Michael Conlon, a man of integrity who always wore a smile

Tributes have been paid to Michael Conlon of the Topic Newsagents, Mount Street, Mullingar, by the business community, the sporting world, those who knew him as a nurse at St Loman’s Hospital and as a helper on Lourdes pilgrimages and by his staff and customers.

He is fondly remembered as a true gentleman, a man of integrity; kind, compassionate and caring and someone who always wore a smile.

The late Michael Conlon was a native of Benown, Glasson, but for all his adult life, Mullingar was his home, and so it was that his funeral Mass was concelebrated at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar, last Friday.

The chief celebrant was Very Rev Phil Gaffney, PP, assisted by Very Rev Paddy Conlon, from Tang, a cousin of the deceased. The Bishop of Meath, Most Rev Dr Tom Deenihan, presided. Also in attendance were Most Rev Dr Michael Smith, bishop emeritus of Meath, and Rev Paul Connell.

In his eulogy, Fr Gaffney recalled Michael’s long career as a footballer for St Loman’s, Westmeath, Leinster and Ireland, before going on to remind the congregation of the kind of man he was.

“Many of the tributes paid to him over the last few days mention the words compassion, kind, generous, a man of faith,” he said.

Mr Conlon, who was predeceased by his wife Veronica, had a great devotion to Our Lady, and travelled to Lourdes more than 30 times.

“He was a keen business man, but he always helped those in a quiet way that needed help, never looking for recognition,” said Fr Gaffney, adding that Mr Conlon had, at the same time, a great sense of humour and was renowned for his one liners.

A devoted family man who always dressed well, he was a great role model to his children, his grandchildren and indeed in the community.

Michael’s grandchildren, Jack, Cormac, Jenny and Dylan – brought up symbols of his life, his St Loman’s jersey, his white coat from his nursing days, a photograph symbolising his devotion to his family and a newspaper symbolising his business life. The lessons were read by Cathal and Christopher and the gospel according to Matthew by Fr Conlon. Prayers of the Faithful were read by Katie, Michael and Laura.

Michael died peacefully at home in the care of his loving family on November 9. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Veronica and brother Billy; dearly loved father of Collette, Verona, Micheál, Dervilla, John and William, Michael will by deeply missed by his children, his sister Maura, adored grandchildren, brother-in-law Seán, sisters-in-law Nuala and Ollie, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.