THE LONG-TIME chairman of the Limerick Association in London, Con Dee has sadly passed away.
Tributes have been paid to the Murroe-born man, who for many years, provided support to the expatriate Limerick community in the British capital.
A military man, Con served in Limerick, at the Curragh, and at the Coastal Defence Military Corps in Spike Island, Co Cork.
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Like so many before and after him, Con found opportunities in 1960s Ireland hard to come by.
So, in 1962, he moved to London with his late wife Monica.
From the outset, he was heavily involved in the growing Irish community in Britain’s largest city.
For many years, he led the London St Patrick’s Day parade, carrying the tricolour in his Irish army uniform.
His passion was the GAA, and each year, he carried out a clean-up of the final resting place in Kensal Green of Sean Og Hanley, the Kilfinane man, who was a member of the first ever Limerick team to win an All-Ireland hurling title.
Con initially worked as a labourer, before moving to Pride and Clarke car sales, where he worked as a litigation manager.
Eventually, he settled in south London, where he laid down his roots in Balham.
The community became home for the Dee family.
On Sunday mornings, the smell of a fry-up often filled the house while cèilidh music played, a reflection of Con’s deep love of Ireland and his determination to keep his heritage alive.
Tributes were paid to Con from the Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen, and London GAA, while his family have thanked those who have been in contact with warm words of tribute.
His eldest daughter Nodlaig passed away recently, with the love of Con’s life Monica sadly dying in 2012.
He is survived by daughters Carol, Mary and Sandra and his son Paul.
His funeral will take place on Monday, September 8, at 11am in The Holy Ghost Church, Balham, London, SW12 8QJ.
May he rest in peace.
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