CHRISTOPHER BYRNE, US ARMY

Leinster Leader 19 October 1918

Mr. Christopher Byrne, Rathangan

Death of a Well-Known Gael

With deep regret we beg to announce the death of Mr. Christopher Byrne, Rathangan, who whilst serving with the American Army in France died from the effects of Absortion Gas. Deceased who held the rank of sergeant was well-known in gaelic circles throughout Kildare and Leinster. A number of the old Monasterevan Football Club he took part in all the hard-fought games participated in by this well-known team, and played with brilliant success for his county in many inter-provincial matches, notably against Antrim, Monaghan and Louth. Some few years ago he was made the recipient of a suitable presentation by the members of the Monasterevan Club and his last wish was that he might be spared to return to the land he loved so well, and to once more take part in the game of which he was so fond. A devout Catholic of strictly temperate habits, his kind and genial disposition gained for him the highest esteem from his numerous friends and fellow Gaels, and both his club and county will sadly mourn the loss of one whose place ‘twill be hard to fill. At a recent special meeting of the Monasterevan Club, Mr. Dowling, Clogheen House, presiding, a vote of sympathy was passed to his brother, William, and relatives in their sad bereavement, and a special mass for the repose of his soul was celebrated in the Monasterevan Catholic Church.

Re-typed by Kevin O Kelly