JAMES Mc ENROE

I met Cousin James and Gladys when my husband, John, and I visited Ireland in 1995. We happened to arrive when they had a big anniversary celebration at the hotel in Cootehill. Practically everyone there was a relative to meet for the first time. Later, we were invited by Gladys and James for tea. We received a warm welcome and discovered that an Irish Tea consisted of more food than tea! What a feast! We watched videos of the anniversary party and had a wonderful time. I had a tour of the Farm, herded cows (actually pretended to herd cows for the photo op), and saw the "Old Homestead" where my Mom Mom (Annie McEnroe Gifford) was born. One of the younger cousins had whitewashed the building in advance of our visit. I think it housed the pigs at the time. We all had a good laugh about the "Homestead." The visit was delightful, and everybody there made us feel at home. In fact, I was frequently greeted with "welcome home." We wish Godspeed to Cousin James as he takes a different journey Home, knowing he finds the Eternal Love of God.
Sending love and condolences across the sea to family and friends,
Anne (daughter of Anna Gifford Cassidy in the US)

To call him a patriarch would be an understatement. He not only raised ten children but also his brothers and sisters.... all of whom had great success and wonderful families. He was in his early 20's when he was given responsibilities we all struggled with in our late twenties and 30's. My dad (Uncle Ned) always spoke very proudly of his older brother. One of my favorite stories was when he stayed with us when I was young. And, everyone thought he would love the peace and quite of a house with only two small girls. When he was leaving he said he couldn't wait to go home to get some sleep...." who can sleep with all this quite". I was so looking forward for my children meeting him and having him tell stories of their poppy. But, someday we will all have time to share those stories again.....We are all better to have known you and thank you for making our parents the people they are so they could pass that goodness and wisdom to us and future generations......Love, Ann, Anthony, Edward and Brigid

Uncle James always played a big part in our visits to Ireland. There was nothing better than listening to his 'yarns' of long ago. One of my fondest memories was the day we picked him up to go up the North to get camogie sticks, Uncle James had been working on the farm that day and said he had to change his clothes. Two seconds later he appeared his clothes were the same but he had his Sunday hat on!

We will miss you Uncle James but you are at peace now, we will talk 'yarns' of you and your memory will never die . xxx

our wondertful dad
a happy life well lived,
stories well told
help always given ,
good example set and advice quietly shared
constant as the northern star in our every day
now we will just look up at night and know where you are still wishing us well from above ,
hope they have your favorite cherry blossoms and daffodils to bring you joy on your daily strolls of heaven,
will miss you dearly all of our days