DEATH OF NOTED EX-SOLDIER

Leinster Leader 2 April 1977

Death of noted ex-soldier

One of the most popular figures in Naas passed away on Saturday. Mr. Stephen Curran, Tower View, aged 81, was a veteran of both the First World War and the War of Independence, and a former member of Naas U.D.C.

Native of Naas he served his time to tailoring – the occupation he pursued until his retirement some years ago – with Valentine’s, then noted tailors on Kilcullen road. He later worked with Doyle, tailors, in Ballymore Eustace.

He twice joined the British Amy and the second time saw active service in the front during the Great War. His troopship was torpedoed in 1917 and he spent several days on a raft before being rescued. He was severely injured in the incident and returned home.

He soon joined the Irish Volunteers, Naas Company of the 1st Battalion. After being engaged in political work with Sinn Fein he became company adjutant after 1919. His brothers and sisters were also associated with the Independence movement.

His training in the British army gave him invaluable knowledge in Volunteer training. After the Treaty, he joined the Free State army and left to return to tailoring with the rank of Captain.

He ran a tailoring business for many years in his home on the Craddockstown road. Although not very politically minded, he stood for election to Naas U.D.C. in the late forties, largely because of doubts by the local P.P. as to his ability to get elected. He headed the poll. To celebrate the event, he rode through Naas on a white horse, followed by Ballymore Eustace brass and reed band. He served one term as Councillor.

He had a great love of sports, particularly horse-racing and football. Like most Naas men, his love of sport was tempered with having a wager on the contestants – whether horse or team. He was in relatively good health up to a short time before his death. He was a truly popular figure, one of the few “characters” from bygone days in the town.

Remains were removed on Sunday evening to the parish church with Frs. Shortall, C.C., and J. O’Connell, C.C., officiating. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Monday, by the V. Rev. Fr. P. Harris, P.P. Fr. O’Connell officiated at the funeral which was largely attended.

He was predeceased 2 years ago by his wife. He is survived by his sons, Jimmy and Sean, Balbriggan; daughters, Mrs. Vera Mallon, Naas; Mrs. Madge O’Sullivan, Newbridge; Mrs. Angela Byrne, Coventry, and Mrs. Breda O’Sullivan, Coventry; brothers, James, Gowran Grange, Naas, and Jack, Sallins road, Naas; sisters, Mrs. Mollie Higgins, Millbank, Naas, and Mrs. Kathleen Hayde, Millbrook, do., and other relatives.