Michael Edward (Ted) Byrne

Ted was born on the 16^th of May, 1935, in Knocknagore, the second child and only boy in a family of four to Jimmy and Sadie Byrne. He attended Bann Primary School in Laurencetown and, as was the custom in those days, left at 14 to become a bricklayer with Charlie Monaghan. During his working life, Ted worked in many places, including with his brother-in-law Oliver McParland and his good friend Norman Kerr. As a bricklayer, Ted helped to build St. Teresa’s church in Banbridge, and would have been involved with the renovations to this church here in Laurencetown and the Clare church as well.

In his younger days, Ted was a keen cyclist and used to cycle to Dublin and back on the same day. That was before he met Freda at a dance in Saint Patrick’s Hall, Banbridge. They were married in St. Patrick’s Church Banbridge on 27^th February 1965 and he and Freda made their home in Miller Park, Laurencetown where they added three children to the family – Sonia, Valerie and Kieran.

After the death of his father in 1976, Ted, Freda and the children moved to their present home on the Banbridge Road - the home where Ted was born.

Ted loved music, especially country music. He had a great sense of humour, he enjoyed the odd drink in Keenan’s, and to have a bet on the horses – when the horse came in, he loved to share it with his grandchildren, telling them to have a look under their pillow – there might be a wee something there for them. He spoiled all the grandchildren.

He had nicknames for everybody – no one got their correct name – he and his wife were even known as Ted and Fred.

Ted enjoyed good health for most of his life until the last couple of years when mini strokes and minor heart attacks took their toll. Two years ago, when he could no longer walk, he was admitted to Bannview Care Home. He was a very popular resident there and was content in his new surroundings. He still knew everyone, which was a blessing and he never got cross or agitated.

He was adored by his 6 grandchildren, which says everything about him. Emma, Conor, Claire, Ruairí, Ryan and Marshall will miss him dreadfully.

Ted was a very popular member of our parish community and was known for his great sense of humour. He was a hard working, family man and it’s not many who can say they lived in the same house for 73 out of 84 years - 54 of those years with his wife, Freda.

That is the definition of contentment!

We offer our sincere sympathy to his wife Freda, his children Sonia, Valerie and Kieran, his sisters Molly, Rita and Dympna, his grandchildren and entire family circle. May he rest in peace.