Raymond Cassidy, who died on December 3rd, was a self-educated man and one of life's optimists, who maintained an unshakeable belief in the spirit of Christmas.
A deeply religious man who preferred to see the good side of his fellow man, he was known as an "outstanding softy".
He had an exceptional intelligence and was held back at school on several occasions to enable his classmates to catch up with his progress. Raymond Cassidy was born in October 1939 at the Summit Hotel, Howth which was owned by his parents Patrick and Theresa (known as "Baby"). He attended Santa Sabina and Mount Sackville schools, moving to the Christian Brothers in Gorey when the family acquired a pub in Arklow.
His education was cut short at the age of 12 when the business declined and as eldest son, his help was needed in the pub. Unfazed by an incomplete elementary education, he matriculated with honours through night classes and gained admission to Trinity College and The Law Society. His subsequent career as a solicitor included several major courtroom successes. .
One of his night-school friends introduced him to the game of chess and he quickly became a star of the Eoghan Rua chess club at St Anthony's, Merchant's Quay.
He travelled around the world as the captain of Ireland's chess team during the 1950s and 1960s.
The Irish team achieved its highest finish ever in world championships during his tenure. Among his treasured possessions was a handmade chess set presented to him by Cuban premier, Mr Castro.
In May 1960, Raymond Cassidy joined the voluntary committee formed to restore Kilmainham Gaol, eventually becoming chairman of the Board of Trustees. He personally negotiated the rescue of Erskine Childers's famous yacht, the Asgard, and secured a place for it in the museum. In 1998, the State awarded him a Gold Medal for Voluntary Services.
Earlier this year, he was appointed to the board of visitors of the museum. Raymond Cassidy died a few days before the annual commemoration at Kilmainham. He was working on the preparations for this event at the time of his unexpected death. He is survived by ee O'Connor), sisters Thelma, Sandra and Denise and brothers Father Derek SJ and Damien.
Raymond Patrick Cassidy: born 1939; died December, 1999