By Seamie Briscoe
Among those who mourn the sad passing of Davy Curran this week are many of his colleagues who worked with him for many years in W&C McDonnells (The Margarine).
He was involved in many aspects of the great days of social activities within the factory. Among his several interests, the greatest was his love of music. He was an excellent percussionist and possessed an excellent singing range. These talents saw him play with some of the town’s best musicians in several groups. Perhaps his most successful musical period was when he was a member of the very popular group, Busby, with Tom Synnott, Joey McLoughlin & Derek Gaynor. In his later years he was a valued member of the Mornington Folk group and the Drogheda Folk Group, Glor.
Within the social environs of W&C McDonnells (The Margarine) Davy was always available to take part in providing the musical entertainment with his great friend and another great musical man who worked in McDonnells, Paddy Farrell. They provided the musical entertainment for the workers’ parties, functions and any social events which took place. This was always done with great generosity and was indicative of the camaraderie which was a feature of The Margarine Factory for many years.
However, that was only a part of the very active life that Davy Curran led. He was a very enthusiastic cyclist and made many friends among the cycling fraternity. He was also a member of the Bowling Club in the Lourdes Stadium, where he regularly took part in their weekly bowling sessions.
When you got to know Davy Curran, you became aware of a very genuine person who faced life with all the human attributes which portray dignity, decency, resilience, and great tolerance. He had to endure great adversity when he lost the love of his life, Sheila, his wife, at a relatively young age. But he got on with his life, and his devotion and loyalty to his wonderful family was unconditional.
In every facet of Davy Curran’s life, he exuded a friendly demeanour, and the widespread outpouring of grief at his sad departure from this life is indicative of the person he was as a musician, cyclist, bowler, neighbour, work colleague, or just a good friend.
To have shared some of these pursuits with Davy, but most of all, his friendship was something to cherish. Many people benefited from his great talent and generosity of spirit for which he had in abundance.
He showed remarkable fortitude and courage in fighting his final battle. His positivity and his attitude to his affliction was to be so admired. He fought the battle to the bitter end in living his life as normal as he could with the great help and comfort of his devoted family.
The multitude of colleagues and friends who sympathised with his Immediate and extended Curran Family, in lamenting their loss, displays his popularity, which will ensure his great legacy lives on in his lovely family.
