Details from Michael Dawson with thanks.
Sr. CONLETH DONOHOE
The death occurred of Kathleen (Sr. Conleth) Donohoe, only daughter of Patrick and Margaret Donohoe, The Garage, Ballon, at the St. John of God Convent, Kilkenny, on Tuesday, 4 December. She died peacefully, following a short illness, in the loving care and attention of the Staff and Community at the Convent. She was aged 87.
Sister Conleth entered the St. John of God Order in 1944, making her final profession in 1949. She spent her entire working life as a nurse in many different locations commencing at Aut Even Hospital in Kilkenny in 1950, before moving to St. John’s, Enniscorthy in 1953. Following a further move to Edenderry District Hospital in 1957, she spent a long period at Naas General Hospital from 1966 until 1985. After a short stay in Castlecomer District Hospital, she was posted to the Irish College in Rome in 1990 where she remained until 1998. She then retired to the St. John of God House and Convent in Kilkenny where she celebrated her Diamond Jubilee in 2006 and remained there until the time of her death.
She will be remembered by her friends and colleagues for her unfailingly cheerful disposition which she maintained to the end of her life and her bright outlook in every post to which she was assigned. She particularly enjoyed her eight years in the Irish College in Rome and often spoke of her days there. She was an avid reader and was also a great knitter in her younger days. Sr. Conleth, who is pre-deceased by her brother John and sister-in-law Theresa (Tessie) was interred in Foulkstown Cemetery, Kilkenny. She will be sadly missed by her nephew Brendan, nieces Margaret, Clodagh, Catherine and Orla, the St. John God Community, her extended family and friends. May she rest in peace.
DEATH OF FIONA O’BRIEN
Fiona O’Brien died peacefully in the loving care of the management and staff of St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny on Monday, 15 October. Aged 31, Fiona was daughter of Pat and Kathleen O’Brien, New Road, Kilbride. She attended St. Lazarian’s School in Carlow and later moved to the Delta Centre also in Carlow. She was confined to a wheelchair from the age of 18.
She endeavoured and was encouraged to lead as normal a life as possible and loved travelling. One of the highlights of her short life was a visit to Disney World in Florida in 2002 accompanied by her mother and brother, Kevin.
Fiona was the toast of the area in 2003 when she participated in the Special Olympics which were held in Croke Park that year. She competed under the title of motor activity in ten-pin bowling and bean bag events. She returned home with two medals to a terrific reception.
Even with so few words Fiona gathered the love and respect of whoever she was with and her vibrant smile and a big ‘thumbs-up’ gesture let everyone who saw it into her world, where she was happy, and in return made others happy.
Fiona’s remains reposed at her home before being removed to St Lazarian’s Church, Kildavin on Wednesday, 17 October for requiem mass and burial took place immediately afterwards in Kildavin Cemetery.
Fiona is mourned by her parents, Pat and Kathleen, brothers Sean and Kevin, aunts, uncles, cousins, kind neighbours, relatives and friends.
MR NED BYRNE
The death took place at his home on Wednesday, 29 August after a long illness borne with courage and dignity of Mr Edward (Ned) Byrne, Kilcoole, Rathoe. He was aged 73 years.
Ned divided his time between farming at Kilcoole and steel erecting throughout the length and breadth of Ireland. He was renowned for his ability and quality of work in erecting farm buildings. He started with Keenan’s of Bagenalstown and later worked for Mitchell Engineering, Bagenalstown. He loved sport in general but his family and farming were, above all, his main interests in life. .
Ned was a stalwart GAA supporter, and although he never played, he served as treasurer of The Fighting Cocks Club for 18 years. He played a major role in the club acquiring and developing their playing field on the Tullow road and more recently in the provision of dressing rooms. He was also involved in the renovation and reconstruction of Rathoe Hall and Sporting Complex.
His remains reposed at his home before being removed to St. Patrick’s Church, Rathoe on Friday, 31 August and burial took place in the adjoining cemetery after Requiem Mass on the following day. An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, was represented by his aide-de-camp. Members of The Fighting Cocks GAA Club formed a Guard of Honour at both the removal and the funeral and the large attendance both days bore testimony to Ned’s popularity in the area.
Ned is mourned by his wife, Pauline, sons, Patrick (Kilcoole), James (Kilcoole) and Niall (Kilcoole); daughters Catherine Murphy, St. Mullins; Lylah Byrne, Dublin; Paula Deering (Rathvilly);Sheila Gibbons (Rathvilly); Miriam Larkin (Navan) and Orla Braid, (Melbourne); brothers, Paddy (Ballywilliamroe); Jimmy (Ballymoon); Tom (Garryhill); Anthony (Graigue-na-Spideogue); sisters, Mary Brennan (Killeshin); Phil Houlton (Dublin); Carmel Nolan (Fenagh); Bridie Fleming (Nurney) and Tess Mellion (England) and by his sons in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and a large circle of friends. He was predeceased by an infant son, Edward, in 1977 and by his sisters, Kathleen and Nan
TOM DUNNE RIP
Mr. Tom Dunne, Dublin Road, Tullow, whose death took place on Friday, 10 August was formerly from Grangeford, Rathoe. Aged 89 years, Tom was, until his retirement, an employee of Carlow County Council and was also involved with Tullow Fire Service. In his youth Tom was an athlete of distinction and amongst his successes was winning the Dr Humphrey’s Cup for all round champion at the Carlow County Sports in 1948 – winning four events, 100 and 200 yards, long jump and 120 yards hurdles. Tom contributed articles to the Ballon/Rathoe Chronicle on a number of occasions including a personal one in which he stepped back in time and revisited his native Grangeford and recalled some wonderful memories.
His remains reposed at Byrne’s Funeral Home in Tullow before being removed to The Church of the Most Holy Rosary, Tullow on Sunday, 12 August and burial took place in Rathoe Cemetery on the following day after Requiem Mass. Tom is survived by his wife, Maureen, daughters Mary and Anne, sons Seamus, Sean and Thomas, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren
MR NED KENNEDY
The death took place at the District Hospital, Carlow on Monday, 23 July of Mr Edward (Ned) Kennedy, Grangeford. Aged 81 years, Ned was a member of a long established and respected Rathoe/Grangeford Family who, at the young age of 13 took over the management of the family farm from his father, Bernard. His passion throughout his life was dairy farming and livestock and this was reflected in his involvement in Macra na Tuaithe, Macra na Feirme and the IFA. In those days Ned actively taught young farmers meeting at his and other local farms. Ned was always available for sound and solid farming advice, something he was well qualified to give having won the Macra na Feirme Farm Management Award on three occasions, in 1961, 1963 and again in 1965.
He was an active Parish man involved in many fundraisers and in the development of the parish as a whole. In recent times he was a member of the Parish Council under Fr. Whelan but long before that took an active role in the building and renovations of the Community Halls in both Rathoe and Ballon and Rathoe Sports Complex. He was also actively involved in Tullow Show Society over many years both as an officer and committee member.
He was also involved with a Local Farmer?s Group which saw many new innovations in farming from the 1950s to 1980s. This group met monthly to assist and advise one another on farming matters.
As a young man he always worked hard, enjoyed evenings out visiting with friends and family, dinner dances and the odd poker game. In later life his love of home and horse-racing came to the fore.
His remains reposed at his home in Grangeford before being removed to St. Patrick’s Church, Rathoe on Wednesday, 25 July. His cousin, Fr William O’Byrne PP, Kill, Co Kildare concelebrated the Funeral mass with Fr Brendan Howard PP Ballon/Rathoe and Fr Tom Little PP, Askea. Also present were his cousins Fr Gerard O’ Byrne and Fr Tom O’ Byrne, Fr Edward Whelan PE, Ballon/Rathoe, Fr. Jim Gahan, Fr. Andy Leahy and the Capuchin Friary Priests, Carlow. After mass Ned was laid to rest in the family plot in the adjoining cemetery.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Theresa (nee Griffin from Tullow) and by his daughters Fiona McGrath (Tinryland), Grainne Murray (Grangeford), Therese Kelly (Kilkerrin, Galway) and Maryclare Kennedy (Grangeford); his son Brian (Grangeford); sisters, Nancy Dowling (Tomard) and Bernie Kennedy (Graiguecullen); brother, PJ (Australia),sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, eleven grandchildren, nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his sisters Meta Nolan (Enniscorthy) and Masie Murphy (Myshall).
MR WILLIAM TUTTY
Mr William Tutty whose death took place suddenly at his home at Graiguealug, Nurney, on Wednesday, 20 June, was aged 83 years. An only child, Billy was a tillage and livestock farmer all his life. As a younger man he had a great interest in tug-o’-war, managing the local team and travelling all over the country with them. In more recent years he held a number of vintage threshings and vintage machinery displays on his farm. His remains reposed at Kearney’ s Funeral Home in Fenagh before being removed to St. John’s Church, Nurney on Sunday, 24 June where burial took place in the local cemetery following Funeral Service. Billy will be sadly missed by his cousins, his neighbours and friends.
MR PADDY FOLEY
The death took place at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny on Saturday, 9 June of Mr Paddy Foley, New Road, Kilbride. Aged 75, he was a native of Killamote, Rathangan, Co Wicklow. He met his wife, Sally Cranny from Ullard, whom he married in 1961, when they both worked in St. Patricks Missionary Society in Kiltegan. As a young man Paddy worked on the land and later was an employee of Bunclody Co-Op in Tullow. In later years he worked as a self- employed handy-man .
Paddy was steeped in the GAA and was, for many years, chairman of the Ballon/Rathoe Juvenile Club. He was also heavily involved with Kilbride over the years and acted as a very efficient PRO for the club for a time, submitting copy for this column on a regular basis. He also played a major part in fundraising for the Kilbride and was a president of the club at the time of his death. He played GAA with Rathangan but played just once for Kilbride. Apart from the GAA Paddy’s main interests were horse racing and cards but most of all he loved his regular visits to his native Rathangan. Paddy also served as a Director of Ballon/Rathoe Credit Union.
His remains were removed from his home to St Lazarian’s Church, Kildavin on Monday evening, 11 June and burial took place in Kildavin cemetery after Requiem Mass on the following morning. Kilbride GFC and Burren Rangers provided a Guard of Honour at both the removal and the funeral. The attendance on both occasions was amongst the largest seen in the area for many years bearing testimony to the popularity and the esteem that Paddy was held in both in Ballon and Kildavin Parishes.
Paddy is survived by his wife, Sally; sons Liam (Nurney), Jim (Connaberry), Noel (USA); daughters Doreen (Kilbride), Sarah (Carlow) and Olivia Staunton (Graiguenamanagh); sons-in-law; daughters-in-law; brothers; sister; brothers-in-law; sister-in-law; grandchildren; great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his daughter, Mary and sons Michael and Patrick.
MRS MARY DELANEY
The death took place on Thursday 22 March at Hillview Nursing Home, Carlow, of Mrs Mary Delaney, Kilnock, Ballon. Aged 79, she was formerly Mary ‘Dolly’ Kealy from Ballymartin, Borris. She married John Delaney, Kilnock in 1975 and the couple had one son, Patrick. On finishing school Mary went to train as a nurse in England and later returned to work in the Sacred Heart Home in Carlow for over twenty years. She was a devoted homemaker and took great pride in her house and garden. Her main interests were knitting, sewing and reading and she was a great lover of television. Her remains reposed in Kearney’s Funeral Home, Fenagh before being removed to the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Ballon on Sunday, 25 March and burial took place in the local cemetery following Requiem Mass on the same day. Mary is survived by her husband, John; son, Patrick; daughter-in-law, Tracey; grandchildren, Brandon and Rebecca; brother, Joe (New Oak, Carlow); sisters, Mrs Bella Jeaney (Garryhundon) and Anne Kealy, (Sacred Heart Hospital, Carlow) and by her nephews and other relatives.
MRS DOREEN WALL
The death took place at The Sacred Heart Hospital, Carlow on Thursday, 1 March following a lengthy illness of Mrs Doreen Wall formerly from Laragh, Ballon. She was aged 75 years. A native of London she lived all her life in England until the Wall family moved to Ballon in 1981. Her remains reposed at The Sacred Heart Hospital before being removed to Clara Church, County Kilkenny on Sunday, 4 March and interment took place in the adjoining cemetery following Requiem Mass. The late Mrs Wall is survived by her daughters Mrs Tracy Murphy, (Laragh), Mrs Teresa Whelehan (Carlow), son Martin (England), sisters, brother, grandchildren, nephews and nieces. Her husband, John, predeceased her in 1989.
MRS BESSIE WATCHORN
Mrs. Bessie Watchorn, Rathoe, whose death took place at The Sacred Heart Hospital, Carlow on Sunday, 19 February was, at 98 years, the oldest resident of the parish of Ballon and Rathoe. Bessie, celebrated her 98 birthday on Saturday, 28 January. She was formerly Bessie Kenny of Kellistown and was the youngest of three sisters and five brothers. As a young girl she worked as a domestic in Dublin and later worked with Erin Foods in Carlow for a time. She was also housekeeper for the Morrissey Family, Bennekerry for a number of years.
Bessie was undoubtedly one of the parish’s best loved characters and enjoyed good health until recent years. She was a light heated and fun-loving person that loved to get out and about and the celebration of her birthday was one of the big events of the year. Despite her outward carefree attitude Bessie was a kind lady, a good parishioner and friend and a neighbour with a heart of gold.
Her remains reposed at Carpenter’s Funeral Home, Carlow before being removed to St. Patrick’s Church, Rathoe on the evening following her death where they were received by Very Rev Brendan Howard PP and Mons. Brendan Byrne, Tullow. Burial took place in the adjoining cemetery on Tuesday, 21 February following Requiem Mass concelebrated by Rev Edward Whelan PE and Rev Brendan Howard PP.
Bessie is mourned by her son, Pat and by her nephews and nieces and by the many friends she made during her lifetime. He husband, Jack, predeceased her in 1990.
MRS. KITTY NOLAN
Mrs. Kitty Nolan, Grangeford, whose death took place at her home on Tuesday, 3 January was in her 93rd year. Kitty was born in Ardristan on 26, March 1919, the eldest in a family of five, surviving her four younger brothers. On leaving school she trained as a nurse in St. Dympna’s Hospital in Carlow and worked there for twelve years. She married Jack Nolan, Grangeford in 1951and three years later was appointed Post Mistress in Grangeford, a position she held until the facility was closed in 2001.
In her younger days she was a prominent camogie player and played with Rathrush, Carlow, and Ballyhackett, winning a county championship with the latter club in 1948. Later in life Kitty was involved in parochial activities and was associated with the Ballon/Rathoe Credit Union, Senior Citizens committee, Muintir na Tire and Parish Council.
Mrs Nolan’s remains reposed at her home before being removed to St. Patrick’s Church, Rathoe on Wednesday 4, January where they were received by Rev. Edward Whelan PE and Rev. Brendan Howard PP and Mons. Brendan Byrne. Burial took place after Requiem Mass on the following morning.
She is survived by her son Pat (Grangeford); daughter, Brigid Dwyer (Castlegrace); son-in-law, Pat; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Jack, in 1982