ARCO regrets to inform its members of the death of Commander Eoin McNamara, Norwood Park, Cobh, Cork and formerly of Dublin. Peacefully, on Saturday 25th October 2025, surrounded by his loving family and in the loving care of all at Cobh Community Hospital. Beloved husband of Marie (nee Shortall) much loved father of Ann, Commandant John (Retired Corps of Engineers), Brian and Margaret, dear brother of Michael and the late Mairín. Eoin will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, sons, daughters, brother, sons in law Eoin and Gerard, daughters in law Christine and Siobhan, grandchildren Iwan, Ellen, Niamh, May, Tom, Aisling, Conor and Síun, extended family, relatives, neighbours, Defence Forces and Naval Service comrades, and a wide circle of friends
May Eoin rest in peace
Eoin McNamara was born in Ellesmere Avenue on Dublin’s Northside on 21st April 1940. He enlisted in Óglaigh na hÉireann as a Cadet on 27th January 1959 with 6 Naval Service Cadet Class and trained with the 33 Army Cadet Class. This was the first time Army, Air Corps and Naval Service Cadets trained together. Commissioned on 27th March 1961, the class then completed a sea training cruise with Irish Shipping. Eoin served in various appointments ashore in Haulbowline and in Naval Headquarters, Dublin. At sea his service spanned time onboard Corvettes, Minesweepers, the leased LE Ferdia, Offshore Patrol Vessels and finally LE Eithne. His command of LE Aoife in the late 1980s included a Mediterranean deployment and a memorable audience with Pope John Paul II in Rome. As Captain of LE Eithne he hosted President Dr Patrick Hillery for a week visiting many areas around the coast. His periods in command of Aoife and Eithne were a busy time for the Naval Service’s fishery protection role, and he established a reputation for focus on the task and in delivering results.
His senior appointments included Officer Commanding Fort Mitchel Spike Island and Executive Officer and Second-in-Command Naval Base & Dockyard. Eoin served a tour overseas with UNIIMOG in Iran-Iraq.
Eoin had a wide range of interests including the Irish language, music and culture. Having taken up windsurfing in middle age he quickly became accomplished and competitive. After retirement in 1997 he was involved in community activities in Cobh including an Cór Cois Cuan.
Eoin will repose at Cahill’s Funeral Home, Newtown Road, Cobh P24Y383 on Monday October 27th from 5.30pm with prayers at 7pm. Removal on Tuesday October 28th at 10.30am to Saint Colman’s Cathedral for 11am Requiem Mass followed by burial in Saint Colman’s Cemetery.
Requiem Mass will be live-streamed on https://cobhcathedralparish.ie/mass-streaming/ Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu if desired to www.idonate.ie Cobh Community Hospital.
Members may wish to leave personal messages in the ‘Condolences’ section of Eoin’s death notice on rip.ie at: https://rip.ie/death-notice/eoin-mcnamara-dublin-dublin-7-609198
