End of an era in Moate as ‘The Doll’ passes away

The town of Moate has lost one of its most renowned characters with the passing of Andrew ('The Doll') Gillivan yesterday (Thursday).

Known in Moate and surrounding areas through his involvement in local business, sport and many aspects of life, Andy died after a brave battle with illness over recent months.

Andy of Weavers’ Row, Moate was part of Westmeath's Leinster championship winning minor panel of 1963, his death coming a short time after the death of a colleague from that team, Athlone's Terry Smith.

'The Doll' was also on the Westmeath senior team which claimed a famous Leinster championship victory over Dublin at O'Connor Park in 1967.

Having successfully battled serious illness with considerable bravery some years ago, Andy was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in recent months.

Yet he took this crushing news in his stride and he lived life to the full until the very end, and bowed out of this life on his own terms. He attended the recent St Patrick's Day parade in Moate and I'm told he had even a drink in Don's Bar before the day was over.

Known for his razor sharp wit and turn of phrase, 'The Doll' was usually at the centre of any activities taking place in Moate.

Together with his brother Larry and other members of the family, Andy ran a grocery and fuel business on Lower Main Street, Moate for approximately 50 years.

Andy's wife Liz (née Mulligan) and daughter Rita, and Larry's wife Anne, also worked in the business, with other members of the extended clan helping out when required.

Blessed with a large family, Andy took pride in their achievements, and he delighted in the arrival of 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren as the years passed.

Andy and his brother Larry decided to take a well deserved retirement in 2021, but the Gillivan name, one of the most synonymous with Moate, certainly remains in business in the town.

Andy's son Kit now runs Moate Meats (previously run by Andy's brother John), located just across the road from the grocery business, while a cousin Peter Gillivan owns a butchering business on the other side of the town.

In addition to working side by side for so many years, Andy and Larry enjoyed senior football championship success with Moate All Whites on a number of occasions.

The footballing tradition was carried on with distinction by Andy's sons Kit (who played for Westmeath in a Leinster U-21 final) and Jimi, and indeed the extended Gillivan family, including his nephew Lar.

Long after their playing days were over, the Gillivan Brothers' grocery store was a centre for conversation about football matters, whether they concerned local club action or when Westmeath were involved in big games.

In addition to his footballing prowess, Andy had an abiding interest in greyhounds, and this writer often encountered 'The Doll' walking his greyhounds around the Carmelite grounds in Moate.

Though most people had no idea where 'The Doll' monicker emanated from, when anyone mentioned it, there was no doubt as to whom they referred.

Andrew Gillivan of Weavers’ Row, Moate, Co. Westmeath died on March 28, at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Predeceased by his children Carmel and Dermot, parents Peter and Peg, brothers Peter, Brendan and Dermot. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife and best friend Liz, adored children Rita, Berni, Kit, Andrew, Jimi, Mary and Ursula, grandchildren AJ, Kate, Mya, Ciaran, Ava, Elana, Orla, Hannah, Lil, Iris, Nina, Peggy, Jamie and Andi, great-grandchildren Jacee and Jackson, sons-in-law Ciaran, Carlo, Will and David daughters-in-law Siobhan, Lauren and Orla. Forever missed by his brothers John, Michael and Larry, sister Mary, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and dear friends.

Reposing at Flynn’s Funeral Home, Moate this Saturday (March 30) from 4pm until 7pm. Removal on Easter Sunday (March 31) to the Carmelite Church, Moate arriving at 1.50pm for Funeral prayers. Funeral Mass at 2pm, with burial afterwards in Rosemount Cemetery.

Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu, if desired, to Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.

May Andy rest in peace.