McGEE, Páid

McGEE Páid (Acknowledgement and First Anniversary) - In loving memory of Páid, (Rathgar and formerly of Aughnacliffe, Co. Longford), Emeritus Director, Special Education Department, St. Patrick's College / Dublin City University, Drumcondra, who passed away on November 29, 2018. Rest in Peace. On the First Anniversary of Páid's passing, his wife, Marie (Raftery), who cherishes her memories of a loving and caring husband, wishes to express heartfelt thanks to all those who supported Páid over the course of his long illness. Particular gratitude is extended to Professor John Armstrong, Páid's oncologist for almost seventeen years; his expertise and dedication allowed Páid enjoy more years of normal living than might otherwise have been expected. Sincere thanks are due also to Dr. Dermot Rafter, Páid's GP, and to Nicky Grobbelaar, nurse, Rafter Medical Centre, both of whom provided Páid with wonderful attention, medical support and advice over many years. Nicky's phone calls, usually at the end of a busy day, to deliver and interpret blood-test results, were greatly appreciated by both of us. A thank you to the staff of St. Luke's Hospital for their kindness to Páid over the many years he was an out-patient at the hospital as well as to the staff of St. Vincent's and Beacon Hospitals. A special thank you is reserved for the dedicated staff of St. Gabriel's Ward, Our Lady's Hospice, Harold's Cross, who cared for Páid with such warmth, compassion and gentleness in the final weeks and days of his life. The peaceful and pain-free nature of his passing was a comfort to his whole family. Marie and the wider McGee family will be forever thankful to all those who contributed to and participated in Páid's funeral: Fr. Fachtna McCarthy for the wonderfully warm funeral Mass that was a celebration of all that was Páid; to the concelebrants - Emeritus Bishop Colm O'Reilly, Fr. Joseph McCann CM, Fr. Frank Gray, Fr. Seamus McKeon, Fr. Michael McGrath, Fr. Paul Hampson and also to Philip McKinley CoI; the exceptional music provided by Crux Vocal Ensemble including organist, Rónán Murray and cellist, Jenny Dowdall; all those who read at the Mass as well as the very fine eulogy delivered by Pat O'Keeffe. The Mass, which was held in the Church of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom, St. Patrick's Campus, DCU, by kind permission of the President of DCU, Professor Brian MacCraith and Deputy President, Professor Daire Keogh, was a beautiful and fitting farewell to Páid given the many years he worked in the College. Sincere thanks to Joyce and all the staff in Kirwan Funeral Home as well as to Ann Jackson and Peter Fanagan, Fanagans Funeral Directors, whose attention to detail at all stages of the funeral was immense. To those relatives, friends, neighbours, former neighbours from Longford, former colleagues and past students who attended the funeral to sympathise with Marie, Ita (O'Dowd), Eugene (R.I.P.) and Evangeline (Cummins), who travelled long distances to do so, who telephoned, sent Mass cards, cards of sympathy, letters and expressions of fond remembrance and those who helped in so many ways, thank you. To Dr. Joseph Travers, DCU, former student and colleague of Páid's, who wrote the tribute published in the Irish Times as well as that published in the REACH Journal and to all those involved in writing the tributes in the Irish Psychologist, míle buíochas. Your tributes stand as a fine testimony to Páid's contribution to teacher education, particularly special education, both policy and practice. To all, please accept this message as a token of my deep gratitude and appreciation. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. Páid's anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, December 1, 2019 at 12.00 noon in the Church of the Three Patrons, Rathgar.Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam