Tony Byrne RIP

Tony and Maureen Byrne at Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada in the 1960s. The photograph was sent in by their beloved daughter Dolores.

Tony and Maureen Byrne at Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada in the 1960s. The photograph was sent in by their beloved daughter Dolores.

A former Ringsend native was brought home to his final resting place this month. A remembrance mass was held for James Anthony “Tony” Byrne in St Patrick’s Church the Saturday evening of August 9th. Tony passed away on Saturday, November 16th 2013 after a brief but bravely fought battle with cancer.

Tony died peacefully and surrounded by laughter with family and friends in his home in Wasaga Beach in the Canadian province of Ontario. Tony, from Ringsend, had met his wife Maureen, from Cabra, at a dance hall in 1957, and the couple lived in England for a time. Maureen and Tony emigrated to Canada permanently in 1962.

The service in St Patrick’s Church welcomed a multitude of Tony’s extended family and friends, including children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces. Many family members made the trip from Canada to witness the service, while those who could not make it were able to view it from Canada via the parish webcam.

Tony’s ashes were scattered on Shelley Banks Beach along the South Bull Wall. He was predeceased by his wife of 34 years, Maureen, and in accordance with his wishes, some of her ashes were scattered in the water bank along with his own. Many of Tony’s family took the honour of scattering his ashes themselves. The church mass and beach service was performed by Rev Fergal MacDonagh of St Patrick’s.

Tony is survived by his children, Elaine (Dale), David, Dolores, and Kevin (Megumi). He also leaves behind his adored grandchildren, Ken, Taylor, Jake, Ellie, Patrick, Kaitlyn and Raquel. He is survived by Marie, his loving partner of ten years and his older brother and best friend, Paddy.

He is also predeceased by his sisters Christine, Maureen and Dolores. Tony will be sadly missed by his many friends and extended family in places as far flung as Ireland, Canada and Japan. “He was a great friend to many,” his daughter Dolores told NewsFour.

By Craig Kinsella