The late Frank McNamara - the life & soul of Birr's community life

Many tributes were paid last week following the passing of Frank McNamara, who for many years was the heart and soul of much of Birr's community life.
The late Francis (Frank) McNamara, of Elmgrove, Birr, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 17, in the loving care of his daughter Cliodhna, in his 93rd year.
Predeceased by his beloved wife Philomena (née Fitzgerald), Frank was a national school teacher in Clareen and Birr for many years, and played a lead role in driving many activities which benefited Birr.
Birr Theatre & Arts Centre paid tribute to one of its most loved members. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend Frank. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of Birr Theatre & Arts Centre, leading the team with vision and determination. This was just one of the many community initiatives he championed throughout his life which included Birr Agricultural Show in the 50s and 60s, Birr Stage Guild, Birr Vintage Week and Birr Swimming Pool.” (Pictured below is Frank, far right, during the early Vintage Week years. On the far left is Frank Egan).

The tribute pointed out that Frank's generous spirit and unwavering commitment to the people of Birr shaped the town in many ways. They said he gave his time, energy and passion wholeheartedly, always striving to strengthen community life and support the arts he cared for so deeply. “His legacy of dedication and service will forever be woven into the fabric of Birr, inspiring us for generations to come. We are profoundly grateful for his friendship, forever indebted to his generosity and commitment and for the lasting impact he made on our community. Frank will be greatly missed but never forgotten.”
Frank was predeceased by his wife Philomena, his daughter Mary, brother Patrick, sisters Ann (O’Brien) and Esther (Feeney), son-in-law Tom Munnelly, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
His passing is deeply regretted by his loving children; Siobhan, Fergal, Niamh, Cliodhna and Brian, daughters-in-law Karla, Patricia and Orla, his grandchildren Orlaith, Ronan, Róisin, Doireann, Mayte, Caitríona, Eimear, Aisling, Kevin and Jennifer, great-grandchildren Mia and Cian, his sister Majella (Duffy), sister’s-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, kind neighbours, great friends and wonderful carers.
Frank's remains reposed in his daughter Cliodhna’s house on Thursday evening. His funeral Mass was held on Friday in St Brendan’s Church, Birr at 2.30pm, followed by burial in Clonoghill Cemetery, Birr.
Fr Tom Hogan co-PP told those gathered for the funeral mass that Frank was born in 1933, during the very difficult years “following our independence. On the world stage things were very dark. Adolf hitler had become Chancellor. At home the economic war was deeply impacting milk and cattle sales here in Ireland.”
For Tom said Frank's parents were Brigid Dooley and Joseph McNamara; he was one of a family of six. “One of Frank's qualities was the gift of the heart; he and Philomena connected with people's hearts; they were full of love and generosity, full of fun and full of family. He was blessed with a long life and a full life and a good life. It's sad because it's the end of an era. Frank and Philomena lived for many years in Elmgrove in a house which was known for being very welcoming. He was the life and soul of a number of community groups and events.”
Frank's son Fergal told the gathering that his Dad moved to Birr in 1939 when he was 6. Frank's Dad was a Garda Detective. He went to St Flannan's boarding school in Ennis. He and Philomena were married in 1960 during the period when he was principal of Clareen NS, a post which he held for 12 years; after which he became Vice Principal in St Brendan's National School Birr. (Pictured below is Frank in one of his musical roles).

“Daddy was an outgoing, gregarious person,” said Fergal, “with a great sense of humour and an interest in many things. All through his life he remained fascinated by new places and new things, and he remained interested in everyone he met. He was loved by his children and he was adored by his grandchildren. Outside of the home, his open engaging attitude and can do approach reached its full potential. I once boasted to a friend that my Dad had two jobs - he was a teacher and a meetings man! He was out most nights involved in almost everything that happened in Birr. From starting Meals on Wheels, being part of the Lions Club, Birr Agricultural Show, Captain of the Golf Club, starting Comhaltas in Offaly; and he was part of the driving force which led to the building of Birr Swimming Pool. He was also involved in the restoration of Oxmantown Hall. To accomplish some of the tasks he took on, he famously pushed back against any nos for an answer. He believed there had to be ways which could be found and not all options had yet been exhausted. He believed everyone's participation was important. INTO was an important part of his life, during which he focused on issues like equal pay. His real passion was the arts and his beloved Stage Guild; he took part in many musicals. In 1968 he and Frank Egan started Vintage Week at a meeting in Dooly's Hotel. I think it is safe to say that in today's modern world we won't see his like again.”
May he rest in peace.

READ NEXT: Deep sadness at passing of former Shinrone Principal and historian