Body of man taken from river

Meath Chronicle - Saturday April 14th 2007

THE body of a 79-year-old Dowth man, who had been missing from his home since Monday since 2nd April, was recently taken from the River Boyne near Oldbridge by divers from the Boyne Fishermen’s Rescue and Recovery Service.

A major search operation was launched when John Pidgeon went missing from his home.

The Gardai, including the aerial support unit, Meath Civil Defence and a large number of local volunteers, carried out extensive searches of local lands for the first two days and the search of the Boyne began on a Thursday with both the Boyne Fishermen’s Group and Drogheda River Rescue carrying out search operations.

The Garda Subaqua Unit were on their way when the body was recovered 150 yards downstream from where he had last been seen near the spot known locally as ‘The Curly Hole’.

His body was taken by ambulance to Drogheda and the Gardai confirmed that they were not treating his death as suspicious.

Mr Pidgeon lived with his brother, Patsy, and sister, Annie, at Dowth for over 30 years. The family were originally from Donore, but lived in Kells for a time before settling in Dowth.

They were a quiet farming family and were well known in farming circles.

“He was a lovely, gentle, private man living with his brother and sister,” according to Very Rev Joe Deegan, PP, Slane.

His remains were recently removed to Monknewtown Church and his funeral took place at Duleeek Cemetery.

© Meath Chronicle