Castletown Geoghegan mourns the late Polly Garvin

Castletown-Geoghegan and its surrounding districts were plunged into mourning on Monday last, February 15, when news emerged of the death of Mrs. Polly (Pauline) Garvin (née Gavin), who passed to her eternal reward at the age of 94.Polly, who would have celebrated her 95th birthday in June, died peacefully at her home at St. Colman's Terrace, Castletown-Geoghegan.A native of Stoneyford, Dalystown, Polly was predeceased in 1972 by her husband Joe, and later in 2000 by her son Johnny.She will be remembered for the level of devotion she gave to the community throughout her long life.A key member of the ladies' catering committee at St. Michael's Hall, Castletown-Geoghegan, Polly will also be remembered for her unrivalled contribution to local GAA life. A president of St. Malachy's GAA Club, she was also a passionate member of Castletown-Geoghegan Hurling Club, and many a club and county team from both Westmeath and beyond benefited from her catering skills over the years.A deeply religious woman, Polly was a member of the parish choir, and was very supportive of the local clergy. She was a Pioneer for her entire life, and a believer in a strong work ethic. She passed on these values to her sons, who all contribute immensely to the community in various ways.For many years, Polly was the Castletown-Geoghegan correspondent for the Westmeath Examiner. Earlier in her life, she worked as a cook at Middleton House, Castletown-Geoghegan, where she met her husband Joe for the first time.Polly is predeceased by her husband, son Johnny, sisters Josie Hynes (Mullingar), Mona McLoughlin (Mullingar) and Kathleen Garry (Anneville), and her brothers Joe, Jimmy and Kevin Gavin.She is survived by her sons Dermot, Michael and Pat; brothers Mick (Tudenham), Liam (Carrick, Dalystown) and Paddy Gavin (Dalystown); sisters Sr. Maxentia (Hettie, Rathfarnham), Dympna Alford (Tyrrellspass), Una Megan (Drogheda) and Maeve Weafer (Mullingar); daughters in law Noeleen, Frances and Colette, grandchildren, great grandchild, nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of neighbours and friends.Polly reposed at her son Michael's residence at St. Colman's Terrace, Castletown-Geoghegan from Tuesday (yesterday), and will remain there until her removal at 8pm this evening (Wednesday), arriving at St. Michael's Church, Castletown Geoghegan at 8.30pm.Requiem Mass for the repose of her soul will be celebrated at St. Michael's on 12 noon on Thursday, after which Polly will be laid to rest at the adjoining cemetery.