The death has occurred of Joe Ledwidge, late of Fennor, Slane and last remaining nephew of the acclaimed poet Francis Ledwidge. His father also named Joe, was the younger brother of the poet and indeed the youngest of nine children born to Patrick and Anne Ledwidge.
With a gentle manner and broad smile who always had time for a chat, Joe was a much loved and respected neighbour and friend for many in the wider Slane community.
Pre-deceased by his wife Phyllis ( nee Maloney ), Joe was a familiar sight to many who travelled along the Dublin Road out of the village as he loved nothing more than to take a stroll from his home in Fennor down to Slane Bridge, and engage in easy and good natured conversation with those he met on his walks.
He and Phyllis provided musical entertainment at various community functions over many years, including celebratory Ledwidge Night events, as blessed with a fine voice, he enjoyed singing a selection of songs and ballads accompanied on the accordion by his wife Phyllis.
Joe had a great interest and always took great pride in the poetry of his uncle Francis, and attended many events and activities to commemorate his uncle over many years.
The Ledwidge memorial in the Museum garden at Janeville in Slane is an exact replica of the memorial that stands on outskirts of Boezinge, a small village 6kms north of the town of Ypres in Belgium and was unveiled on 31st July 2001 by Joe Ledwidge and Pearl Baxter of the museum committee, and a special exhibition room depicting the poets life was officially opened by Joe Ledwidge accompanied by Minister of State Mary Wallace.
The In Flanders Fields Museum, Ypres, erected the original memorial on the exact spot where the poet was killed on 31st July, 1917. It was unveiled in 1998 by Joe along with the poet/author Dermot Bolger.
He was especially proud to attend the State Commemoration event held at Ledwidge Museum in July 2017, the highlight of the centenary programme of events held to honour the late poet.
Blessed with good health and a positive outlook on life, Joe celebrated his 90th Birthday a couple of years back and indeed not only attended but also regaled all those present with stories and song at Ledwidge Day ceremony in 2021. It was only in recent months that he moved from his beloved home in Fennor to nursing home care where he passed away on Saturday 15th July.
Reposing at St. Joseph’s Chapel of Rest, Old Johnstown, Navan on Tuesday from 3.30 pm. Removal at 5.30 pm, travelling via Joe’s residence, arriving at St. Patrick’s Church, Slane at 6.30 pm. Funeral Mass Wednesday at 11 am. Burial afterwards in Hill of Slane cemetery.
Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
