Death of esteemed Castletown Geoghegan man

The funeral took place this morning, Sunday December 26, of the late Mick Kirby, one of the best-known and most senior residents of Castletow Geoghegan.

Mr Kirby, who was just a month short of his 91st birthday, died on Christmas Eve. He had been predeceased in August by his wife Margaret.

A builder by profession, Mr Kirby was a highly-respected individual, a man who gave generously of his time to his community. Mick's passion was the restoration of old buildings, and among the projects of which he was most proud was the restoration of the Franciscan Friary at Multyfarnham.

"Forty years ago I handed it over to [the Fransiscans]; it took me three years to complete, but it was the pride and joy of my life," he told The Westmeath Examiner last year in an interview marking his 90th birthday, an occasion that saw hundreds of well-wishers perform a "drive-by" at his house, since the Covid regulations prohibited any other type of celebration.

Mick also restored Lilliput House for Westmeath County Council.

Life wasn't all about work for Mick however: he was a talented sportsman and had a particular love of hurling. He won four senior championship medals with Castletown Geoghegan, and spent twelve years as chairman of the club. He was also involved in the acquisition of the GAA park from the Land Commission.

From the days of his childhood, Mick took part in amateur dramatics locally, and he was also a gifted dancer, being part of a set-dancing group that won the Westmeath Scór final ten years in a row. In latter years, he and his beloved Margaret also enjoyed ballroom dancing.

Mick was also a very devout man, and prayed the Rosary daily; it upset him greatly when the celebration of public Masses had to be suspended due to Covid.

Predeceased by Margaret and also by his son Peter, brothers Pierce, Myles and Noel, sisters Birdie, Olive and Grace, Mick will be sadly missed by his loving and heartbroken family, Pius, Pat, Mary, Fiona, David, Michael, Cathy, Maggie, Sinead, Ronan and Áine, brothers Jimmy and Eugene; his sisters Kathleen, Lena and Teresa; his 23 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, partners, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours, and an enormous circle of friends.

Mick's remains reposed at his home at Lake Road on Christmas Eve, and the funeral Mass was celebrated today at St Michael's Church, Castletown Geoghegan, with interment afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.