Charles Rourke & Sons Funeral Directors

11/10/2025

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our big brother Benny Walsh. Benny died on 3rd October in Georgia, USA at the age of just 66.

Many will remember him as the joint owner of the De Courcy Arms in Downpatrick, a place where music, chat, jokes, tears and drinks were all shared. We will remember his humour, his hugs, him always being right and his unwavering belief that United will indeed by great again.

He will be forever missed by his sons Benny and Niall and his wider family circle of Monica, Alison, Cathy, Elaine, Ellen, Luka and Joseph.

His ashes will return to Ireland at a later date, when there will be a private celebration of his life with close friends and family.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Philip and Conor.

10/10/2025

GRAHAM, 8th OCTOBER 2025, ROSS, suddenly but peacefully at home, dearly beloved husband of Eunice (NU) much loved father of Jaime, Charles and Henry, father-in-law of Clare and Holly, Granda of Arthur and Caoimhe, dear brother of Bill.

Funeral Service will be held in Roselawn Crematorium on Friday 17th October at 10.40am.

Everyone is invited afterwards to Ardglass Golf Club,9 Castle Place, Ardglass, BT30 7TP
For refreshments and to share memories of Ross.

No flowers please. Donations may be made in lieu if desired to The Dogs Trust c/o Charles Rourke and Sons, Funeral Directors, 51 Church Street, Downpatrick, BT30 6EH

House private.

10/10/2025

BRIAN MAGILL - Crossgar

The wife and family of the late Brian Magill, wish to express their gratitude to all those who supported them during their recent bereavement, especially those who called to their home,sent cards/flowers,online tributes,messages, attended the funeral service and sent donations to Parkinsons UK.

A special thanks to Father Derek Kearney and Chris Quinn for their spiritual support and to Charles Rourke & Sons Funeral Directors for their professionalism and guidance.

Thanks also to Bernie and Martin Campbell for their beautiful music at the service.

A Month’s Mind Service will be held at the Church of the Immaculate Conception and St. Joseph, Crossgar on Sunday, 19th October at 10.30 am.

10/10/2025

The family of the late Mary (Winifred) Polley who died on Saturday 13th September 2025 wish to offer their sincere thanks and gratitude to the family, friends and neighbours who sympathised with them during their recent bereavement.

Thank you for all the mass cards, sympathy cards, messages of condolences, prayers and to those who called to the house and donated money in lieu of flowers to Marie Curie Cancer fund.

Thank you to the staff at Lydian Care, The Green Surgery and McKeevers Chemist Ardglass for their attention and support for Mary’s medical needs.

Thank you to Father Brankin for his support and guidance and for the beautiful funeral service.

Sincere thanks to Charles Rourke and Sons Funeral Directors for their advice, support and professionalism during this difficult time.

Thank you to Curran’s Chapeltown for providing food and refreshments after the funeral.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone please accept this acknowledgment as an expression of our deepest gratitude.

Mary’s month’s mind Mass will be held in St. Malachy’s Church, Kilclief on Sunday 12th October 2025 at 11am.

09/10/2025

McCOMB, 9th October 2025, JOE, peacefully at hospital following a short illness, dearly beloved husband of the late Jean, much loved father of Rosemary, father-in-law of Norman and loving granda of Stephen, Christopher and Sarah, great-granda of Harry, Chloe, Hannah, Charlie, Nathan and Lucy, dear brother of Lil (Graham).

Funeral Service will be held in Downpatrick Presbyterian Church on Sunday 12th October at 3:00pm. Interment afterwards in the adjoining Churchyard.

Family and friends are welcome to call at his daughter's home 6 The Craig Road, Downpatrick, BT30 9BE.

No flowers please, donations may be made in lieu, if desired to Downpatrick Cricket Club c/o Charles Rourke & Sons Funeral Directors, 51 Church Street, Downpatrick, BT306EH.

08/10/2025

ELLA COCHRANE

We, the family of Ella Cochrane who passed away on the 10th of September 2025, would like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported us and shown such kindness since Mum's passing.

To the wonderful nurses on Ward 6A in the Ulster Hospital — thank you for the care, compassion, and dignity you showed Mum. To the Palliative Care Team, especially Kate and Martina, your kindness and support meant the world to us.

A special thank you also to the District Nurses for all your care and services. Rev. Peter Booth for his comfort, guidance, and the beautiful service.

We’re so grateful to our friends and family for their love, messages, and presence — it truly helped us through.

And finally, thank you to Martin and everyone at Charles Rourke and Sons for handling everything with such care and professionalism.

Your support and kindness will never be forgotten.

With love.

06/10/2025

FREDA SHARVIN

We, the family of the late Freda Sharvin, who died 11th August 2025, wish to offer our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all our family and friends who sympathised with us following the loss of our beloved mother, sister, auntie and gran.

A huge thank you for all the messages of condolence, Mass cards, sympathy cards and anyone who called to the house to offer support in any way

To Fr Brankin and Fr Charlie, we want to say thanks for a beautiful Mass, to Marty and Bernie Campbell, we can't thank you enough for the wonderful music

A special thank you to all the staff in ward 4E in the Ulster Hospital who cared for mum with such professionalism and compassion.

Also to Martin and the whole team at Charles Rourke Funeral Directors who handled all the funeral arrangements so professionally, your advice and support was invaluable

We also want to thank everyone for attending the recent Coffee morning for Macmillan Cancer in mum’s memory - The turnout was outstanding and it meant so much to us knowing how well mum was thought of, both locally and further afield. A special thanks for all the wonderful donations (Total raised will be known soon as donations are ongoing).To anyone who baked, made sandwiches etc.. or helped in any way to make it a such a brilliant day.

As it's impossible to mention everyone, please know we're eternally grateful for all the love and support we received and are still receiving.

The Sharvin and Hanna families.

04/10/2025

SMYTH 3RD October 2025, BERNIE (nee Murray), peacefully at hospital, much loved mother of Tracey, mother in law of Jason, loving granny of Dylan and Arryn, dear sister of Barney, Paddy, Eileen, Sam, Margaret, Maureen, Conn and the late Alice and Charlie. May she Rest In Peace.

Requiem Mass will be held in St Mary Star of the Sea Church Killyleagh on Monday 6th October at 11.30am. Interment afterwards in St Mary’s Cemetery, Comber Road.
Bernie will be reposing at her late home 15 Limetree Hill, Killyleagh on Saturday between 4.00pm – 8.00pm and Sunday between 12.00pm – 8.00pm.

No flowers please, donations may be made in lieu if desired to The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association c/o Charles Rourke and Sons Funeral Directors, 51 Church Street Downpatrick, BT30 6EH. St Bernadette intercede for her. Very deeply regretted and will be lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family and friends.

03/10/2025

The family of the late John (Shaun) Mc Cormick who died on Tuesday 9th September 2025 wish to offer their sincere thanks and gratitude to the family, friends and neighbours who sympathised with them during their recent bereavement.

Thank you for all the mass cards, sympathy cards, messages of condolences, prayers and to those who called to the house and donated money in lieu of flowers to ward 5E Ulster Hospital towards the patient and relatives comfort fund.

Thank you to Dr Gavin Thomas and the cardiology team in the Ulster Hospital, Dr Aileen Murray and staff in DAFU (Downe) and the Heart Failure team in the Downe Hospital and all the staff in the Downe Health Centre for their care, attention and support for John’s medical needs during his illness.

Thank you to Father Eugene O’Neill who attended the house and to Deacon Jackie Breen for the beautiful funeral service.

Sincere thanks to Charles Rourke and Sons Funeral Directors for their advice, support and professionalism during this difficult time.

Thank you to Murphy’s Restaurant Downpatrick for providing food and refreshments after the funeral.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone please accept this acknowledgment as an expression of our deepest gratitude.

John’s month’s mind Mass will be held in St. Patrick’s Church, Downpatrick on Sunday 19th October 2025 at 10.30am.

02/10/2025

KELLY 1st October 2025, Ann formerly of Edward Street, Downpatrick, beloved daughter of the late Willie and Mary Ellen Kelly, much loved sister of the late Peggy Delaney and a dear aunt.

May she rest in peace.

Requiem Mass will be held in St. Patrick’s Church, Downpatrick on Saturday 4th October at 10.00am, interment afterwards in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Killough Road.

Very deeply regretted and will be lovingly remembered by her nephews, niece and family circle.

Ann is reposing in Charles Rourke and Sons Funeral Home, 51 Church Street, Downpatrick BT30 6EH. Anyone wishing to pay their respects may do so from 10.00 am - 4.00 pm on Friday 3rd October.

Family flowers only, donations may be made in lieu, if desired to Dementia NI c/o Charles Rourke & Sons Funeral Directors, [address as above].

Our Lady pray for her.

01/10/2025

30/09/2025

MONTGOMERY, 29th September 2025, KELLIE JOANNE, suddenly at home, dearly beloved partner of John (Fletcher), much loved mother of Mollie, Max and Madison, dear daughter of Lydia and sister of Lisa and Angela. Lovingly remembered by the Fletcher family - Joan, Lorraine, William, David and Karen.

Funeral Service will be held in Magheradroll Parish Church, Ballynahinch on Friday 3rd October at 2:00pm. Interment afterwards in the adjoining churchyard.

Family and friends welcome to call at John’s brother, David’s home, 140 Ballylone Road, Saintfield, BT24 7NA on Wednesday and Thursday.

No flowers please, donations in lieu if desired to Marie Curie c/o Charles Rourke & Sons Funeral Directors, 51 Church Street, Downpatrick, BT30 6EH.

Very deeply regretted and will be lovingly remembered by her sorrowing family and friends.