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John McArdle's family and friends turned out in their hundreds yesterday to the Church of the Assumption Drumalane to pay their respects to the popular former Councillor at his Funeral. They weren't just paying their respects though, rather celebrating the better place Newry was for having him part of the fabric of the city, as a nurse, a councillor and perhaps most importantly a family man.
Fr Liam McKinney who celebrated the Requiem Mass spoke of a man who sought to do the right thing regardless of whether his actions or decisions were popular or not. Fr McKinney said "I've no doubt that John's work to build a better, more just, more compassionate world was not just about creating some sort of earthly utopia, but rather trying to make this life a more fitting preparation for reflection of the kingdom of God, the kingdom in which he believed with all his heart.
"In all aspects of his life, John was a man of integrity, personal integrity, first and foremost. I have no doubt that he drew some inspiration from the example of St. Thomas Moore, Patron Saint of those in public life. Like Moore, John sought to do the right thing, because it was the right proper or just thing to do.
"Regardless of whether or not it was the popular thing to do. If that gained him votes, well and good. If it lost him votes, then so be it, John would be himself. His conscience would be clear. He could only be himself. Never wanted to be anyone else. Perhaps that example of personal integrity is a good one for us all to hold. For those in public life, especially. How wonderful these islands would be if there were more people of integrity, just like John."
John's friend Hugh McShane put a few words of reflection together after his Funeral on the contribution he made to his local community as an individual and public representative. Hugh said "He was open about his Faith, fearless in his political advocacy and unique in his sense of humour, which he used to both disarm and enliven those around him. He and Patricia were a great team, John the star turn and Patricia his great foil.
"Seldom has one person attracted such a broad spectrum of society to pay their respects, each with their own - usually uproarious - story of an encounter with him. How fortunate were those who were nursed by him in Daisy Hill Hospital, whether as a short stay patient or coming to the end of their lives.
"Charisma is casually and sometimes lazily attached to people but it was a feature of John in every aspect of his life. A true leader who attracted real and lasting respect. And the charmer was not found wanting when he needed to bring out the inner steeliness in the political arena. No one was going to intimidate this man of principle whose one aim was to serve all the people he represented."
Hugh continued "He lived through some harsh and brutal times yet always did what he believed in, to such an extent that he won over his most strident opponents. Of course, the retention of services at Daisy Hill became his abiding mission and his leadership became a focal point for all our wonderful party representatives who continued to fight for the cause that was so dear to him.
"John understood that activism was a fundamental part of the local politician’s service. As the great 19th century American reformer Frederick Douglass said, “if there is no struggle, there is no progress. Those who profess to favour freedom, and yet deprecate agitation, are men who want crops without ploughing up the ground, they want rain without thunder and lightning. They want the ocean without the awful roar of its many waters”.
Following the Funeral Mass John was laid to rest in Monkshill Cemetery, Newry the poorer for his passing but all the greater for his lifetime of service to the community. Newry.ie pass on our condolences to his family and many friends.
