A lively character laid to rest

On March 14, Loughduff and Mullahoran lost one of its great characters when Larry Cadden passed away following a short illness. There was genuine sadness and regret felt not alone in the parish but also much further afield, as his name evoked happy memories of a true to life character, one of a kind.

Larry was born on April 5, 1951, one of a family of 10 children of the late Dominic and Rose Cadden of Loughduff Post Office. As with everyone of that era, his formative years were spent at the local national school in Loughduff, and on then to working life.

After a few jobs locally, Larry emigrated to Alaska to work there in the mines. He had an entrepreneurial nature, and always had a few jobs on the go. Some time after his return to Ireland, Larry and his good friend Dan Maguire established MC Motor Factors and, through their hard work and sales pitch, the business became most successful. As a salesman, Larry covered the northern half of the country where he was highly regarded as an excellent rep and, with his easy manner and quick wit, he made many friends along the way.

The office at MC Motor Factors became a bit of an institution locally, where as well as being the hub of a successful business, Larry and Dan along with the late Thomas Conaty provided the locals with a spot to discuss all the local news and sporting events, give horse racing tips, and before Google Maps, provide directions to various destinations throughout the country.

An outgoing man, Larry loved to socialise, and he really was the heart and soul of the party. A real raconteur, there was never a dull moment when he was around, as he always had a good story, a joke or a song to entertain. He was a stalwart of the Loughduff church choir for many years. As a member of the local drama group, Larry was a natural. His portrayal of such characters as Fr Jack, Bottler and Rev. Ian Paisley were unbelievable, and had audiences in stitches. Fellow members recall the fun at rehearsals as well as on stage. He also took part in Scór competitions in ballad singing and novelty act, but people would say once he appeared on stage it was always a novelty act!

Larry was a regular at various fundraisers such as Mock Weddings, Cavan's most romantic man and Stars in their eyes, portraying Kenny Rogers and Meatloaf, among many others. The annual Bluegrass music concert in the Pikers Lodge was a favourite of his too.

A lifelong member of Mullahoran GFC, Larry was a member of the Junior team in 1984/85, he also trained underage teams, and was a great man for getting young lads to matches. He also served as club treasurer and MC Motor Factors were club sponsors for many years. He also won the title of Lord Mayor of Mullahoran in a club fundraiser, a title he relished, as he “gracefully” accepted his chain of office. He was a great neighbour to all in times of joy and need, often the first to lend a helping hand.

Family man

Larry's real pride and joy was his family where his passing has left a great void. He was devoted to his lovely wife Mairead, daughter of the late Val Gannon goalie of the famous 1947 Cavan team. He was a great father to Larry, Dominick, Sean, Lauren and Valeen and proud grandfather to Loughlin; brother, uncle and godfather.

An indication of the esteem is which Larry was held was the overflowing attendances at both his wake in Reilly’s Funeral home, Kilcogy on St Patrick's Day and again at his funeral in St Joseph’s church the following morning where he had been a choir member. To the strains of ‘The Old Man’ and his favourite ‘Don’t Worry About Me’ Larry made his final journey down Loughduff road to his final resting place in the local cemetery.

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.

* Words by Kathleen Donohoe