The late Robin Maxwell

The death has occurred of the noted Westmeath auctioneer, Robin T. Maxwell, of Glen Brosna House, Ballinagore.Mr. Maxwell, who was 79, died on December 29 at the Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar. His death came as a shock, as he had been ill for just a fortnight, and his passing leaves the county and his local community, in which he was deeply involved, much the poorer.A native of Bunbrosna, Mr. Maxwell, was a progressive farmer, having engaged in tillage and beef farming all his life.He was always interested in new developments, and in the "bigger picture" surrounding agriculture, being an active member of the Irish Farmers' Association for many years, and having played an active role in the Westmeath Ploughing Association, which, indeed, held many of its matches on the Maxwell land at Ballinagore.He was also known, of course, as an auctioneer, having been engaged in the business for many long decades, joined, in recent years, by his son, Mark, who is to continue the family business. As a man of integrity, he was highly regarded as an auctioneer, and was known for his skills as a negotiator.Mr. Maxwell was also keenly interested in sport. He was a supporter of Ballinagore GAA, but was also passionate about horses, and was involved both in the Westmeath Point to Point, and in the Kilbeggan Race Committee.He was an old-school gentleman, a religious man, who played a role in the affairs of his parish, who took great care with his appearance, and who lived a life of integrity and honesty.A great family man, he was the father of a family of six, and in latter years, greatly enjoyed the company of his grandchildren.Mr. Maxwell is survived by his wife, Carmel, his sons Thomas, Gordon and Mark (all Ballinagore), Ronan (Ennis, Co. Clare), and Norman (Tullamore, Co. Offaly), and his daughter, Miriam O'Donnell (Dunlavin), as well as by his brothers and sisters Carmel (Comerford), Mervyn, Deirdre (O'Flaherty), Sr. Virgilius, Beatrice (Murphy) and Cecil, as well as by his son-in-law, Malcolm; his daughters-in-law, Monica, Aoife, Niamh and Cleo, and his 12 grandchildren.The remains reposed at Mr. Maxwell's home on Wednesday December 30, and were removed from there to St. Michael's Church, Castletown Geoghegan, where they were greeted by Fr. Seamus Giles.Priests who took part in the concelebrated funeral Mass included Fr. Giles, Fr. Brendan Ferris, Fr. Stan Deegan, Fr. Martin Halpin, Fr, Joe Gallagher and Fr. Barney Maxwell, who is a relative of the deceased man.