Longford and Cavan mourns passing of Stephen Cooke who was in his 101st year

On Friday, August 2, the parish of Mullahoran bid farewell to one of its cherished citizens Stephen Cooke, Dundevan who was in his 101st year.

Born in nearby Pottlebawn, Stephen attended Kilcogy school until he was fourteen and then he cycled to the ‘Tech’ in Cavan for a few years which rare in those days.

Born into farming and growing up with the old traditional ways Stephen was well used to using the spade and shovel and horse and plough and all the machinery which came later where was a dab hand at fixing when they broke down.

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Stephen progressed to buying a lorry in the 60’s which was a godsend in the area for ferrying loads of turf and sand and gravel (which he quarried himself) for the neighbours.

The same lorry often brought loads to football matches and dances and the show in Cavan all enjoying the banter as they sailed along with Stephen at the helm.

He was a mine of information, he was much in demand for detail on historic and local events and at question time there was no match for him. With his wisdom and quiet gentle ways one could listen to him for hours as he rolled back the years. 

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There was great rejoicing last year in his family and neighbourhood when he celebrated his 100 birthday still in good health.

Always out and about Stephen enjoyed taking his dog for a walk and in his young days joining the locals for a bit of hunting and shooting and also played full forward with the local Junior football team.

He was a staunch member of Fine Gael and members formed a Guard of Honour as his remains arrived at Our Lady of Lourdes church Mullahoran for his funeral on Friday morning. 

When he was interviewed recently for the 50th anniversary of Mullahoran school magazine he reflected with gratitude on the journey that had brought him this far guided by a strong faith and resilience as he approached his 101st year.

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He is survived by his loving wife Molly, son Larry, daughters Mary, Catherine, Ann and Breda, grandchildren Jack and Peter, sons-in-law Jimmy O’Hara and M J O’Rourke, sister Delia, relatives, neighbours, and a large circle of friends, his beloved dog Aurther (Sandy) where his passing has left a great void.

His remains reposed at Reilly’s funeral Home, Kilcogy on Thursday evening, August 1 where large numbers came to pay their respects recalling old times and friends long gone. Burial took place following requiem mass on Friday in Mullahoran to local cemetery. May his faithful soul rest in peace.