David Meredith  1950 - 2009
The Irish National Country Fair at Birr Castle last weekend should have been a happy event.
Glenda & her team of Blackwater Fishstart Girls demonstrating twice per day in the Main Arena
& Glenda's father & sister there running the security for the Fair site.
Tragically, Glenda's father passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of Saturday morning
beneath a horse chestnut tree in the grounds of Birr Castle close to Anglers Row.
Big Davy was a charming man, very well known in shooting circles in the North who was only 59 years old.
He is survived by his wife June and daughters Glenda & her three sisters Hayley, Beverley and Emma.

Glenda wrote this poem in the early hours of the morning on the day of David's funeral,
sure in her heart that he gave her the words to comfort those he left behind.

For Daddy

Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there I did not sleep.
I am the thousand winds that blow, across Strangford  Lough, in the autumn glow.
As the beat of wings from the mallard come, and the pee-weeps call in the fading sun.
I am in the cartridge shells, the smell of gun oil, waxed jackets, and the spaniels wagging tails.
Look for the red light on Scrabo Tower, guiding you home and protecting, during this dark hour.
You will find me in the sea-gulls wings, following the tractor at the start of Spring.
You’ll remember me when the west wind moves, among the fields of barley, at Struell Wells.
When the chestnuts fall, and the leaves turn red, think of me for I am not dead.
When the trout rise, and the pheasants fly, don’t worry girls, I will be nearby.
In the dead of night look out and see, that big bright star, well that is me!
The game fairs, Henry, and the shooting scene, outside my family this was my everything.
All of those places we loved so well, remember them and don’t forget to tell.
Ainsley, Anna, Ian and Ethan, they are so special and I won’t forget them.
I will send them little things, and tell them now that I have wings!
Take them were we used to go, all those happy days as a family we had so long ago.
Island hill, Killynether, the river Inler, the pigeon loft, Rademon, the gas work plant,
Pig Island, Castle Espie, Giant’s Causeway, Henry and Mrs Ritchie’s, Carrickmannon,
Jimmy Shannon’s, Tullymore Forest, Bert’s, Lily and Joes. 
You’ll remember Glenda how the story goes.
As for your mother, well what can I say, I loved her so so much till my dying day. 
Tell her to have faith, and have no fear, I am with her, and I will always be near.
 We reared four daughters who we taught to be strong, don’t worry June, they will carry you along.
Now as for my friends and the rest of my family, I am at peace now, and I have tranquillity.
To the boys of the MSA (Meredith Security Agency), we had some fun, mixing work and play. 
You are a team now, and stick together, and remember that Beverley is your new leader.
Now enough of this, I have things to do, and I wonder if my mummy’s made a great big Irish stew?
Live life to the full, for you never know, when your time is up and you have to go.
I will miss you, but please don’t cry, heaven is only a stones throw away.
Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there - I did not sleep.

Glenda Powell - August 26, 2009