RIP: Much-loved Tipperary man 'studied by candlelight at night to qualify as teacher'

The death took place on December 31 last of Martin Meagher, Thurles, and formerly of Eastwood, Templemore.

His father Philip Meagher (Ashfield House, Thurles) married Mary Maher (Shanacloon, Thurles) on February 12, 1929.

They went on to have six sons, Patrick, Henry, John, Pierce, the aforementioned Martin and Philip Junior. Sadly Philip Senior died just two weeks before Phil Jnr was born leaving Mary to rear the six boys as a widow.

Martin grew up in Eastwood and completed his second level education at the Christian Brothers School in Templemore in 1952.

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Among his classmates were Ray Meagher, Tony Murphy, Billy Harney, Tom Ahearne, Jim Corcoran, Billy Collier and Jack Hanley.

He then gained employment with the Civil Service which saw him move to Dublin where he worked as a court clerk for Justice Moloney.

While in this employment Martin studied by candlelight at night to qualify as a secondary school teacher.

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He began his teaching career in Tipperary Town before moving closer to home when securing a position in the Vocational School in Thurles where he stayed until his retirement.

Martin was predeceased by his brothers Patrick, Henry and Pierce and is survived by his wife Eileen, daughters Majella and Rae, son Thomas, brothers John (Eastwood) Phil (Newbridge) and extended family members.

A remembrance mass for Martin will be celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church in Templemore on Sunday morning next at 10.30am while we also remember Martin in our thoughts and prayers on Wednesday, April 16 for what would have been his 90th birthday.

May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace.