INGOLDSBY

INGOLDSBY (Seán and Anthony) - Seán's wife Frances and his children Bairbre, David, Brian, Eithne, Aidan and Bríd, along with Derek, husband of the late Anne, thank very much everyone who has supported us over the past months since Seán's illness and his death on March 25, 2007, followed closely by the sudden death of his eldest son, Anthony, on April 28, 2007. The concern of neighbours, relations, parish co-workers, friends, cousins, colleagues and comrades, shown in many thoughtful, sensitive and unique ways, has been a great source of comfort for us. We thank the many people who made the long trek to Glasnevin, braving the traffic of the rush hours, to be with us at Seán's funeral. Also, it was very supportive to have so many familiar faces at Anthony's funeral in Portrane. We thank Seán and Frances's former colleagues from OPW, and Shandon Pitch and Putt Club; members of the Mended Hearts; Anthony's colleagues in St Ita's; the staffs of Eckhart House, Milltown Institute, Irish Dairy Board, Dept. of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, National Disability Authority, NTMA, Citizens Information Board; the faithful friends of Anne; members of the Dublin County and Mount Merrion Church Choirs; our extended family members, specially the Ingoldsbys, O'Mahonys and McDonnells; all the friends who stood with us. You have helped to endure difficult times. We remember Anthony's other family in St. Ita's, Portrane, who are also grieving his loss. Anthony lived there for many years and we thank the generations of staff, and specially those at present in Ashleigh, for their extraordinary care of him and of us. We were specially touched by those who brought Anthony to Seán's funeral and by the residents and care staff from St Ita's who accompanied Anthony all the way on his final journey to Glasnevin. Our deep gratitude for the staff of the Mater Hospital, whose care of Seán, with professional and personal attention of the highest order, prolonged his active and productive life until his 90th birthday. Both funeral rites gathered us in our grief. We thank the priests, both present and former, of the parish of Glasnevin, Fr. Paddy O'Byrne, chaplain to St Ita's and the many other priests who contributed to the funeral Liturgies, for their public and private words of support and consolation, for their attendance and for their many kindnesses. In particular we thank Fr Harry Gaynor, friend to Seán and Frances over many years. Thank you, Harry, for your generosity during Sean's illnesses, for your supportive presence at Anthony's funeral, for your encouragement, for your thoughtful, prayerful celebration of Seán's final Mass, and for much more. Each and every gesture of friendship, solidarity and compassion that we have received will live on as we gather our thoughts of this time. Although it may not be possible to thank each of you in person, you have been remembered at a special Mass in prayerful thanks.