Keen fisherman is laid to rest

Mr. Samuel Mulligan of Ballydown Road died at Iveagh Private Nursing Home on Sunday February 1.

Sam, as he was affectionately known, was the dearly loved husband of Loretta and the much loved father of Mark, Gary, Lee and Wayne.

He had been in failing health for the past two years but bore his illness with fortitude.

Sam was born and brought up in Underwood Terrace by his father and mother Robert and Jessie Mulligan and he attended Abercorn Primary School.

He entered the firm of William Walker in 1952 aged 14 as a shirt cutter.

He was a man of a cheery and friendly disposition and loved going to sea for a day’s fishing. Nothing delighted him more than to get out in his boat and wet a line. He harboured his boat ‘The Keltic Lady’ in Newcastle. Mr Mulligan had many other interests, including painting and decorating but the fishing was his life’s passion.

However, his main interest was centred around his home and family and it is there that his passing will be keenly felt.

Mr Mulligan is survived by his wife Loretta, sons Mark, Gary and Wayne, daughter Mrs. Lee Savage, daughters-in-law Linda and Carmel, son-in-law Brent, grandchildren Stephen, Logan, Lorin and sister Sadie and her two daughters Beverly and Janet.

The funeral took place from William Bell and Co. Funeral Home, Kenlis Street, Banbridge on Tuesday February 3 when the large concourse of mourners heard Noel Scott from the Humanist Society gave an inspiring address of Sam’s life.

The interment took place in the New Cemetery. Family flowers were placed on the grave and donations in lieu of flowers are being sent to William Bell and Co. Funeral Directors 23 Kenlis Street, Banbridge, BT32 3LR for R.N.L.I. William Bell and Co. had charge of the funeral arrangements.