Forever Together: A Community Mourns Robert and Kathleen Marks
Hundreds of mourners gathered at the Church of Our Lady, Star of the Sea in Boher on the Cooley peninsula this morning to bid a final farewell to Robert and Kathleen Marks, a devoted Louth couple killed in a car crash on July 1. The parish community was 'greatly shocked and deeply saddened' by their deaths, said Fr Malachy Conlon PP, who described the past days as 'harrowing and heartbreaking' for their family.
A Life of Service and Community
Robert Marks was born on December 14, 1939, and after attending school in Boher, he completed an agricultural course at Bush. He worked with the Quinn family in Ballagan, first on the farm and later in transport, before moving to Greenore Port where he retired at 72. A founding member of Cooley Credit Union in 1969, he gave over 50 years of dedicated service, passionate about its ethos of community support.
Kathleen Maura Murphy was born on September 28, 1948, in Templetown. After school in Rathcor, she worked as a housekeeper for the Quinn family, where she first met Robert. Later, she worked in McKevitt's shop in Carlingford. The couple married on June 4, 1970.
Togetherness That Spoke Loudest
In his homily, Fr Conlon recalled that 'Kathleen and Robert were people of deep faith and daily prayer,' who gave strong witness to their faith. Robert was one of the parish's longest-serving Eucharistic Ministers and a loyal member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association. 'A man with a generous interest in people, a man of wisdom and integrity, a keen Arsenal supporter, a friendly giant with a heart of gold,' Fr Conlon said.
Turning to Kathleen, he noted: 'We all know behind a great man, there is always a great woman.' She was warmhearted, hospitable, a perfectionist, and a wonderful home-maker who loved her style. Beyond the home, she served the community with 'great generosity' as a member of the local ICA, a pivotal figure in Scor na nOg, and a tireless worker for the hall committee.
A Legacy of Love and Faith
Gifts representing their lives were brought to the altar: a silver plate from Robert's retirement at Cooley Credit Union, cakes and buns reflecting Kathleen's cooking, a Cooley Kickhams GFC ball and jersey for their lifelong dedication to the club, an Arsenal scarf for Robert's second sporting love, and a family photo with a candle and holy water symbolizing their endless love and pride for their family.
Fr Conlon said, 'While they reached out to the community with amazing generosity, at the heart of their lives were their family, first and foremost.' He concluded: 'Robert and Kathleen now reap the rewards of their harvest, a harvest of great kindness and compassion. They will never have to lose one another, forever together.'
Their daughter Karen thanked all who supported the family, saying the comfort they received over the past four days could never be measured. Robert and Kathleen were laid to rest in the cemetery beside the church.
FAQ: The Marks Family Tragedy
What happened to Robert and Kathleen Marks?
Robert and Kathleen Marks, a devoted Louth couple, died in a car crash at Bush on July 1, 2026.
Where was their funeral held?
Their funeral was held at the Church of Our Lady, Star of the Sea in Boher on the Cooley peninsula on July 20.
What was Robert Marks known for?
Robert was a founding member of Cooley Credit Union, a Eucharistic Minister, and a dedicated supporter of Cooley Kickhams GFC and Arsenal FC.
How did the community honor them?
Hundreds of mourners attended, and gifts symbolizing their lives were brought to the altar, including a credit union plate, GAA memorabilia, and family mementos.