Ted was station officer of Tullow Fire Brigade for over 20 years
The late Ted Carthy
TED Carthy passed away peacefully on 9 August at St Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny, surrounded by his loving family and partner Mary.
Teddy was predeceased by his loving wife Margaret and brother Laurence. He will be sadly missed by his loving children Bernie, Jackie, Pat, Michael and Ed, partner Mary, sons-in-law Ger and John, daughters-in-law Lucy, Dympna and Terri, brother Pat, sisters Sadie, Marie, Breda and May, adored grandchildren and great-grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours, relatives and friends.
Ted worked in the county council as a water works caretaker for over 35 years and held the role of station officer of Tullow Fire Brigade for over 20 years. He retired in 1995.
Married to the late Margaret, they had a grown-up family of five.
Ted had a great interest in sports and the community of Tullow, which he loved to promote at every opportunity. At his funeral, his son Edward spoke about his dad’s fascinating life in detail, covering his earlier years growing up in Tullow, his school years and first few jobs.
Edward continued with stories of his father’s years in England; his prowess as a footballer; his first initial meeting with his beloved wife Margaret in England; their early years as a young couple, and the pain he endured when he lost her years back at the young age of 61. It was just after his retirement, when it seemed they finally could have some time together to enjoy their hard-earned quality life with each other, their grown-up family and their grandchildren.
In his eulogy, Edward also said: “A few years later, some additional light entered his life in the form of Mary. They were inseparable, and we are so grateful that he and Mary found each other.
“Throughout their time together, there was the arrival of his great-grandchildren, which gave him a third round of kids and babies to be proud of and enjoy, and he had the bonus of Mary’s kids and grandchildren, who he also adored.
“He also loved horse racing, and he was thrilled to become a horse owner with a syndicate set-up.”
His other great love in retirement was golf. He was proud to be a member of Mount Wolseley Golf Club and enjoyed the time spent with Mick, Pat and his many friends on the golf course.
“In general, he kept busy in retirement. In their 20 years together, my dad and Mary travelled to many parts of the world," said Edward.
“Taking trips abroad twice, three times a year, weekends away down the country. The joke was always running: where are they off to next? Mary spoiled him rotten and took such care of him.
“Mary has become an integral part of our family, loved by all. Mary your support and care will never be forgotten.”
As representative of his family at the Mass, Edward sought to express their sincere thanks to the medical team at St Luke's. He said he couldn’t adequately express the family’s gratitude for the level of care, empathy and love that the medical team at St Luke’s had shown to their dad and continue to give to others, day in, day out. They are true heroes!
On the day of the funeral, as the hearse passed by the fire station, the grieving family found additional support in the turnout at the fire station where Ted had worked for over 30 years.
Existing and former colleagues from all four fire brigades in Co Carlow saluted and then bowed their heads, showing respect for a beloved friend and colleague as the funeral cortège passed by on the way to Ted’s last resting place.
