Vincent Michael Duffy of Carrickmacross died suddenly 4th February 1912 at the young age of 30 years. His long obit and funeral was reported in the Dundalk Democrat and the following is a piece from it. It was also reported that all businesses in town were closed for the funeral and "It would be impossible to give anything like an adequate list of those present; suffice to say that every household in Carrickmacross and a wider radius beyond was represented at the funeral."
"The late Mr Duffy was in many respects a notable young man and while his time was by no means confined to his native town, it is not much to say that the people of Carrickmacross simply idolised him. His undoubted abilities and genial kindly good nature added to a sweetness of conversation made him a favourite everywhere. On the local concert stage he was one of the most successful and pleasing delineators of humorous songs and sketches and was also one of those amateurs who knew how to be genuinely funny without being vulgar. In more serious work of drama he was excellent and in this connection there is a touching incident in the fact that posters were exhibited around town announcing the performance of ‘Charley’s Aunt’ for the 19th of February in which deceased was to take the title role. Needless to say the entertainment has been cancelled and his companions of the Farney Players Dramatic Society have been plunged into deep sorrow at the untimely death of their talented leader. It was probably as a black and white artist that the late Mr Duffy was most widely and favourably known. Although he had started in an artistic career some years ago it was only comparatively recently his ability in this line became fully realised. He had a keen sense of humour and any effort of his pencil was seized upon with avidity by the art editors of several London illustrated journals including ‘M.A.P.,’ ‘London Opinion,’ ‘The Sketch,’ ‘Horner’s Weekly’ etc, etc, while late in last year he received a commission for ‘Punch’ the consummation of the humorous artist’s ideal. It will thus be seen that a successful career had just begun for him. His noteworthy exhibits at the Dublin Sketching Club Exhibition last autumn attracted great attention, the Metropolitan dailies vying in praise of his work. He invariably added instruction to delight as a lightning cartoonist and his work in this respect on the concert platform was always a happy item. Another item of his facile ability should not be left unrecorded. As an honorary member of the Irish National Foresters, he very generously consented to paint two new panes for their banner and had already sketched beautiful and original designs for same. He was actually beginning work on the canvass when the Angel of Death stayed his gifted hand. Anyone who ever saw his fine drop scene in the Catholic Hall ‘Sunset on Lough Nalgack’ (a lake near Carrickmacross) to say nothing of the manifold subjects from his brush for the Farney Players, could not help expressing the deepest admiration for the lofty sense of true art invariably displayed."
At this time it was said that Vincent Michael Duffy would never be forgotten by the people of Carrickmacross. Is there anyone out there who recalls him. I am interested to know if any of his artwork survived. He was unmarried but had siblings, nieces and nephews.
Mr J.T.A.
