CROWE, David (Ranelagh, Sandymount and Crowes Pub, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4) – December 7th 2022.

As his first anniversary approaches, David’s wife Jennifer (Jenny) Blunden and his mother Maura together with his sisters and brothers Catherine, Tim, Fr. Philip, Michael and Sr. Mary and all the Blunden and Crowe families would like to extend heartfelt thanks to our families, friends and neighbours for their kindness and support; to all those who called, sent messages and flowers, wrote letters and cards, said prayers and lit candles – they were a great comfort to us; to those who travelled from far and near to be at the funeral and removal in such large numbers – it was a huge help to have all of you around us.

Grateful thanks to Fr. John McDonagh P.P. and David’s brother Fr. Philip and their concelebrants for the beautiful mass in St. Mary’s , Star of the Sea Church in Sandymount and to the wonderful singers – Deirdre Seaver at the Removal and Brendan McCahey at the Funeral Mass.  Thank you to Neal Massey of Masseys Funeral Directors for his invaluable help and professionalism throughout all the arrangements.  We very much appreciate and wish to thank all the doctors, nurses and care staff who looked after David so well especially those in St. Luke’s, Rathgar (where he entertained them with his singing!) and Our Lady’s Hospice, Harold’s Cross (fittingly the Blackrock Ward).

 To his lifelong friends, his schoolmates in Blackrock College and his many rugby and tennis pals, a big thank you for your loyalty – keep his memory going.  To all who shared memories and paid tributes in Crowes Pub and the Sandymount Hotel and to the staff in both for looking after us so well, thank you.  Thanks also to the County of Monaghan for allowing so many to come to Dublin in support of Fr. Philip.

 Some special mentions for what touched us all deeply – the uplifting speech at the Mass from his good friend James Aitken; the staff of Paddy Cullen’s and his business neighbours lined up on Merrion Road as the cortege passed by; and his brother Michael singing one of David’s favourite songs at the graveside (almost as well as he would himself!).  And some special thanks – to John and Mao in the pub for keeping the flag flying; to my own loyal friends Susan, Bridin, Helen, Anne, Mary and Anne A; to my sisters in law Catherine, Sr. Mary and Finola; and to my sisters Julie and Ilona for being there for me always.

 As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, we hope this will be accepted as a token of our gratitude.  Fr. Philip will be saying a family Mass in David’s honour on the day at which the intentions of all will be remembered.  

We could not have imagined a world without him; he left us far too soon.  His big heart and kind soul touched so many.  Remember him with his beaming smile and warm handshake.  And to all who knew and loved him – smile though your heart is breaking.