Confrère Phonsie died peacefully at his home O’Byrne The Manor, Trim, County Meath on Thursday, October 28th in his 93rd year.
Phonsie and his late wife Dame Marion were both actively involved in the Lieutenancy for many years, following his investiture in 2003. His brother Msgr Syl predated him as a member of the Order in the United States. They were regular visitors to the Holy Land where they were awarded the Pilgrim Shell by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem. In 2010 they were accompanied there by their daughter Rebecca and son-in law Dr Niall Maguire demonstrating their active support for the Christian community, the ‘Living Stones’. In addition, they participated in the International Pilgrimage to Lourdes in 2005.
Phonsie was a long-standing senior member of the Knights of St. Columbanus and the recipient of its ‘Honorary Life Membership’ award. He and Marion were very involved in the distribution of Holy Communion, promotion of Eucharistic Adoration and Catholic faith formation in their local parish in the Diocese of Meath.
Commencing as a sales representative he joined the very successful and renowned drapery Frewen & Aylward in Dun Laoighaire specialising in menswear.
Predeceased by his wife Marion, DC*HS in March 2019, Phonsie is lovingly remembered by his children Rebecca, Martin, Gavin, Rachel, nieces and nephews, including Confrère Pat O’Byrne KHS., his brother in law, Eugene Duffy, brother of Marion, extended family and friends.