Castleknock College Union

Eamonn O'Dwyer, class '69

In Memoriam

May 7, 2017
Eamonn O'Dwyer, class '69 - KnockUnion.ie

Eamonn O'Dwyer, Head Prefect 1968-69

The Union was sad to hear of the passing of Eamonn O'Dwyer, class '69.

The death has occurred of Eamonn O'DWYER
Lower Glenageary Road, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin

Eamonn O'Dwyer of Lower Glenageary Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, passed away peacefully at home, on Sunday 7th May 2017, after a long illness courageously borne, surrounded by his loving family, beloved husband and best friend of Tessa, dearly loved father of Jess, Sam and Alannah and adored grandfather of Chloë; very sadly missed by his wife, children and their partners Paddy and Léa, sisters Ann and Noreen, brother Liam, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbours.

Reposing at his home on Tuesday (May 9) from 4pm to 7pm. A Humanist Service of Thanksgiving will take place on Wednesday (May 10) at 2.00pm, in The Victorian Chapel, Mount Jerome Crematorium, Harold’s Cross, Dublin 6W. No flowers please. Donations, if desired, to The Irish Cancer Society. Colourful clothes please.

Date Published: Monday 8th May 2017    Date of Death: Sunday 7th May 2017


Eamonn arrived to Knock following in the footsteps of his brother Liam, class '68 and father Eamonn, class '39. It's likely uncles and granduncles also attended as the College Roll has O'Dwyer's from Clare attending as far back as 1862.

Home was Ennistymon in Clare but Eamonn and Liam came to us from Belsen in Germany as that was where their father, a medic with the British Army was then stationed. He spent eight happy years at Knock, so including two years prep, which no doubt was the good grounding that saw him appointed Head Prefect and captain of the second XV in his final year.

Eamonn after Peter Mair is only the second fallen member of class '69, and the news of his demise was greeted with an outpouring of affection and triggered many pleasant memories, some of which we reproduce below -

I still have a polaroid of Eamonn wrestling Peter Kirby (I think), on a dormitory floor. That’s the way, I’ll remember him along with the great memories of our first reunion, in 1989 and the stories, the adventurous stories of the antics, and motorbike escapes.

I will always remember Eamonn in 'knock for achieving the almost impossible high-ground of being a friend to everyone.

A lovely guy fondly remembered.

Michael Walsh represented the year at the service of thanksgiving and reports -

Eamonn got a great send off. Sunny afternoon. Lovely music. Great remembrances from family and friends. Tessa, Eamonn's wife, spoke beautifully as did their son, Sam. It was very clear from the speeches and from the chat afterwards that Eamonn was very much loved and respected.

To the wider O'Dwyer family, we extend our deepest sympathies.

Requiescat in Pace