2009
(Details and narrative provided by Michael Dawson - with thanks)
John Nolan 22/12/09 Rathanna/Ballon 58

John came to Ballon 30 years ago and established a small part-time tyre business in what was previously Bill Nolan’s Shop. The business grew at a very rapid rate and by the time of his death John had become a major employer having established Tyre Centres in Ballon, Bunclody and Tullow; as well as a Forecourt Shop and Deli in Ballon. His remains were interred in Ballon Cemetery on Christmas Eve. John is survived by his wife, Marian, sons Stanley, Cormac, and Shane, daughters, Bridget and Emma and by his brothers and sisters.

Paddy Kelly 19/12/09 Rathrush 80

Paddy was a life-long supporter of Fianna Fail and was prominent in the Ballon Cumann. His remains were interred in Rathoe Cemetery on Monday 21 December following Requiem Mass in Ballon Church. Paddy is survived by his wife, Marina, son Niall, daughter Audrey, step-sons Michael and Declan, half-brother John, son-in-law Fergus and granddaughter Nicole.

Joe Zerafa 18/12/09 Laragh/Ballon 62

Joe, who was a native of Malta came to Ballon via London and after purchasing Donohoe's Garage carried on a successful business there. The family then expanded into the Forecourt, Shop and Deli business some six years ago and enjoyed equal success.  His remains were interred in Aghade Cemetery following Funeral Service on Sunday 20 December. Joe is survived by his wife Heather, daughter Andrea, sons Dion and Peter and by his son-in-law, two brothers and two sisters.

Miss Sadie Shrennon 15/11/09 Kilkea, Fenagh 63

Mis Shrennon's remains were removed from Kearney’s Funeral Home, Fenagh to the Church of SS. Peter and Paul, Ballon on the evening following her death. Burial took place in the local cemetery following Requiem Mass on Tuesday 17 November. Sadie will be sadly missed by her loving sister, Mary.

Mr. Billy Smyth 6/11/09 Ballon Hill 71

Billy joined the Irish Sugar Company in 1959 as a Beet Agent and Supervisor and later became an Agricultural Fieldman. His job, which  involved the signing of beet contracts and the procurement of beet for the Carlow Factory, brought him into daily contact with the farming community  from Tullow to Borris and from Rathoe to Clonegal making him one of the best known and most respected men in that community. He retired in 1999.
Billy was very involved in Drama and Light Entertainment over the years. He was an accomplished actor and was a member of the cast of the Ballon Macra na Feirme Group which reached the All-Ireland Drama Festival in 1967. He won many awards for acting over the years at various Drama Festivals.
He also reached the All-Ireland finals on two occasions as a member of the Myshall Novelty Act in the GAA’s Scor competition and was involved with Myshall in Tops of the Parish. When the family moved back to Ballon, Billy became involved with Tops of the Town and enjoyed success in that competition also.
His remains were removed from Kearney’s Funeral Home to the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Ballon on the following evening and burial took place in Ballon cemetery on Sunday 8 November. Huge crowds attended both the removal and the funeral bearing testimony to Billy’s popularity not only locally but County wide. He is survived by his wife, Mary, sons John and Liam, daughters Breda, Monica and Hilary, sister Mrs. Statia O’Neill, brothers Pat and Tony, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, in-laws and other relatives.

Mr. Rex Barry 21/10/09 Ballinadrum 86

Rex was one of the best known men in the parish and had been immersed in the GAA for practically all of his life. Aged 86, Rex was a popular, light-hearted man whose great sense of humour infected all those that came in contact with him.
Rex married Margaret (Peg) Doyle in 1946 and the couple celebrated their 60 wedding anniversary in 2006. He worked most of his early life on the land before joining Carlow Stone Centre until his retirement.
He played GAA with Ballon during the 1930s and 40s and was very much to the fore in helping reform the Ballon Club in 1977. He served on the committee for a long number of years and in February of this year was honoured by the club when chosen as the winner of the Hall of Fame Award for 2009.
He was also a staunch member of the Labour Party and over the years canvassed for various candidates at both National and Local Elections.
His remains were removed from Kearney’s Funeral Home, Fenagh to the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Ballon on the evening following his death and burial took place in the local cemetery following Requiem Mass on Friday 23 October. Ballon GFC provided a Guard of Honour at both the removal and funeral.
Rex is survived by his wife, Margaret (Peg), sons, Liam (Bagenalstown), Martin (Maple Lawn), David (Kilnock), Richard (Carlow) and John (Ballykealey) and by his daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and nephew.



And the residents of Ballykealey Lane would say a special 'farewell' as, since 1997 when housing was developed, Rex was the local that made all the new comers welcome. He strolled or was it 'patrolled' the lane several times a day keeping an 'eye out' for anything amiss and filling us all in on the local activities and gossip of the day. His active mind, sharp intelligence, ready humour and easy smile will be missed.

Rex Barry
Mr. Joe Smithers 13/10/09 Rathrush 75

A native of Straduff, Myshall, Joe worked on land drainage and farming for most of his life. He was involved in the Community Alert Group in Rathoe and had a keen interest in sport and in particular the GAA.
His remains were removed from his home to St. Patrick’s Church, Rathoe on the evening following his death and burial took place in the adjoining cemetery following Requiem Mass on Thursday 15, October. The attendance at both the removal and funeral was one of the largest seen in the area for some time.
Joe is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, sons, Henry (Manchester), Joe (Tullow), Tom (Rathrush), John (Fenagh), and James (Rathrush), daughters, Mary Blanche (Connaberry), Lily Brennan (Kilnock), Kathleen Smithers (Tullow), Lena Ward (Rathwood), Patricia Smithers (Rathrush), Theresa Smithers (Graiguecullen) and Veronica O’Neill (Rathrush), brothers Harry (Carrick-on-Suir,) and Johnny (Manchester) and by his sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, thirty-six grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces and other relatives.
    

Mrs Margaret Kearney
9/10/09
Killane, Ballon
74


The late Mrs. Kearney was formerly Ms. Margaret Breen and was a native of Tomduff, Rathanna. Margaret was a deeply religious woman who was a loyal and committed member of the Ballon parish. She was devoted to Padre Pio and as well as her religious interests, had a lifelong love of music from her early days with the Rathanna Choir. While Margaret was a private, family woman she also enjoyed company and was a friend to many.
Her remains were removed from Kearney’s Funeral Home, Fenagh to The Church of SS. Peter and Paul, Ballon on Sunday evening, 11 October and burial took place in the local cemetery after Requiem Mass on the following day. The huge crowds that attended both the removal and funeral bore testimony to Margaret’s popularity both in Ballon, Rathanna and further afield.
She is survived by her husband, Eamon, daughters Geraldine Kearney (Kilkenny), Bridin Kelly (Killane) and Edel Kearney (Killane), sisters, Mrs. Ann Nolan (Shangarry, Myshall) and Mrs. Breda Murphy (Ballinvalley, Kildavin), grandchildren, Brid Og, Ted and Serdar, sons-in-law, nephews, nieces and other relatives. She was predeceased by her son Ted in 1986.

Mr Dick Kavanagh
22/9/09
formerly Grangeford
85

The death took place at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny, on Tuesday 22 September of Mr. Dick Kavanagh, 1, New Oak Estate, Carlow and formerly from Grangeford, Bennekerry. Aged 84, Dick worked with Brennan’s Bacon Factory in Carlow almost all his life. He retired for health reasons 25 years ago. 
Dick was very involved in parochial work and served on numerous committees over the years. He was a founder member of the weekly whist drive in Rathoe Hall more than 25 years ago and was also involved in the building of Rathoe Sports Complex.
He was also associated with the Senior Citizens Committee and was actively involved at sport days and Parish Auctions.
His remains were removed to St. Patrick’s Church, Rathoe on Thursday, 24 September and burial took place in the adjoining cemetery following Requiem Mass the same day.
He is survived by his son Martin (Calow), daughters, Mary Brennan, (Graiguecullen) and Patricia Kavanagh (Carlow), sister, Mrs. Chrissie Heafey, (Clonmel), grandchildren, Ronan, Conor, John and David, nephews, nieces and other relatives. He was predeceased by his wife Kathleen in 1977 and daughter Cella in 1965.

Mr Thomas Nolan
11/9/09
Ballour, Ballon
79

Tom worked the land all his life and extensively farmed at his native Kilconnor (Fenagh) and later at Ballour.
His remains were removed from his home on Sunday evening, September 13 to the Church of SS. Peter and Paul, Ballon and burial took place in Ballon cemetery following Requiem Mass on the following day. The late Mr. Nolan is survived by his wife, Kay, sons, Joseph and Patrick (both Ballour), daughters Maria (Carlow), Angeline (Carlow) and Clare (Ballour), sister Mrs. Eileen Dillon (Killerig), brothers, Eamon (Kilconnor), Joe ( Ballinacarrig,Tinryland) and Ger
( Crosneen, Carlow), and by his bothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces and other relatives

Mr Sylvester Byrne 3/9/09 Ballylean, Ballon 87

Syl was very much a home loving man and a keen gardener with a great interest in the GAA and, indeed, in all sports. He also had a great interest in music and in particular Country and Western music, and over the years had amassed a great collection of vinyl and tapes. He was also an accomplished accordion player and was a fine singer.
His remains were removed from Kearney’s Funeral Home, Fenagh to the Church of SS. Peter and Paul, Ballon on the evening following his death and burial took place in Lismaconly cemetery following Requiem Mass on Saturday, 5 September. The late Mr. Byrne is survived by his son, Jackie (Ballinabranna), daughter-in-law, Geraldine, grandsons, David and Paul, and by his sister, Rita McLean (Scotland), brothers Aidan (Myshall), Ned (Myshall) and John (Mayo), sister-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces and other relatives. He was predeceased by his wife Ellie in 1995.

Miss Helen Keppel 24/8/09 formerly Kilnock 95

The death took place at Glendale Nursing Home, Tullow on Monday, 24 August of Miss Helen Keppel, formerly of Kilnock, Ballon. Deceased was aged 95 years. Her remains were removed to All Saints Church, Aghade on the evening of her death and burial took place in the adjoining cemetery following Funeral Service on Thursday, 27 August. Predeceased by her only sibling, Percy in 1984, Miss Keppel is mourned by her cousins and friends.

Joseph Nolan 13/8/09 Rathoe  

The death took place at Riverdale Nursing Home on Thursday, 13 August of Mr. Joseph Nolan, formerly from Rathoe. Joe was a member of a well known family in the area and spent most of his life in Dublin. His six brothers all predeceased him. His funeral took place in Rathoe on Saturday, 15 August. He is survived by his sister-in-law, nephews and nieces.

Mrs. Bridget Nolan 10/8/09 Bennekerry 90

The death took place at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny on Monday 10 August of Mrs. Bridget Nolan, Glenogue, Bennnekerry.  She was aged 90 years. Her remains were removed from Byrne’s Funeral Home, Tullow, to St. Patrick’s Church, Rathoe on the evening following her death and burial took place in the adjoining cemetery following Requiem Mass on Wednesday 12 August. The late Mrs. Nolan is survived by her daughters Carmel, Mary, Patricia, Ann and Noeleen, sons-in-law, brother, sisters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-law, nephews and nieces. Her husband, Jim, predeceased her in 1998.  

Mr William Nolan 12/6/09 Connaberry 89
The death took place at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny on Friday 12 June of Mr. Willie Nolan, Connaberry, Ballon and formerly Main St. Ballon. Aged 89 years, he was known locally as ‘Willie of the Fields’ to distinguish him from the many Nolans that lived in the area. He had been a resident of Bethany House, Carlow for the past nine years before transferring to Glendale Nursing Home, Tullow with the closure of the Carlow Facility earlier this year. His remains were removed from Kearney’s Funeral Home, Fenagh to the Church of SS. Peter and Paul, Ballon on Sunday evening 14 June and burial took place in the local cemetery after Requiem Mass on the following morning. Willie is survived by his cousin, Mrs Lizzie Ann Nolan, Ballon and other relatives.
Mrs. Anne Maher 7/6/09 Ballon Cross 87
The death took place at her home on Sunday 7th June of Mrs Anne (Nan) Maher, Ballon Cross. She was aged 87 years. Her remains were removed from Kearney’s Funeral Home, Fenagh to The Church of SS. Peter and Paul, Ballon on Tuesday evening 9th June and burial took place in the local cemetery following Requiem Mass on the following day. The late Mrs. Maher (nee Dowling) is survived by her cousins Mrs. Marie Curran, Connaberry, Sister Kathleen Dawson, Bagenalstown, Mr. Danny Dowling, Templepeter and other relatives. She was predeceased by her husband, Bill, in 1995.
Mr David Kennedy 20/5/09 Rathoe 85
The death took place at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny on Wednesday 20 May of Mr. David Kennedy, Senior, Bendenstown, Rathoe. Aged 85 years, David was a farmer all his life. His whole interests in life centred on farming and he won prizes for livestock in the Mart “Show ‘n’ Sale” days. His other interests included horse racing and Gaelic games.
His remains were removed from McGill’s Funeral Home, Bennekerry on Thursday 21 May to St. Patrick’s Church, Rathoe. Burial took place in the adjoining cemetery after Requiem Mass on the following day. The Mass was celebrated by Fr. William O’Byrne PP (cousin) assisted by Fr. Brendan Howard PP, Fr. Edward Whelan PE, Fr. Tom Little PP, Fr. Rory Nolan, Fr. Patrick Kehoe PE, Mons Brendan Byrne, Fr. Tom Lalor PP, Fr. Joe Fleming PP, Fr. Philip O’Shea PP and Fr. Thomas O’Byrne CC.
David is survived by his wife Marie, sons Joe (Rathoe), Patrick (Bennekerry), David (Rathoe), Edward (Rathoe), daughters Mary Moloney (Oldtown), Cepta Burke (Co. Clare), Jackie Harte (Boston), Teresa Sweeney (Bunclody), grandchildren, brother, sister, sisters-in-law and other relatives.
George Crawford 15/5/09 Ballon  
George Crawford from Forge Meadow, Ballon lost his life in an industrial accident on the new Luas works at Citywest in Dublin on Friday 15th May. A native of Glasgow, Mr. Crawford moved to Ballon about five years ago.
His remains will be removed to the Church of SS. Peter and Paul, Ballon on Monday morning at 11am leaving the house at 10.30, 18th May and burial to take place in the local cemetery after Requiem Mass.
The sympathy of the people of the area is extended to his wife, Eilis, son Callum and daughter Julia, his parents, brother and sisters and his extended family.
Mr John Aughney 12/5/09 Rathoe 92
The death took place at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny on Tuesday, 12 May of Mr. John Aughney, Roscatt, Rathoe. Aged 92 years, the late Mr. Aughney was a farmer all his life. In his youth he was a champion ploughman winning Leinster titles in the horse drawn classes. He also competed in tug-o-war with great success and his other interests included horse racing and fishing. In latter days he was an avid TV viewer of all sports.
His remains were removed to St. Patrick’s Church, Rathoe on Wednesday evening 13 May and burial took place in the adjoining cemetery after Requiem Mass on the following morning which was concelebrated by his cousin Fr. Eddie Aughney, PP St. Mullins, Fr. Brendan Howard PP, Ballon/Rathoe and Fr. Edward Whelan PE. Mons. Brendan Byrne was also in attendance at the removal of remains.
The late Mr. Aughney is survived by his sons Jim (Clondalkin), John Joe (Roscatt), Paul (Roscatt), daughters Gerri Wheeler (Skerries) Alicia O’Callaghan (Clontarf), daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren, brother-in-law, sister-in-law and other relatives. He was predeceased by his wife, Doreen in 2005.
Mr Luke Thompson 21/3/09 Rathoe 62
Luke was a quiet family man who loved gardening and flowers and was also a member of the Rathoe Church Choir. He worked on road maintenance with Carlow County Council for most of his life.
His remains were removed to St. Patrick’s Church, Rathoe on the evening following his death and burial took place in the adjoining cemetery following Requiem Mass concelebrated by Very Rev. Brendan Howard PP, Ballon/Rathoe and Rev. Andy Leahy CC, Tullow on Tuesday 24 March.
Luke is survived by his wife, Kathleen, son James, daughter Sony a, father Arthur (Tullow), Brother Pat (Tullow), sisters Mrs. Mary Shaw (Portarlington), Mrs. Kathleen Shannon (Tullow) and Mrs. Eileen Doyle (Knocknacree), and by his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces and other relatives.
Mr Michael Brophy 1/3/09 Kellistown 80
The death took place (peacefully) following a long illness on Sunday, March 1 of Mr. Michael Brophy, Kellistown, Carlow. He was aged 80 years.
Michael’s great interest was farming and he took great pride in his crops and stock and was very methodical in his planning and his working of the land. In his early years he was a member of Macra na Feirme, NFA, and Tullow Agricultural Show Society. His other great interest was sport and in particular the GAA and was a regular visitor to Croke Park on big match day.
Michael was a person of quiet disposition who was held in high esteem in his community.
His remains were removed from his home to St. Patrick’s Church, Rathoe on Tuesday, March 3 and burial took place in the adjoining cemetery after Requiem Mass on the following morning.
The late Mr. Brophy is survived by his wife Harriet, son Paul, daughter-in-law Sinead, grandsons Eoin, Aidan and Cathal, sisters Patricia (Tullow), Kathleen (Wexford), Sr. Mary (St. Louis Convent, Carrickmacross), brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nephew and nieces. He was predeceased by his brother James and sisters Johanna and Sr. Lucina.
Mrs Maureen Russell 27/2/09 Thurles - Ballon  
The death took place on Friday, February 27 of Mrs. Maureen Russell, Thurles, Co. Tipperary. Formerly Maureen Kavanagh she was the second daughter of the late Thomas and May Kavanagh, Ballon. Interment took place in Thurles on Monday, March 2. Maureen worked with the EU in Luxembourg and for a time was PA to the late President Cearbhall O’Dalaigh. She is mourned by her husband Pat, daughter Roisin, brother Michael and sisters Joan and Clare.
Mr James Bermingham 7/2/09 - suddenly Rathrush, Ballon 70
In his youth Jim worked with Midland Dairies at Ballykealey but retired when the plant closed in 1975 to work his small holding at Rathrush. His remains were removed to St. Patrick’s Church, Rathoe on Monday, February 9 and burial took place in the adjoining cemetery after Requiem Mass on the following day. The service was conducted by Rev. Edward Whelan PE and Rev. Brendan Howard PP. Jim is survived by his brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces and other relatives.
Mr James Doyle 28/1/09 Bendenstown, Rathoe 90
Mr. Doyle worked on the land all his life and was in turn a keen follower of Kildavin and The Fighting Cocks GAA Clubs. His remains were removed from his home on Friday, January 30 to St, Patrick’s Church, Rathoe and burial took place immediately afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Very Rev. Brendan Howard PP officiated. Mr. Doyle is survived by wife Lil, his sons, Seamie (Castledermot), Tommie (Bendenstown) and John (Bendenstown), daughters Nancy (Blackburn) and Breda (Tullow), sisters Francis and Teresa ( both Dublin), and by his grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, nephews and nieces.