Obituary: Castlewellan man worked as DVO inspector in Newry

Mr Mark Maginn of Drumaroad, Castlewellan passed away suddenly at his home on 13th January 2016, aged 56.

Mark was born in Drumaroad, the son of Sadie Maginn (nee Magee) and local farmer the late Tom Maginn deceased. He was educated at the local Drumaroad Primary School, before attending St Patrick’s Grammar School, Downpatrick. As Mark had a keen interest in agriculture he furthered his studies at Greenmount Agriculture College, Antrim and Loughry Agriculture College, Tyrone. After graduating Mark commenced employment with the Dept of Agriculture based in County Louth, before moving North where he gained employment in the Department of Agriculture in 1983. He was initially based in Newtownards DVO for a few months before moving to Newry DVO where he worked as an Inspector since 06/06/1983. He worked in livestock markets, abattoirs and farms all over the Newry, Armagh and South Down region where he established the respect and trust of all who met him. More than a colleague, Mark was a true friend of those who worked with him in Newry DVO. He was held in the highest regard by all who knew him and he would always lighten the mood of any difficult situation.

Mark was an avid GAA supporter and former player for St John’s GAC. He had a great passion for Down football over the years, and he got great satisfaction with the Down All-Ireland wins in 1991 and 1994. In his younger days he would listen to the RTE radio commentaries from Michael O’Hehir and Micheal O’Muircheartaigh, whom he would impersonate and it was hard to tell the difference.

Mark was a former committee member of the Down Supporters Club having joined in 2002 until 2011, serving as Assistant Secretary in 2007. He was involved in various fundraising activities and spent many an afternoon selling programmes and advertising for the Club.

His Requiem mass was officiated by Fr Whiteford and concelebrated by Fr Anthony Owens and Fr Aodhán McCrystal SMA. The largely attended funeral was a reflection of his popularity and the esteem in which he was held. He is survived by his mother Sadie, brothers Owen, Patrick and Dermot, sisters Collette and Yvonne and nieces and nephews. He will be sadly missed by all his family, his colleagues in DARD, the GAA and wider circle.

Months Mind mass will be celebrated on Saturday 13th February at 7.30pm in St John the Baptist Church, Drumaroad, Castlewellan.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.