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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
what appeared to be a complete
recovery. Shortly afterwards he
"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.
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
cheque to Prof. Shaun McCann, funds which he
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
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
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Desmond F. Rooney
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