Long-serving garda sergeant Dunshaughlin and keen sportsman

OBITUARY: Seamus Magee, Drumree

There was great sadness in Dunshaughlin and beyond following the death on 4th April last of Seamus Magee, Clavinstown, Drumree, who was retired sergeant of An Garda Síochána in Dunshaughlin, who will be remembered as a man of quiet dignity and deep integrity. A native of Drumgoa, near Killeshandra, Co Cavan, he passed away peacefully in his 90th year.

He was one of seven children and followed his elder brother Seán into the ranks of An Garda Síochána in the 1950s. After graduating from Garda Headquarters, he began his career in Summerhill, where he met his wife-to-be, Ursula Clavin. They married in 1961 and together raised five children Siobhán, Ken, Seamus, Sinéad, and Orla.

Throughout his career, Seamus, served in various stations including Duleek, Dromad, Navan, and Dunshaughlin, where he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1968. The family lived in the Garda Station in Dunshaughlin, before moving to Clavinstown, Drumree, where they had built their family home in 1973. Widely respected as fair and approachable, he embodied the spirit of the “community Garda” long before the term became commonplace. It was a time when Dunshaughlin was a very busy station with the adjoining courthouse in use at the time for District Court cases.

A keen sportsman throughout his life, Seamus played Gaelic football for a time with his native County Cavan. After settling in Dunshaughlin, he developed a love for handball and squash, remaining active in the sports well into his fifties. He held a number of county handball titles. He later took up golf and in retirement, became an enthusiastic member of the 'Dad’s Army' group at County Meath Golf Club, Trim. His interest in all sports remained strong, and he followed them with genuine knowledge and enthusiasm.

Following his retirement in 1994, Seamus and Ursula continued to live in Clavinstown, a place known for its warmth and welcome.

The loss of Ursula in September 2017, and their son Ken in January of this year were deeply felt by Seamus and his close-knit family. He will be fondly remembered for his calm presence, quiet wit, and above all, his love for his family. A true gentleman, who never sought the spotlight, Seamus leaves behind a legacy of decency, generosity, and strength.

He is survived by his family, Siobhán, Seamus, Sinéad, and Orla; grandchildren, Clíodhna, Diarmuid, Niall, Ciara, Aoife, Seán, James, and Emma,; and great-grandchildren Lily, Cara, Shay, Fionn, and Ollie; sister, Kathleen Geraghty (Kells); extended family, and many friends.

His funeral took place from the Church of the Assumption, Dunsany, to the adjoining cemetery, celebrated by Fr Sean Henry, PP, Dunshaughlin.

A month's memory Mass takes place in Dunsany Church on Saturday 24th May at 6pm.