Mr. Niall McNeill

“CANCER is so limited that it cannot cripple love, shatter hope, destroy confidence, kill friendship or reduce eternal life.”

These are some of the beautiful and inspiring words penned by Niall McNeill before he succumbed to his illness on June 11, shortly before his 86th birthday.

Niall’s death brought huge sadness not only to his family, but to the wider Downpatrick community in which he lived and worked throughout his entire life.

Niall was a well-known businessman in the town, for many years running the Inch Furniture Stores on St. Patrick’s Avenue. He was also a member of Owenbeg Bowling Club, St. Patrick’s Choral Society, St Vincent de Paul, the Pioneer Association, and Lecale Calligraphy, to name but a few.

For many years he offered his services as a Director of the Downpatrick Credit Union, where his insight, experience and unique character made an enormous difference and helped shape the character of the Credit Union.

His daily visits and gentle presence made a big difference to the staff and members of the Credit Union, who will remember him fondly and with great affection. He became a grandfather figure to the staff of the Credit Union and was always interested in their children and families whom he took to his heart and befriended.

Above all, Niall was a family man, who was deeply devoted to Maud, his wife of almost 60 years, his children, grandchildren and all who were privileged to know him.

He was a highly skilled calligrapher, creating beautiful images that he would give to family and friends — images that contained messages of encouragement, strength and hope, particularly for those who were experiencing difficulties and struggles in their own lives.

Niall’s quiet, discreet presence brought solace to many people who will remember him for the love he showed them at vulnerable moments in their lives. Particularly during the period of his own illness and impending death, Niall inspired people by his dignity, serenity and deep faith. His humour and gentleness never wavered.

The large crowd of people who attended the wake and funeral mass were testament to the immense esteem in which Niall was held, and the impact that he made on the lives of so many people, young and old, throughout the Downpatrick community and beyond.

• Submitted on behalf of Downpatrick Credit Union directors, supervisors, staff and volunteers.