EILISH HOGAN RIP
The communities of Ballon/Rathoe and Borris were united in grief following the news of the death of Eilish Hogan, Rathrush, which occurred peacefully and in the presence of her loving family at Oak Ward, Waterford Regional Hospital on Sunday, 20 August.
Formerly from Tomduff, Borris, she was the daughter of Kathleen and the late Pat O’Toole. She married Jim Hogan, Rathrush in 2005 and they have three children, James, Kate and Padraic.
Eilish worked with the Department of Agriculture at Johnstown Castle in Wexford. A very private person, her family were her priority and she showed great interests in her children’s activities whether it be the GAA, Community Games, music, art or dance. She had great faith and a strong devotion to Our Lady of Knock and visited the County Mayo Shrine on many occasions.
Her remains reposed at Kearney’s Funeral Home in Fenagh before being removed to St Patrick’s Church, Rathoe on Tuesday evening 22 August. Burial took place in the adjoining cemetery after Requiem Mass celebrated by Fr Jim O’Connell Adm on the following morning where a large number of friends and neighbours gathered to offer comfort to her grieving and heartbroken family. Many local sporting clubs along with the County Carlow U16 Hurling and Football panels and the pupils and staff from Rathoe NS formed a Guard of Honour at the removal on Tuesday evening.
Eilish will be sadly missed by her husband Jim, sons James and Padraic, daughter Kate, mother Mrs Kathleen O’Toole (Tomduff), sister Maura, brothers Pat and Michael (her twin), parents-in-law Seamus and Mary, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, her many cousins and a large circle of friends and neighbours. She was predeceased by her father Pat.
LATE TONY BYRNE
Tony Byrne, The Mill, Rathoe, Co. Carlow, passed away on Sunday 30 July 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. Aged 74, he was one of four children born to the late Joe and Bridget Byrne, Ballynunnery. He married Mary Byrne from Rathoe in 1972 and the couple have four adult children.
Tony joined An Garda Siochana in 1969 and following training worked in Fitzgibbon Street Garda Station. His final twenty years with the guards were spent working in the Photographic section of the Garda Technical Bureau in The Phoenix Park.
On retirement, he quickly became involved in local committees and was an active member on the Parish Council and the hall committee. He spent 18 years as the church sacristan in Rathoe and worked with three priests – Fr Edward Whelan, Fr Bendan Howard and most recently, a great friend, Fr Jim O’Connell.
His hobbies included badminton, golf and fishing, and he taught his grandchildren to fish in the local river. He was an avid DIY fan, always fixing something, somewhere.
Tony’s remains reposed at his home before being removed to St Patrick’s Church, Rathoe on Wednesday 2 August for Funeral Mass followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Tony will be sadly missed by his beloved wife Mary, son Damien (Dublin), daughters Valerie (Kellistown), Paula (Rathoe) and Elaine (Rathoe), grandchildren Thomas, Emmet, Shane, Katie, Cormac, Fionn, Ruairi and Dáire, sons and daughter-in-law Tadgh, Ciara, Paul and Daniel, his brothers John and Joe, his sister Gretta (Sr. Columbanus), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.
MAURICE O’NEILL
The death has taken place of Maurice O’Neill, Kilmurray, Ballon, one of County Carlow’s greatest quiz brains over six decades. Maurice passed away peacefully in the loving care of the staff of Signa Care Nursing Home, Bunclody on Sunday 23 July aged 89 years.
Son of the late John and Mary O’Neill Maurice farmed all his life at Kilmurray. His great interests were reading and history and spent much of his spare time researching local and national history in the National Library. However, its as a quizzer and coacher of quiz teams that Maurice was best known. From the early 1950’s he was involved with Ballon quiz teams with great success and that success continued right up until the 2000’s. He was on Ballon teams that won multiple Macra na Feirme, Muintir na Tire, GAA Scor and Pioneer Total Abstinence county titles, often winning the individual award also. Amongst his greatest successes were winning the individual Brain of Carlow and Brain of South Leinster. With the advent of Macra’s ‘Cross Country Quiz’ being televised Maurice was appointed coach and during his tenure Carlow teams did very well reaching the national semi-finals on two occasions. He also took part in various quizzes on RTE Radio and was on the IFA national team that won the Goulding’s Fertiliser Quiz hosted by Peter Murphy. Over the years, as a member of various Ballon teams, he had success at open competitions all over Leinster.
He was also a keen GAA enthusiast and won a Carlow MFC with Grange in 1952.
Maurice’s remains reposed at his home before being removed to Saint Peter & Paul’s Church, Ballon on Tuesday 25 July. Burial took place in Ballon cemetery following Requiem Mass on Wednesday 26 July.
Maurice will be sadly missed by his sisters Jane Kehoe (Killarney) Maureen Nolan Ballinastraw, Bunclody), Josie Ippolito (California), brothers Matt (Ashford), Pat (Carlow) and John (Carlow) brother-in-law Joseph Ippolito, sister-in-law Eileen, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives and friends
VERY REV. FR. GERARD O’BYRNE PE
The death has taken place of Very Rev Gerard O’Byrne retired Parish Priest of Rathangan, County Kildare and formerly Ballykealey, Ballon. Fr O’Byrne passed away in the loving care of the staff at Craddock House Nursing Home, Naas, on Saturday 3 June. Born in 1939, Fr O’Byrne was ordained to the priesthood in Rome in 1963 and served as curate in Portarlington (1963-1973), Borris (1973-1984), and Killeigh (1984-1989) before being appointed PP of Rathangan from 1989. He served as Adm in Rahangan from 2014-2019 before becoming PE CC, Rathangan in 2019.
His remains were reposed in the Church of the Assumption and St Patrick, and burial occurred in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Rathangan, on Tuesday, 6 June, following Requiem Mass, where the chief celebrant was Bishop Denis Nulty. Fr Gerard, who was son of the late Thomas and Ana O’Byrne, is mourned by his brothers John and Fr. William (PP Kill), sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nephew Fr Thomas (Adm Carlow Cathedral) and all other nieces and nephews, extended family and friends, Bishop Denis Nulty, the priests of Kildare & Leighlin, parishioners of Rathangan and former parishes. He was also predeceased by his brothers Edward, Donal and Hugh and his sister Mary.
FR PAT TRAVERS RIP
The death took place in Los Angelus on Thursday 1 June of Fr Pat Travers, SS. cc.formerly from Kilmurry, Ballon. Aged 86, he was son of the late John and Julia Travers and was the last surviving member of his immediate family of seven. Fr Pat was ordained in Cootehill, Co Cavan in 1962 and spent 49 years as a teacher and principal of Damien High School in LA. He celebrated the diamond jubilee of his ordination in the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Ballon on Saturday 25 June 2022. His funeral Mass will be held in Damien High School on Friday 30 June followed by cremation. His ashes will be returned to Ireland in mid-July and will be interred in the Travers family plot in Ballon cemetery. We will carry more details on his funeral mass
in Ballon when they become available.
SEAMIE QUIRKE RIP
Seamie Quirke, Ballintrane, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday 27 May following a long illness bravely borne. Aged 80, Seamie was well-known and held in high regard in the community and further afield. He was involved with the farming community all his life both as a contractor and as a farmer himself and, along with his neighbours, was proud to host the national ploughing championships at Ballintrane in 2019.
Formerly from Ballymogue, Seamus married Ann Fanning from Aghade in 1970 and the couple had seven children. He loved nothing better than a good sing song or dance and he frequently attended music sessions in local pubs. He played the accordion and mouthorgan and family gatherings always had a musical ending. He was a member of the Carlow Road Cycling club and did the Cork to Carlow charity cycle for thirty years plus.
His remains reposed at his home before being removed to St Peter and Paul’s Church, Ballon on Tuesday 30 June for Requiem Mass followed by burial in Ballon cemetery.
Seamus will be greatly missed by his wife Ann; daughters Aisling, Aoife, Ethna and Áine, son Seamus; grandchildren Calum, Evie, Ruairí and Stella; brothers Nicholas and P.J, sister Marie; daughter-in-law Tara, Áine’s partner Trevor, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, kind neighbours and his many friends. He was predeceased by his son Fergal in 1974, infant daughter Fiona in 1989 and by his parents Nicholas and Mary Quirke and brothers George and Tommy.
MRS BRIGID BRENNAN
Mrs Brigit Brennan, Raheen-Killane, Ballon passed away peacefully surrounded by her heartbroken family at St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny, on Friday, 28 April. She was formerly Brigid Carroll and a native of Liscolman, Tullow.
Her remains were reposed at Kearney’s Funeral Home, Fenagh, before being removed to the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Ballon, on Tuesday, 2 May, for Requiem Mass followed by burial in Ballon cemetery.
Brigit will be sadly missed by her husband John; sons PJ, John, Niall and Alan; daughters Linda, Christina and Lorraine; sons-in-law Joe, Ger and Alan; daughters-in-law Deirdre, Shelia and Leah; grandchildren Megan, Alison, Katelyn, Cillian, Shane, Darren, Danial, Gillian, Andrew, Michaela, Esme, Fionn, Willoe- Mae, Conor, Dasie and Charlie; sister Elizabeth, brother-in-law Donie, nephews, nieces, relatives, kind neighbours and her many friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Paddy, Alice, and sister, Mary.
DAVID HUTTON RIP
The tragic death of 50-year-old David Hutton in an accident at his workplace on Wednesday, 29 March, caused widespread sorrow and regret throughout his native parish of Ballon/Rathoe and his adopted parish of Paulstown. David was the youngest son of Ann and the late Jack Hutton, Ardristan and was a member of a very popular family in the area.
David met his wife, Caroline Murphy, in 1998 and got married in 2014. The couple had three children, Dean, Ross and Zoey, all of whom he encouraged to take up various sporting activities, Dean rugby and hurling, Ross hurling, rugby and athletics and Zoey camogie. In his youth, David was a leading light with Ballon/Rathoe AC and had numerous successes, as outlined in the club’s tribute reproduced below. David recently got involved with Gowran AC and he had a very proud day recently when he competed with Ross just a few days prior to his 50th birthday. He loved nature walks which he shared with his children, and a few years ago, he bought a caravan and toured the country with the family whenever possible.
David’s remains reposed at his home before being taken to the Church of the Assumption, Paulstown, for Requiem Mass on Monday, 3 April, followed by burial in the Holy Family Cemetery, Paulstown.
David is mourned by his wife Caroline, sons Dean and Ross and daughter Zoey, mother-in-law Mary and other members of Caroline’s family in Paulstown, where the family had set up home. He is mourned locally by his mother, Ann (Ardristan). Brothers Kevin, Noel, Johnny, Paul and Vincent, sisters Collette and Eileen, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, relatives, work colleagues and neighbours and friends from both communities.
Ballon/Rathoe Community Games and AC, while offering their sympathy to the Hutton and Murphy families, paid tribute to David, saying that he was a talented young athlete and, from 1986 to 1990, was one of the outstanding juvenile athletes in Carlow. He won County Championships in sprint events as well as the 800m and 1500m distances. He also won the long jump on two occasions. He competed in cross country and won two county championships. This wide range of achievements proved his versatility as an athlete. Apart from his individual success, he also helped Ballon/Rathoe to many relay awards. He represented the area at the National Community Games finals on three occasions between 1986 and 1988. David continued his athletic career right up to his death and, as recent as this year, was placed 2nd in the weight throwing event at the Kilkenny County championship on the same day as his ten year-old-son Ross competed.
The family have set up a Family Support fund, and if you would like to contribute, please log on to https://gofund.me/15baa78e5.
DAVID GLYNN RIP
David Glynn, Huntsman Cross, Ballintrane, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, in the wonderful and gentle care of the staff in the Oak Ward, South-East Palliative Care Centre, University Hospital Waterford, on Tuesday, 28 March. Aged 69, David was a member of one of the best-known families in County Carlow for his involvement in the family bus service and his interest in vintage steam engines. Many people will have travelled by Glynn’s buses for their days’ outings over the years. David’s attendance at Steam Rallies all over Ireland and England made him one of the best-known enthusiasts in that field.
David married Ann Tomkins from Crosslow in 1975, and the couple had four children, Gillian, John, Wesley and baby David, who died in infancy.
He served his time in Collier’s Machine Shop in Carlow before returning to the family business in Graiguenaspideog to work with his father, mother, brothers and uncles. He retired in 2022. Apart from his family, his great interests in life were motorbikes, steam engines, tractors and all forms of vintage machinery.
His remains were reposed at his home before being removed on Saturday, 1 April, to Holy Trinity Church, Ardoyne, for Funeral Service followed by burial in the adjoining churchyard.
David will be sadly missed by his wife Ann, daughter Gillian, sons John and Wesley,
Son-in-law Paul, daughters-in-law Pam and Sharon, grandchildren Sarah, Charlie, Kyle, Pippa, Alyssa and Billy; sister Irene; brothers Albert, Allen and Noel, mother-in-law Elizabeth Tomkins; sisters-in-law; brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of friends.
AISLING NOLAN McDonald
The death has taken place of Aisling Nolan McDonald, Graiguealug, Fighting Cocks and late of Leighlin Rd., Graiguecullen, Carlow. Aisling passed peacefully after a short illness, bravely borne, on Sunday, 12 March, surrounded by her heartbroken family in the loving and compassionate care of the nurses, doctor and staff of St Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin.
Aged 55, Aisling was a popular teacher at St. Fiacc’s National School in Graiguecullen.
Her remains were reposing at her former home, “Mount Close”, Leighlin Road, Graiguecullen, before being removed on Thursday, 16 March, to St Clare’s Church, Graiguecullen, for funeral mass followed by cremation in Newlands Cross Crematorium.
Aisling will be sadly missed by her loving children, Jack, Des and Kate and their father, John, mother Margaret, brother Dessie. Sisters Marcella and Gillian, Jack’s partner Laura, mother-in-law Breeda, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces and other relatives, her colleagues in St. Fiacc’s National School and by her many friends. She was predeceased by her father, Joe, in November 2022.
LATE JACKIE CORRIGAN
The death occurred at St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny, on Thursday, 26 January, of Jackie Corrigan, Lisgarvan House, Ballon. He had spent the previous two years in the care of the management and staff of Riverdale Nursing Home, Ballon.
Married to Emily Jenkinson, Ballywilliamroe, Fenagh the couple have two grown up sons, Clive and Willie.
He was a member of the select vestry of the Adelaide Memorial Church in Myshall for many years and was heavily involved in parochial affairs. A lover of horses, he had a great enthusiasm for point-to-point-racing, and the Ballon meeting was held on his lands in Lisgarvan for close to two decades. As a sportsman, he was involved in many disciplines, both as an active player and as a spectator.
His remains reposed at Kearney’s Funeral Home in Fenagh and at his home before being removed to the Adelaide Memorial Church in Myshall for Funeral Service on Sunday, 29 January, followed by burial in the adjoining churchyard.
Jackie is survived by his wife Emily; sons Clive and Willie (both Lisgarvan), Jane; grandchildren Kate, Amy, Grace, Liam and Ava; sisters Florence (Roscrea), Sydney (England) and Marion (Portlaoise); brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, kind neighbours and a wide circle of friends. He was predeceased by his brother Billy and daughter-in-law Dorcas
MRS ELIZABETH MELENICLIS
Mrs Elizabeth Meleniclis, The Pottle, Kilbride, who died on Monday, 2 January, was formerly Elizabeth Salter, Ratheenkillane, Ballon. Her remains were reposed at Kearney’s Funeral Home in Fenagh before being removed on Sunday, 8 January, to All Saint’s Church, Fenagh, for Funeral Service followed by burial in the adjoining churchyard. The late Mrs Meleniclis, who was predeceased by her husband Peter, is mourned by her daughter Tana and son Rory, son-in-law Jonathan, daughter-in-law Karen, grandchildren Rachel, Eliana, Sarah, Ahron, Ava and Kyle, brothers Fred and George, sisters Phyllis, Evelyn and Dorothy, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
MR MICHAEL NOLAN
The death took place peacefully on Sunday, 8 January in the presence of loving family and nursing staff at Beechwood Nursing Home, Leighlinbridge of Michael (Mick) Nolan, Moanamanagh, Bennekerry, Carlow.
His remains were reposed at his residence on the following day before being removed to St Patrick’s Church, Rathoe on Tuesday, 10 January for a funeral Mass followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Michael will be missed by his beloved wife Christine, sons John, David, Michael and Brian; grandchildren Grace, Molly, Méabh and Micheál, his brother Seán and sister Mary, daughters-in-law Colette, Anne and Regina; nephews, nieces, extended family and many kind friends and neighbours. He was predeceased by his sister Nora.
MANUS WARD RIP
The news of the death of fourteen-year-old Manus Ward ‘Valley View’, Knockdoorish, Kilbride caused widespread sorrow throughout the community. Manus passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family following a long illness on Friday, 6 January. Manus is the cherished middle son of Bernard and Anne, adored brother of Oisin and Conal. And grandson of Tom and Elizabeth Malone and Edward and Margaret Ward. He is also mourned by his uncles, aunts, cousins, school friends from Ballon National School and his second-year class in Tyndall College, Carlow, extended family, friends and kind neighbours.
Manus reposed at his home on the day following his death before being removed to the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Ballon for funeral Mass on Sunday 8 January
Cremation took place on the following day in Mount Jerome Crematorium, Dublin.
MRS MARGARET REILLY
Mrs Margaret (Maggie) Reilly (nee Flynn), Rathrush, Rathoe, passed away peacefully in St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny, surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, 1 January. Maggie was well known throughout the parish for her singing and always did her party piece at the Evergreen party. She was chosen as one of the entertainers at Rathoe on adjudication day when Ballon/Rathoe represented County Carlow in Pride of Place. She was a member of the Rathoe Retirement group and a regular contributor at the Rathoe Song and Story nights.
Her remains reposed at Byrne’s Funeral Home, Station Road, Carlow, before being removed to St Patrick’s Church, Rathoe on the evening following her death. Interment took place in the adjoining cemetery after Requiem Mass on Tuesday, 3 January, which was concelebrated by Rev Jim O’Connell Adm and Rev Tom Little PP Askea.
Maggie is mourned by her grown-up children Emily, Jim, Ann, Paddy, Tom, Mylie and Kathleen and by her sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her sisters Sarah, Ann and Mary, her brothers Bill and Dan, extended family, kind neighbours and many friends. She was predeceased by her husband Jim.