon.
Medical aid was available without delay, but efforts at resuscitation failed. The shock incident occurred as members and officials were preparing to attend the July meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council in the Presentation Centre and, as a mark of respect for the family, Cathaoirleach Cllr Aidan Browne cancelled the meeting with immediate effect.
Councillors and officials offered sympathies to John’s family who were quickly on the scene.
Cllr Browne said; “No matter where you were around the town you would see him and he would always have a word for you and he will be a very big loss to the town.”
Cllr Jackser Owens said; “The whole town is in shock. You would meet him everyday doing work for the council and he always wanted to talk and he loved having a chat with people passing by.”
John, a native of Duffry Gate, was a friendly face every day while going about his work in the town. This reporter would stop and chat with John most days whether it would be community gossip, the hurling and football or the horse racing! “He was an Enniscorthy-man with a great pride in his own place and he enjoyed life working and socialising amongst his family, neighbours and friends.”
At Tuesday’s meeting of Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District, Cllr Willie Kavanagh and Director of Services, Liz Hore, who worked with John when they were located to Enniscorthy district, both offered their condolences to his family.
FAMILY NOTICE; The death has occurred of JOHN BYRNE, Spout Lane, Enniscorthy, Formerly 34 Duffry Gate. (Suddenly). Beloved son of the late Anna May and Jack, brother of Catherine, Margaret, Bridget, Ann and the late Patrick (Urney) and partner of Bernie. Sadly missed by his loving sisters, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, neighbours and friends. May he rest in peace.
Reposing at Crosbie’s Funeral Home today Thursday from 3pm to 7pm. Funeral Mass on Friday at 12 noon in St. Aidan’s Cathedral. Burial afterwards in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
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