‘Pillar’ of community passes away
By Maurice Garvey
TRIBUTES have poured in for community stalwart Aidan Dardis – who sadly passed away at his home in Clondalkin on November 11.
Over 1,000 people turned out for the funeral service at the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Monday – whilst mourners waited for over an hour and half to pay their respects at Brian McElroy Funeral Homes on Monastery Road.
ROCK: Aidan Dardis (far right) and his wife Mary (left) with RoundTowers senior ladiesEveryone The Echo spoke to said Aidan (76) was “irreplaceable” and a rock for numerous community groups and organisations that he supported.
A former employee at the Clondalkin Paper Mills for up to 30 years, Aidan then worked as a caretaker in Coláiste Bríde, and was an valuable mentor and member of Round Towers GAA Club, Clondalkin Tidy Towns, Active Retirement Group and a host of other projects.
The former Palmerstown resident settled in St Patrick’s estate with his wife Mary Dardis, and was an integral pillar of the community.
Tommy Keogh, President of Round Towers said: “Aidan was always there, reliable, involved in all aspects of the club on and off the field. A lovely gentleman. Never had a row with anyone, an inoffensive man.
“He is badly missed. Very solid. You wouldn’t see him shouting at anyone. He went about his business efficiently, quietly, and was so well liked.”
A statement by Clondalkin Tidy Towns said: “Family of friends and volunteers were deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of our dear friend Aidan Dardis. We would like to extend our heart-felt sympathy and condolences to Mary and his family.
“Aidan was an ever-present supporter of Tidy Towns since its formation in 2012. He worked tirelessly on many projects, none more so than the restoration of St Joseph’s Cemetery on Monastery Road.
He attended all of our fund-raising events and was a fantastic quizmaster earlier this year. More recently he enjoyed the Summer Awards night where both he and Mary danced the night away.”
During the funeral service Fr Damien quipped that you wouldn’t see a crowd this big at many county championship matches, and praised Aidan’s dedication and work in the community.
Aidan is survived by his wife and best friend Mary, children Irene, Geraldine, Fergal, Aidan and Conor, grandchildren Donal, Ryan, Oscar, Jaxon, Ciara and Addison, extended family, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
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