DEATH OF SENATOR CUMMINS
Leinster Leader 31 July 1943
DEATH OF SENATOR CUMMINS
PASSING OF A WELL-KNOWN FIGURE
It is our sad duty to chronicle the death of Senator William Cummins P.G. who passed away following an illness of some week’s duration at the Drogheda Memorial Hospital, Curragh, on the morning of Tuesday last, 27th July. A fortnight previously he, seemingly, made marked improvement, and high hopes of recovery were entertained, but a relapse proved fatal. Surrounded by every care and skilled attention and fortified by the last rites of the Church, his end was peaceful and serene.
It was no exaggeration to write that the death of Senator “Bill” Cummins is mourned by many thousands – “In castle and in cot.” Big in body, so was he also in heart and mind. A man of high intellectual attainment allied to great personality and a disposition entirely loveable; a tireless worker in the cause of mankind, a lover of justice, yet, withal, charitable, tolerant, genial and enjoying life to the full. He leaves behind him the record of a life of useful work well done, and he will be remembered with affection by a host of people of all conditions, classes and creeds. May he rest in peace.
Senator William Cummins was born in Kilbrittain, Co. Cork, seventy-one years ago. Entering the teaching profession, he taught in Roscommon, Clonaslee (Lexlip), and Belfast, before coming to Newbridge as Principal Teacher thirty-three years ago. A conspicuously successful teaching career ended with his retirement on pension a few years back. His public and social activities were many and varied. He was a member of the Senate, with one brief break, since 1922. At the time of his death he was Chairman of Newbridge Town Commissioners (for the 24th consecutive year). Vice-Chairman of Kildare Co. Council and Kildare Vocational Committee, Chairman of the Cottage Tenan’s Association and of the Kildare Trades Trades Council. At one time he was a member of the National Executive of the Irish Labour Party and also held the position of Financial Secretary. Throughout his life he was always an ardent worker in the Labour cause. He was also keenly interested in athletics and was President of the Leinster Council, N.A. & C.A. Ir., and Chairman of the Kildare County Board. A fluent Irish speaker, he was prominent in the activities of the Gaelic League. One of his proudest memories was that, in Belfast, he conducted the first Gaelic choir to give a recital in the Northern capital.
The remains were conveyed to St. Conleth’s Church, Newbridge on Tuesday evening, practically every inhabitant of the town and district following sorrowfully. The remains were received at the Church by Rev. T. Hughes C.C., Rev. T. Ryan C.C, and Rev. T. Power. C.C, Kilcullen were also present. Following mass at 6.40 a.m, on Wednesday the remains were conveyed by train to Brandon. Co. Cork, where the burial took place.
The chief mourners were – Denis Devane (brother-in-law), Mrs. M. Cummins (sister in law), Rev. James Cummins, C.C, ; James Cummins; John and Edward Hughes (nephews). Mrs. E. Hayes, Miss E. Cummins, Mrs. E. Bobbett (nieces), J. Hayes. J. Bobbett.
The huge attendance on Tuesday evening included: – Senator S.P. Campbell. W. Davin. T.D.; Mrs. Redmond T.D,; L. J. Duffy, Secretary Irish Labour Party; Cathal O’Shannon, Secretary, T.U.C, M. P. Linehan (I.N.T.O), J. J. Mullowney (C.E.O), Chief Supt. N. Murphy. G.S.; Dr. W. McCarthy (Co. M.O.H.), M. Smyth (Chairman Kildare Co. Council), M. Doyle (Kildare), T. Dunne (Vice ChairmanNewbridgeTown Commissioners), M. Fogarty (District Court Clerks), T. P. Clarke (Secretary, Kildare G.A.A.), J. Connolly (CountyLibrarian), W. F. Gallagher (Hibernian Banks), P. P. Wilkinson, solr; Dr. Canning, Dr. J. J. Cosgrove, P. Byrne, N.T; Co.C; M. J. Sheehan, N.T., Curragh, T. Bennett, N.T,; Professor D. J. Kelly M.A,; Professor V. Davis, Newbridge College; John Kelly (Town Clerk), F. Conlan, T.C,; P. McDonagh, T.C ,; R. McLaughlin, T.C,; J. J. O’Neill, P. J. Cox, J. J. Fitzgerald, T.C,; P. Garrett (Secretary Newbridge Labour Party), C. Silvester, T. Harris, T.D,; P. Fanning, J. J. Cooney, Joseph P. Cusak, Sergeant Armstrong; Mr. Mallick, T. J. McCarthy, etc. etc.
The funeral arrangements were carried out by messers. Byrne & Co. Ltd., Kilcullen, under personal supervision of Mr. J. J. Byrne. Sen.
