Details from Michael Dawson with thanks.
MR MICHAEL McGRATH
The death of Michael McGrath, 4, Maple Lawn, Ballon which took place at his home on Wednesday 28 December following a lengthy illness caused deep and genuine regret throughout the parish and indeed much further afield.
Aged 72 years, Mick had been to the fore in community work in his beloved Ballon for most of his life and his great efforts were recognised when he was awarded the ‘Individual Achievement Award’ at the Carlow Pride of Place Awards in 2007.
Mick was the driving force behind Tidy Towns in Ballon and, in fact, for many years was a ‘one-man committee’ and could regularly be seen picking litter, trimming hedges or watering plants on a daily basis. He was also to the fore in the upkeep of his estate, Maple Lawn, regularly manicuring the grass or pruning the many shrubs or trees that he had planted in the estate. Mick’s efforts contributed greatly to Maple Lawns many successes in the Carlow Pride of Place and Litter League competitions.
On leaving school Mick worked in a variety of ‘Big House’ gardens like Barrett’s in Ballynoe and Lecky’s in Ballykealy before taking up employment with Thompsons in Carlow where he worked for 30 years.
In his younger days he played football with Kilbride GFC winning the Carlow JFC with them in 1964. He was a great lover of the outdoors and nature keeping an extensive aviary of many varieties of colourful birds.
His remains reposed at his home before being removed to the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Ballon on the evening following his death. Burial took place in the local cemetery after Requiem Mass, concelebrated by Rev Edward Whelan PE, Rev. Brendan Howard PP and Rev Tom Little PP, Askea, on Friday 30 December. Members of Kilbride GFC provided a Guard of Honour at both the removal and funeral and his neighbours in Maple Lawn did likewise at the removal.
Mick is mourned by his wife, Marie; son, Denis (Ballintemple); daughter, Lillian Fernandez (Ballon Hill); sisters, Betty Clarke (Graiguecullen), Kathleen McGrath (Ballon Hill); brothers, Denis and Seamus (Ballon Hill); and by his grandchildren, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces and nephew as well as by his many friends and neighbours. He was predeceased by his daughter, Catherine, in a tragic road accident in 1983.
MRS BETTY MAHER
There was deep and genuine sadness at both sides of the parish following the death of Mrs Betty Maher, Ballylean, Ballon, which took place at the Mater Hospital, Dublin on Wednesday, November 30 following a lengthy illness. Aged 76 years, Betty was on the teaching staff in Rathoe National School for 29 years before her retirement in 2000. Prior to that she taught in Kilquiggan, County Wicklow for 17 years.
A native of Millstreet, County Cork she married Dick Maher in 1965 and the couple had five children, Jimmy, Margie, Dinny, Joanie and Richie. Her family and her teaching were her main interests in life but she still found time for her favourite hobbies of reading, card playing and gardening as well as helping out on the family farm.
Despite being ‘exiled’ from Cork for close on 50 years she never lost her Cork accent or her love for her native county especially when they were involved in hurling or football. She had a great sense of humour and wit, was an accomplished storyteller often relating hilarious tales of school days, over-important inspectors, principals or Parish Priests. She was, above all, a good and kind neighbour and friend.
Her remains reposed in Kearney’s Funeral Home in Fenagh before being removed to the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Ballon on the evening following her death and burial took place in Ballon cemetery after Requiem Mass, con-celebrated by Rev Edward Whelan PE, Rev Brendan Howard PP and Rev Tom Little PP Bennekerry, on Friday, 2 December.
Betty is mourned by her husband, Dick, daughters, Margie Killeen (USA) and Joanie Feeney (Laragh); sons, Jimmy (Galway), Dinny (Ballylean) and Richie (USA); daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren; brother, John; sister, Noreen, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews and nieces as well as other relatives and friends.
MR KEVIN NOLAN
The unexpected and sudden death of Kevin Nolan, Springmount, Grangeford which took place on Tuesday, 29 November sent ripples of shock and regret throughout the parish and much further afield. He was aged 68 years.
Kevin farmed extensively and his farm at Springmount was the venue for the World Ploughing Championships in 2006 and the All-Ireland championships in 2004. Kevin, like many of his family before him, was a qualified carpenter, and despite his busy farming schedule he found time to pursue carpentry as a hobby.
A keen cyclist, he did the Cork to Carlow event on 27 occasions in aid of the Wheelchair Association as well and many other challenging cycling events. In his younger days he was a stylish hurler and played with both Ballon and Tullow.
His remains were removed to St. Patrick’s Church, Rathoe on Thursday, 1 December and burial took place immediately following Requiem Mass the same day.
Members of Carlow Road Cycling Club formed a Guard of Honour at the funeral.
Kevin is survived by his wife, Margaret; sons, Patrick (The Ridge, Old Leighlin) and Kevin (Killeen Lane); daughters, Grace (Leighlinbridge), Yvonne (Old Leighlin), Elaine (Canada), Fiona (Clonmel) and Stephanie (London); brother, Tom (Ardattin); sisters, Theresa Rowan (Punchestown) and Carmel Nolan (Friarstown) and by his daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces.
MR PADDY CURRY
Mr Paddy Curry, Castlemore, (83) whose death took place at Clonmel General Hospital on Thursday, November 10 had a long association with The Fighting Cocks GAA and was life president of the club. He also had a long association with Tullow Rugby Club, holding the position as caretaker at their Pavilion at The Black Gates. His remains reposed at his home before being removed to St. Patrick’s Church, Rathoe on Saturday, November 12 and burial took place in the adjoining cemetery following Requiem Mass. Paddy is survived by his sons John (Tullow), Nick (Kilkenny), Jim (Castlemore), Patrick (Castlemore), daughters Antoinette Nevin (Tullow), Martina Doyle (Tullow), Audrey Savona (US) and Gina Haskins (Roscatt).
He was predeceased by his wife Mary in 1988 and son Shane in 2006.
Paddy is also survived by his brother John and sister, Lily (both Dublin), seventeen grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, nephews and nieces.
MR. JOE CANAVAN
The death took place at the Regional Hospital, Galway, on Tuesday, 1 November of Mr Joe Canavan formerly from Killane, Ballon. He was aged 59 years. After completing school, Joe joined the army and was stationed in Galway for most of his career. He was forced to retire early having sustained serious injuries in a car crash.
His remains reposed in Galway before being removed to the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Ballon and he was interred in the local cemetery on Friday, 4 November following Requiem Mass con-celebrated by Very Rev Brendan Howard PP and Rev. Edward Whelan PE. Joe is survived by his wife, Maureen; son, Patrick; daughter, Nessa and two grandsons, his mother, Mrs May Canavan (Killane); sisters, Mrs Ann Slattery (Killane) and Mrs Mary Nolan (Tullow); brothers, Matt (Kilkenny), Jim (Newbridge), Ned (Killane), Pat (Galway), Willie (Galway), Mike (Killane) and Gerry (Killane) and by his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.
MRS MAI FARRELL
Mrs Mai Farrell (84), whose death took place on Tuesday, 18 October at The Sacred Heart Hospital, Carlow was a former Postmistress in Ballon. She retired in May 2000 having held the position for more than twenty years.
A native of Graiguecullen Mai (nee Mallon) married Jim Farrell, and they lived at Cappagh, Ballon. The couple had two sons, Pat and Jimmy. Later they moved to Ballon village where they set up a grocery shop before Mai was appointed Postmistress in the late ‘80s, a role she fulfilled with great efficiency and for which she was held in the highest esteem and affection for her courtesy and general helpfulness to the public.
A very active lady, Mai also opened a Diner on the premises and to add to that had a mobile Fast Food unit. Following her retirement as Postmistress, Mai, who was a nurse by profession, worked in a private Nursing Home in Bunclody before moving back to her native Graiguecullen. Despite her self- imposed heavy workload Mai found time to be involved in several organisations in Ballon and was particularly active with the Senior Citizens Committee.
Her remains were removed from her son’s home in Liscoleman, Tullow to the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Ballon on Wednesday, 19 October and burial took place in Ballon Cemetery after Requiem Mass on the following day.
Mrs Farrell is survived by her sons, Pat and Jimmy, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and by her sisters Alice, Anne, Bridget and Patricia. Her husband, Jim, predeceased her in 1993.
MR. THOMAS DOYLE
The death took place at his residence, Kellistown, Carlow on Tuesday 11 October of Mr Tom Doyle. He was aged 81 years. Fond of the outdoors, the late Mr Doyle worked on the land all his life and it follows that gardening was his great hobby. He was also interested in sport and followed the GAA at both local and national level and also took a keen interest in rugby. He also liked to read a little and liked nothing better than keeping up with the news and was particularly fond of the local newspapers. His remains were removed from Kearney’s Funeral Home in Fenagh to St Patrick’s Church, Rathoe on the evening following his death and burial took place in the adjoining cemetery after Requiem Mass celebrated by Rev. Edward Whelan PE on Thursday, 13 October.
Tom is survived by his sons John (Kellistown), P.J. (Rathrush) and Thomas (Moyle),
daughters Marie (Kellistown) and Ann (Bennettsbridge), brother John (Dublin), sisters Mrs Peggy Boylan (Rathrush) and Mrs Kitty Swayne (Craanpursheen), daughters-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren, nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary, in 1998.
MRS ANNE (Nancy) ABBEY
The death took place in the care of the proprietors and staff of Borris Lodge Nursing, Home on Wednesday 21th September of Mrs Anne (Nancy) Abbey, Ballon Hill, Ballon.
The late Mrs Abbey (nee Atkinson) was aged 89 years and had spent just over a year at the South Carlow Nursing Home.
Nancy was a very popular lady in the Ballon area and through the years was very involved in parochial activities. She held almost every position on the committee of the Ballon ICA Guild at various times and her great skills at cooking, baking, knitting and crochet made her a very regular winner of the Guilds monthly competition. In earlier years she played a leading role in Muintir na Tire and Tidy Towns and was instrumental in setting up the Ballon St. Patrick’s Day Parade a quarter of a century ago. Back in the late 1960s she played an active part in establishing a Youth Club in Ballon and for years supervised the activities of that organisation .But perhaps Nancy will be remembered most for her involvement with the Senior Citizens Committee, an organisation to which she devoted time and energy for many, many years.
Her remains were removed from Kearney’s Funeral Home in Fenagh to the Church of SS. Peter and Paul, Ballon on the evening following her death and burial will take place in Ballon cemetery following Requiem Mass on Friday 23th September.
Nancy is survived by her son Pat (Ballon Hill), daughter Mrs. Margaret (Peg) Dawson (Ballon Hill) son-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her husband Joe in 1953 and daughter, Mary in 2000. Her sister Mary Walsh, Brownshill, Carlow predeceased her on Wednesday, 14th September.
Mr. Michael Nolan
Mr. Michael Nolan, Dublin Road, Kilkenny, whose death took place at Gowran Abbey Nursing Home on Monday, 19 September was in his 104th year. Formerly from Castlegrace, the late Mr Nolan, who worked in the building trade, was a founder member of Kilbride GAA Club back in 1927 and played most of his football with the club. He never severed his connections with the club during his long life and was a joint president at the time of his death.
His remains reposed at Johnston’s Funeral Home, John’s Green before being taken to St. John’s Church for Requiem Mass on Wednesday, 21 September. His remains were interred in the old cemetery in Ballon on Wednesday afternoon where members of Kilbride GFC formed a Guard of Honour.
Mr. Nolan is survived by his wife, Annie (nee Dooley, Carrigslaney) daughters Tess, Anne, Kathryn, sons Tom and Michael, sons- in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and other relatives. His burial was the first in the old cemetery since 1999.
MR MICHAEL KAVANAGH
Ballon lost one of its best-known and most popular citizens with the passing of, Michael Kavanagh, (publican) on Monday 22 August. Aged 71 years, Michael lost his fight for life in St Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin where he was a patient for close on three months. This was by far the longest time he ever spent away from his beloved Ballon.
The only son of the late Thomas and Mai (nee Morris) Kavanagh he was educated at Ballon National School and Knockbeg College, Carlow. On leaving school he assisted his father in running the family pub, building the existing lounge in 1985, a place where he spent all his working life until his recent hospitalisation.
He married Attracta Fenelon from Tullow in 1974 and the couple had one son, Paul.
A through and through sportsman Michael was steeped in the GAA and got his first taste of success with the area team, St. Bridget’s, who won the Carlow MFC in 1957. He played junior with Ballon during the late 1950’s and when the club folded transferred to Kilbride where he played a pivotal role in their 1964 JCF win. He went on to win the Intermediate championship with Kilbride in 1968. He also played junior football with Carlow with distinction but surprisingly won just the one senior ‘cap’. When Ballon reformed in 1977, Michael was to the fore and was a joint president of the club at the time of his death.
He was interested in sport in general, was a keen follower of horse racing and a supporter of Manchester United. He had a vast knowledge of sport as well as of his village and parish and was of great assistance to people compiling articles and in particular to the local Ballon/Rathoe Chronicle committee.
His remains reposed in Kearney’s Funeral Home in Fenagh before being removed to the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Ballon on Wednesday evening, 24 August and burial took place in Ballon cemetery following Requiem Mass on the following day.
Members of both Ballon and Kilbride GAA Clubs provided a guard of Honour at both the removal and funeral as did members of the juvenile club, Burren Rangers.
Michael is survived by his son, Paul, sisters Joan Rafferty (Dublin) and Clare Kavanagh (Carlow), daughter-in-law, Catherine, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews and other relatives. As well as his parents Michael was predeceased by his wife, Attracta (2002) and sister, Maureen (2009).
Michael’s great motto in life was “Least said soonest mended” and anyone who knew him would agreed that he lived his life by this motto.
MR DECLAN DONOHOE
The death took place (suddenly) at his home, Rathrush, Rathoe on Saturday, 20 August of Mr Declan Donohoe. Aged 61 years, he was the only son of the late Pat and Mary Donohoe. Declan trained as a psychiatric nurse and worked in St. Dympna’s Hospital, Carlow, for many years. He played GAA with The Fighting Cocks Club and also played badminton, squash and pitch and putt as a young man.
His remains were removed from McGuill’s Funeral Home, Bennekerry to St. Patrick’s Church on the day following his death and burial took place in the adjoining cemetery following Requiem Mass on Tuesday, 23 August. Declan is survived by his wife, Nuala, sons D.J., Pauric, Terence and John Paul, daughters Yvonne, Imelda and Noelle, sisters Claire Kelly (Rathrush) and Emer Kelly (Dublin), six grandchildren, brothers-in- law, niece and other relatives.
MISS BERNADETTE MCARDLE
The death took place at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny on Thursday 21 July of Miss Bernadette McArdle, formerly Ballon and for some years in the care of the staff of Drakelands Nursing Home, Kilkenny. She was aged 55 years. Bernadette was the only daughter of the late Thomas (died 2005) and Mrs Patricia McArdle NT (died 1991) who was principal of Ballon Girls NS from 1945 to 1978. Bernadette was well known and popular in Ballon where she was born and grew up and was admired for her exemplary courage in the face of life-long health problems. The McArdle family will always be remembered for providing Ballon with its beautiful Lourdes Grotto. Bernadette’s remains were removed to the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Ballon on the evening following her death and burial took place after Requiem Mass on Saturday, 23 July in the local cemetery. She is survived by her aunt, Agnes, uncles, Pat and Frank and cousins. As well as her parents she was predeceased by an infant brother, Anthony in 1951.
MRS. BERNADETTE GUILFOYLE
The death took place at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny on Monday 20 June of Mrs Bernadette Guilfoyle, Castlegrace, Kilbride. A native of Letterkenny, County Donegal the late Mrs Guilfoyle was aged 88 years. A very quiet retiring lady she was an avid reader and liked to keep up with the news both local and national. She enjoyed her weekly visits to Tullow Day Care Centre and liked to travel on their outings and on the Ballon Senior Citizens outings. She fulfilled a lifelong dream a few years ago when she visited Lourdes with the Parish Pilgrimage.
Her remains reposed at Byrne’s Funeral Home, Tullow and were removed to the Church of SS. Peter and Paul, Ballon on Wednesday morning 22 June for Requiem Mass followed by burial in the local cemetery.
Bernadette is survived by her sons Pat (Castlegrace), Michael (England), Joe (Washington) and Gerry (Aberdeen), daughter Bridget (Balbriggan), sister Rita (Canada) and by her son-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Nicholas.
Mr Paddy Deane
The death took place at his residence on Tuesday 7 June of Patrick (Paddy) Deane Kyleballyhue, Kellistown. He was aged 87 years.
One of a family of seven children, Paddy spent his life farming as well as doing a dead animal collection service for which he was well known throughout County Carlow and surrounding areas. A great lover of Gaelic football and hurling Paddy played with Tinryland in his youth. He supported local and county teams.
His remains reposed at his home before removal on Thursday 9 June to St. Joseph’s Church, Tinryland for Requiem Mass celebrated by Fr John McEvoy PP. Burial took place in the adjoining cemetery immediately afterwards. The large attendance at the funeral bore testimony to the popularity of Paddy, not only locally, but much further afield.
He is survived by his children Ethna O’Toole (Rathbawn, Grange), Mary Roche (Moyle, Carlow), John (Moyle), Ann Donoghue (Ardattin), Ned (JKL Avenue, Carlow), George (Moyle), Mike (Rathcrogue,), Teresa (Tess) Dowling (Burton Hall), Geraldine Hegarty (Killerig Cross), Pat (Ballinvalley, Kildavin), Martin (Boston) and Joe (Moyle). Paddy is also mourned by his brother Jim (Tinryland), sister Ciss (Margaret) Brennan (Newtown), sister-in-law Annie Malone (Kilbride), his 45 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, nephews, nieces and other relatives, neighbours and friends. He was predeceased by his wife, Maggie (nee Pender, Killane, Ballon) in 2006.
Mrs Eileen Kelly
The death took place at Naas Hospital on Monday 9 May of Mrs Eileen Kelly of Hazelmere, Naas and formerly of Muire na Rósa, Rathcrogue, Carlow and Raheenleigh, Myshall.
The late Mrs Kelly had been on the teaching staff of Ballon National School for almost 24 years.
Born Eileen O’Flaherty in Castlegregory, County Kerry in 1917 she was educated at the local national school, the Presentation Convent in Tralee and at Dingle. She graduated from Careysfort Training College in Dublin in 1938.
Eileen held substitute positions in Tarbert, County Kerry, Kilfenora, County Clare, Bruff and Shangolden in County Limerick and in Limerick City. She was a primary teacher at the Brigidine Convent School in Tullow for three years and she taught for six years at the now closed Kilbranish National School near Bunclody.
She married Michael Kelly of Raheenleigh, Myshall in 1949 and the couple had three children, Thomas, Mary and Michael.
Eileen arrived in Ballon on 7 January 1959 where she taught infants, first and second classes in the Boys School. When the new school opened in 1969 Eileen taught Junior and Senior Infants and where she enjoyed the much improved facilities of the modern school building.
She retired in 1982 and for a time enjoyed life between her home in Rathcrogue and her daughter’s home in Naas but later moved to Naas on a permanent basis.
Following Requiem Mass in The Church of the Irish Martyrs, Ballycane, Naas, Eileen’s remains were interred in St. Joseph’s Cemetery Tinryland on Thursday 12 May.
The late Mrs Kelly is mourned by her sons Thomas and Michael, daughter Mary, sister-in-law, Muriel, goddaughter Noreen, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Mr Denis Nolan – 2/4/11
Mr Denis Nolan whose death took place at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny on Saturday 2 April was son of Mrs Betty Nolanand the late Dinny Nolan, Rathrush. He was aged 61 years. His remains were removed to St. Patrick’s Church, Rathoe on Monday evening 4 April and burial took place in the adjoining cemetery after Requiem Mass on the following day. Denis is mourned by his wife, Patricia, sons Keith, Mark and Paul, daughter Mrs Karen Bermingham, grandchildren, mother Mrs Betty Nolan and brothers Liam, Oliver and Leo as well as other family members and a wide circle of friends.
Mrs Jane Canavan – 6/3/11
There was deep sadness and regret in the Ballon/Rathoe area and much further afield at the news of the death of MrsJane Canavan which took place at her home, Kilconnor, Fenagh, on Sunday 6 March following a long illness. Aged 68 years, she was formerly Jane Cummins and was second daughter of the late Frank and Mai Cummins. Carrigslaney, Kilbride. She married Matt Canavan in 1968 and although the couple lived just outside the parish border their allegiance was always to Ballon and Rathoe.Jane was a private but very caring person, popular at work and in her neighbourhood and parish, and was a good friend to all those who knew her. As a young girl she played camogie with the Kilbride Club and had the distinction of being a member of the first Carlow team to register a win in an inter-county championship game. As a member of the Ballon Badminton Club Jane enjoyed considerable success in County and South West Leinster Leagues competitions during the ‘70s and ‘80s. In recent years she also heavily involved in an unobtrusive way, as scorekeeper and question compiler, when her husband Matt compered table-quizzes.
Jane began her working life with Kildare Council and later transferred to Carlow County Council having to retire from her position on marriage. She later returned to Carlow County Council and subsequently worked for Carlow UDC, the Vocational Educational Committee and for the past twenty years until her retirement some two years ago, for Carlow Regional Technical College.
Jane’s remains were removed from her home on Tuesday 8 March for Requiem Mass in the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Ballon and burial took place in the local cemetery immediately afterwards. Very Rev Brendan Howard PP, Ballon/Rathoe,
Very Rev Declan Foley PP, Bagenalstown, Fr Edward Whelan PE Ballon/Rathoe and Fr Rory Byrne, Chaplin at the Regional College officiated.
Jane is mourned by her husband Matt, sister Mrs Mary Early (Newbridge), brothers Jim (Carrigslaney), Tom (Carrigslaney), uncle and aunt Mick and Nan Nolan (Kilkenny), aunt Mrs Lil Cummins (Ballytarsna),sister-in-law, nieces, cousins and a large circle of friends.
Mrs Bridget Dowling – 5/1/11
The death took place at the District Hospital, Carlow on Wednesday 5 January of Mrs Bridget Dowling, Boggan, Kilbride. She was aged 66 years. A native of Shangarry, Myshall she was formerly Ms Bridget Fox.
She married Jim Dowling, also from Myshall, in 1967 and the couple set up home in Boggan at that stage. Prior to her marriage she was housekeeper to Very Rev. J. Flood PP in Rathoe and so it was almost inevitable that she would become active in parochial affairs having settled in the parish. She acted as both secretary and treasurer to Ballon/Rathoe Senior Citizens Committee for almost thirty years until she retired in 2006. She was also actively involved in Ballon Gaelic Football Club for more than fifteen years and was still on the committee at the time of her death.
She also donated some of her spare time doing voluntary work for the Apostolic Society.
Her remains were removed from the family home to the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Ballon on Friday 7 January and burial took place in Myshall Cemetery on the same day. Members of Ballon Football Club formed a Guard of Honour as the cortege entered Lismaconly Cemetery.
Bridget is survived by her son James, sisters Barbara Byrne (Myshall) and Jean Fleming (Aughavanna), brother John Fox (Shangarry) and by her nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Jim, in 1993.
MR MICK CANAVAN – 1/1/11
The death took place suddenly on Saturday 1 January of Mr Mick Canavan, Chapel Street, Ballon. He was aged 74 years. He worked with Midland Dairies and Carlow Stone Centre before retirement. An avid follower of Ballon Gaelic Football Club he played for the team in the late 60s. He was also interested in vintage cars, bikes and machinery. 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 Ballon cemetery after Requiem Mass on Monday 3 January. Members of Ballon GFC provided a Guard of Honour at both the removal and funeral. The late Mr. Canavan is survived by his wife Theresa, step-son James and brother Jack (Thomastown).
MR JOHN KINSELLA – 15/12/10
Mr. John Kinsella, Sandbrook, Ballon, who died on Wednesday, 15 December was, at 94 years, the oldest man in the parish of Ballon/Rathoe. Born on 1 September, 1916 he was son of Frank and Bridget Kinsella and was one of a family of eight.
After leaving school John worked as a barman in Dublin for two years before returning to work the family farm when his older brother decided to emigrate. He specialised in tillage and livestock and particularly in sheep.
He married Margaret Deane from Bunclody in 1956 and the couple had five children. In perfect health right up to his death, John liked nothing better than to visit Kavanagh’s pub where he enjoyed the company of the locals, and the locals in return especially enjoyed his company.
His remains were removed to the church of SS Peter and Paul, Ballon, on the evening following his death and burial took place in Ballon cemetery after Requiem Mass on Friday 16 December.
John is survived by his wife, Margaret, daughter Paula Whyte (Naas), sons Frank (Galway), Rory (New York), John (Dublin), Michael (Sandbrook), daughters-in-law, son-in-law, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and sixteen grandchildren.