The Gazette 1995

MARCH 1995

Obituaries

Rodney Overend - An Appreciation Rodney's death came as a shock to all who knew him. Everyone was aware of the danger he was in but his courage, conviction and seemingly inexhaustible optimism was contagious. Talking to him about his leukemia was no hardship but rather a lesson in positive thinking. In many ways that latter description epitomised the type of person he was - thoroughly positive but with such charm and modesty that his determination often went unnoticed. After finishing school at Glenalmond, Rodney read law at Trinity. He subscribed to the view that University life offered more than pure academia and he participated in many extra- curricular activities, most notably in sport where, as always, he excelled. He was apprenticed to Arthur Cox & Co. and within days of qualifying was diagnosed with leukemia. After many months, during which time his family | and friends feared the worst, he made "returned home" to Goodbody's, the firm built up by his grandfather, his late Uncle George and his father, Brian. His cheerful manner, warmth, good humour and enthusiasm made him outstandingly popular with everyone within the firm. what appeared to be a complete recovery. Shortly afterwards he

cheque to Prof. Shaun McCann, funds which he

The late Rodney Overend (right) presenting a raised for the Bone Marrow Leukaemia Trust. Clients swore by him and his career encompassed some of the most demanding of commercial transactions. He also continued to display his sporting prowess, notably within Three Rock Rovers, Carrickmines Golf Club and on the cricket pitch. He married Maggie an exceptional wife and the arrival of Scott was just reward for the belief and positivity which had assisted him overcome his leukemia. Unfortunately his recovery was not complete and he suffered a relapse in June 1993. This shocked all who knew him. However, as was typical, Rodney subsequently set up practice on his own in Galway City where he had made his home having married Ms. Sheila Henry, M.C.S.P. of Sligo. There were six children of the marriage, two daughters Aideen and Aoife, and four sons, Desmond Junior, Fergal, Niall and Robert. Robert died while still a child. All of the family except the youngest Aoifa (who graduated from University College Galway) followed their father into the practice of the Law. Aideen the eldest is now married and living in Continued on page 72

found time, whilst undergoing the most demanding of treatment, to raise very considerable sums for the Bone Márrow Leukemia Trust. Throughout his treatment at St. James' Hospital he demonstrated what an incredible person he was. He always had a welcome for those who visited him and remained convinced that his problems were only a set-back. Our sympathy and most wholehearted feelings go to Maggie, Scott, Brian, Mary, Jennifer and Rosie. Should any of us get to heaven, Rodney will surely be there.

JRO

Desmond Finbar Rooney - An Appreciation

Mr. Desmond F. Rooney who died recently in Galway was educated in Belvedere College and in University College Dublin where he obtained his B.A. and LL.B (Honours) Degree. Having served his apprenticeship in Dublin he spent some years working in rural practice attaining general experience in practice and he

Desmond F. Rooney

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