‘A man of decency who touched lives of so many’

Obituary, Con Gilsenan, RIP

“A man of decency and integrity who touched the lives of so many people,” was how Fr Phil Gaffney described the late Con Gilsenan at his funeral at the Cathedral of the Christ the King on Monday.

Mr Gilsenan, who for almost 40 years operated the landmark Dominick Street pub Con’s, and who founded an undertaking business and funeral home, died peacefully at home in Mullingar on Wednesday last, November 20. Mr Gilsenan had been ill for some time, but impressed all with his dignity, strength and determination.

Huge crowds attended his removal and the funeral service, which Fr Gaffney said was a reflection of the esteem in which Mr Gilsenan was held.

“He’d be delighted looking down at the crowd here today – so many of his great friends and colleagues gathering in this beautiful cathedral which he was so fond of, where he felt at home.”

Fr Gaffney said the priests of Mullingar would miss him walking up the aisle with them as he brought in the remains of a parishioner, a task he always undertook with dignity and respect.

Recalling that Con was a native of ‘The Float’, Multyfarnham, Fr Gaffney said he had been proud to call Mullingar home: “For him, place was always about openness, welcoming and belonging,” he said, adding that Con had been determined always to leave the world a better place.

Fr Gaffney said: “I know that talking to him during his illness, what sustained him was his faith, his belief that he would be rewarded for his faithfulness. But he also realised he was not on his own. Not only did he have the spiritual support of this community, the hundreds of cards, get well cards in his home, show how so many people were thinking and praying for him.”

“Con’s kindness, his wit, his intelligence, his humour, his integrity and strength will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him,” he said.

Among those who have paid tribute to Con were Revd Canon Alastair Graham. He stated: “‘Well done my true and faithful servant.’ It is easy to imagine that Con Gilsenan will be greeted with those words when he meets his Heavenly Father. News of Con’s untimely death was met with a deep sadness by the countless number of people who had the pleasure and privilege of knowing him. No matter what company Con was in, his beautiful humanity shone brightly bringing compassion, kindness, gentleness, patience and above all love which bonded him so inspiringly to everyone no matter what their station in life.

“Whatever task Con took on, it always had the hallmark of perfection and those he was with knew they truly mattered to him. His enthusiasm for rugby and sport was palpable and his dedication and support of those who were bereaved was drenched in kindness and sensitivity. The service he provided as a funeral director was second to none and I can vouch for so many families in the Church of Ireland community who were blessed with the comforting and gentle service Con provided for their loved ones departed this life.

“Con’s faith was an inspiration and touched all our lives. Con ‘set his mind on things above’ and was an ambassador for ‘the new humanity’ which came as a result of Christ’s Resurrection. Con was a true gentleman and he will be much missed by us all.

“Our heartfelt sympathy goes to his wife Joan and son, Conor both of whom meant the world to Con. Our deepest sympathy also goes to his siblings and wider family and of course Megan, Conor’s wife, who Con loved dearly.

“May God welcome Con into His heavenly dwelling where we pray he may rest in peace and rise in glory.”

Mr Gilsenan is survived by his wife Joan, son Conor, daughter-in-law Megan; his sisters and brothers Liam, Mary, Ber, Frank and Thérèse; his brother-in-law Sean, sisters-in-law Hilda, Sandra and Claire, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and is remembered by neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

Following requiem Mass, Con’s remains were interred at the cemetery at Whitehall.