Obituary: Waterford's Maurice (Monty) Lannon – 19th May 1945 to 9th May 2025

It is with great sorrow that we record the recent passing of Maurice (Monty) Lannon. On Friday morning, May 9, Monty was called to his eternal rest surrounded by his loving family and in the tender care of the staff in the Dunmore Wing at University Hospital Waterford.

Predeceased by his parents Thomas and Margaret, and uncles Paddy, Eddie and Johnny, Monty is deeply mourned by his loving wife Catherine, sons Bernard and Paul, daughter Louise, grandchildren Cara and Luke, daughter-in-law Úna, sister Jacqueline, brothers-in-law, nephew Stephen, nieces Sinead and Carina, extended family, neighbours, his wide circle of friends and his special friend Millie the dog.

A proud Waterford man, Monty was born in Seafield, Bonmahon on May 19, 1945, to parents Thomas and Margaret and became the younger brother to Jacqueline, to whom he shared a very special bond his entire life.

Spending his formative years attending both Ballinarid and Seafield Schools, the latter of which his grandchildren attend today, Monty continued his education in the Tech in Dungarvan before taking up a mechanics apprenticeship role in Waterford City. 

It was this opportunity that gave Monty a solid grounding in all things mechanical and he would frequently call on this skillset throughout his life and right up until his untimely passing.

Monty had a long and successful career in a number of different roles, from apprentice mechanic to truck driver, to running his own mechanic’s garage at home.

Many a year, cars, vans, tractors and trucks would turn up in Seafield a little the worse for wear, only to spend a few days in the garage and return to the road as good as new again.

Following his stint as a garage owner, ultimately Monty took on his own haulage business when the opportunity presented itself and very much enjoyed his daily deliveries and, more importantly, meeting people around both Waterford and surrounding counties. 

Very much a community-focused man, the general thought being, if Monty could do something for someone, no matter what it was, he would, no questions asked. If there was a bit of banter and craic to be had along the way, then all the better.

During the late 80s and early 90s Monty was actively involved in both the Parents Association of Seafield School and also with the various Bally pattern committees. Ballylaneen was very much a hive of activity during times gone by, and his uncle Paddy’s garage was one of the many focal points. 

Of course the social scene centred around the famous Bush Inn and the just as famous Bally Inn. Sunday night card games were by invite only down the back room, a close circle of friends and those who would be honoured when asked to join in.

After extensive travel both within Ireland and the UK, it was Seafield where Monty was most at ease; he loved his home and took great pride in ensuring the garden and hedges were kept “looking well”. 

Often seen standing at the front wall to see if anyone might be passing and stopping for the chat, it was often said that the quarter of a mile stretch of road in Seafield could take well over an hour to drive from one bend to the other.

Of course during the 1970’s Monty met a lovely, shy, unassuming girl from the big smoke of Lemybrien. Their first son Bernard arrived, two years later Paul, then the apple of Monty’s eye his baby daughter, Louise, two years on again. As Monty’s children grew and developed their own interests and hobbies, Monty would take great interest in whatever match might be worth going to next or a weekend away in Limerick perhaps, or of course the lorry talk was always high on the agenda.

With many trips to Cork over the years, it was also obvious to see the great affection Monty had towards his sister Jacqueline, husband Billy and Monty’s nephew and nieces, and the delight he shared when they too had their own children. Monty enjoyed nothing better than a good family gathering, always very well turned out and interested to hear the stories of the day.

Having a great interest in vintage cars, close to retirement Monty fulfilled a long-held dream of owning a Reliant Regal Van, better known as Delboy’s Van. Indeed this was to bring great pleasure to Monty during retirement as he headed off to various classic car shows and also a number of St Patrick’s Day parades, in true Delboy fashion, the van breaking down right in front of the dignitaries' viewing stand, much to the amusement of the crowds. Monty couldn’t have planned it any better. A quick adjustment under the hood and the boys were off on their way again.

February 2014 was a particularly proud moment for Monty when he got to hold his first grandchild, Cara, and just as proud two years later when Luke arrived, both of whom continued to bring a smile to Grandad's face every time he saw them, including during his recent brief hospital stay prior to going to his heavenly home.

Monty lay in repose in Drohan’s Funeral Home, Dungarvan, where family and friends gathered to pay their respects and sympathise with Monty’s family. 

Funeral prayers were recited by longtime friend Fr Michael Enright PE and also close neighbours and friends. 

Monty made his final journey to Ballylaneen on Monday morning, May 12, passing by his beloved home in Seafield, guarded by his little friend Millie the dog, and where friends and neighbours stood in silent tribute as Monty passed by for one last time.

Welcomed into Ballylaneen church by Fr Enright PE, Monty’s life and funeral mass were celebrated with very appropriate memorial gifts brought to the altar by Sinead, who brought one of Monty’s many garage spanners, representing Monty’s time working as a mechanic; Luke, who brought a truck delivering farm machinery, representing his grandad's time working for Dungarvan Farm Machinery; Danielle, who brought a pack of cards, representing Monty’s great love for the game of cards and the craic that went with it; Cara, who brought her grandad's three-wheel reliant regal model van with a clock, representing Monty’s great enthusiasm for vintage cars and of course being on time; and lastly Mia brought Monty’s racing year book, representing Monty’s great love for horse racing and the people he would meet along the way.

The first and second readings were delivered by Isabelle and Ava, while the prayers of the faithful were delivered by Carina, Mia, Tess, Helen and Paul. The offertory gifts were presented by Bernard and Louise.

Communion reflection was read by Monty’s nephew Stephen and before the gathering went their separate ways, Paul delivered the eulogy on behalf of the Lannon family in celebration of Monty’s life.

Church music was superbly performed by Robert Weldon whom Monty held in very high regard for his gifted musical talent. 

“Bonmahon by the sea” was performed after communion and Monty’s departure from the church was to one of his favourites over the years, Big Tom's, “We're going out the same way we came in”.

The Lannon family would like to acknowledge and thank all those who visited Monty during his hospital stay, to Fr Enright PE who provided a great deal of comfort to Monty a number of days prior to Monty’s passing, to all those who called, sent messages of support and visited the family during this difficult time. Funeral arrangements were by Tom Drohan Funeral Directors, Dungarvan and the family would like to thank Drohan’s for their assistance.

Monty’s Months mind Mass will be celebrated on June 15th at 11am in St. Anne’s Church, Ballylaneen. Co. Waterford. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.