Late John Dowd was a great Mullahoran community man

There was genuine regret in the parish and wider area at the news of the death of John Dowd. John who had been ill for only a short time passed away peacefully at Cavan General Hospital on Wednesday, May 24.

John was born on April 4 1936 in Killycasson, Loughduff to parents John & Julia (Masterson) Dowd and along with his older brother Kevin helped out on the family farm. Sadly his mother passed away when he was only 10 and his father just two years later. This was a severe blow to the two boys but their uncle Brian was a steady hand when needed.

In his young days John spent some time in England, returning home later to marry his sweetheart and near neighbour Anne (Baby) Sheridan. Following another spell in England they returned home with their son Sean and settled down in Killycasson and later son Vivian and daughter Gemma arrived to complete the family. With farming in his blood John built up the farm with great skill and taste. A forward thinking and enterprising man he set up a business as an agricultural contractor and when turf-cutting machines became popular in the ‘70s John readily took on this challenge too.

A highly respected member of the local community John was a man of many talents, well read and softly spoken he could relate tales to enthral, he had a great grasp of history and could go back with ease to the penal times. Indeed it could be said that he was a historian at heart. He regularly contributed historical articles for local publications and one ‘The Ulster Plantation and the Connolly Family’ received widespread acclaim.

He had great rapport with Fr Owen Devaney, former parish priest who was also like- minded. Locally John founded the Mullahoran Heritage Society in 2005 as a result of his knowledge of and interest in local and Irish history. He spearheaded numerous historical projects as the chairman of the society, including the Middletown and Drumhowna Dolmens' surroundings' restoration. John had a knack of presenting a story that captivated the listener and his local historical knowledge goes back to the 1600s. His expertise in history will be greatly missed.

An ardent GAA supporter he was a former chairman of the minor board and was also a county board delegate for many years. He was especially proud when his sons Sean and Vivian took to the field, sadly Vivian’s death in 2004 was a great blow to John and indeed to the whole family, however a strong faith and the support of his extended family and community helped them cope with this great loss. Indeed the untimely death of Dr Vivian aged only 37, who was an integral part of the local and county teams in the 80’s/90’s, sent shock waves throughout the local and wider communities at the loss of this inspirational sportsman who was hailed as one of our local heroes..

John had a great love of traditional Irish music and song and when the GAA launched Scór, promoting the cultural side of Irish life, John along with Anne readily became involved and remained as one of its kingpins until recently, welcoming groups from Clubs not only from Cavan but all over Ulster. A favourite ballad of his was ‘The Green Fields Round Ferbane’ which he would sing with great gusto.

John took a great interest in all community affairs and was very active when the new Central school was being erected which was a watershed in the parish replacing the 3 existing old schools and which was the cause of much debate and controversy. He presided over several parish councils and took a great interest in the politics of the day. A staunch republican he was greatly influenced by local Sinn Fein T D Caoimhghin O Caolain attending meetings over a wide area and taking part in the rancour and debate that followed.

He loved a ceili and chat in the neighbouring houses and could keep track of family connections and relations at home and abroad many generations back. A good neighbour in times of trouble or a meitei, John was always available no matter how busy he was. When the carnivals and dances were all the go John and Anne were a familiar sight as they took the floor regularly winning old waltz competitions.
John Dowd was a man in his own right, tall in stature and strong in faith, a family man with a quiet relaxed manner whose presence will be greatly missed.

John was predeceased by his brother Kevin just over a year ago. To his wife Anne, Sean and Gemma, daughters in law; Maeve and Cathy, sister-in-law Breda, his treasured grandchildren; Sean Jr, Kirsten, David, Nathan, Aaron, Amy, Sarah, Cameron, Dylan and Vivienne, and extended family members we offer our condolences.

John’s funeral mass was celebrated in St Joseph’s church, Loughduff on Sunday, May 28 and there was a poignant moment as a song he composed ‘By the Banks of the River Erne' was sung, and then he was laid to rest in the local cemetery.
Solas na bhFlaitheas dá anam uasal.