Details from Michael Dawson with thanks:
JACK SHANAHAN RIP
The death took place at his home, Ballymogue, Rathoe, on Saturday 16 December of John (Jack) Shanahan. Aged 80, Jack farmed all his life as well as working as a steel erector in turn with Keenans of Bagenalstown and Mitchell Engineering, also Bagenalstown.
GAA was his main sporting interest and he won a JFC medal with the Fighting Cocks in 1966 and he continued to follow the club’s fortunes to the end. He was elected joint president of the club at the 2017 annual meeting. He also loved playing cards and attended a weekly game in Ballon.
His remains reposed at his home before being removed to St. Patrick’s Church, Rathoe for Requiem Mass on Monday 18 December and burial took place in the adjoining cemetery immediately afterwards.
Jack is mourned by his sons Brian (Garryhill); Noel (Ballymogue); David (Ballymogue); daughters Pauline Murray (Ballaghmore. Myshall) and Caroline O’Shea (Brownshill, Carlow); sons-in-law; daughters-in-law; grandchildren, John, Paddy, Lisa, Gillian, Marie and Charlie; brother Michael (Ballymogue); sisters Mary Curley (Dublin) and Francis Nolan (Castlecomer); brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. He was pre-deceased by his wife Gretta in 2000.
TIMMY MAHER RIP
The death took place following a short illness at Cork University Hospital on Tuesday 12 December of Timmy Maher. Killane, Ballon. Aged 66, he was the eldest son of the late Jim and Mary Maher. Timmy worked for Carlow Council for 45 years and only retied last year. He was a keen gardener and spent most of his spare time tending his vegetables, flowers and shrubs.
His remains reposed at his home before being removed to the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Ballon on Friday 15 December for Requiem Mass and burial took place in the local cemetery afterwards. Timmy is survived by his sister Nuala O’Dwyer (Waterford); brothers Johnny (Ballykealey), Seamus (Ballykealey), Anthony (Carlow), Tommy (Killane), Patsy (Killane) and Gerry (Killane); aunt, Nuala Coe (England); brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces.
BILLY KEPPLE RIP
The death took place at Borris Nursing Home on Thursday 7 December of Mr Billy Kepple, Rathrush, Rathoe. He was aged 83 years. Billy farmed all his life until retiring some 15 years ago. He was deeply interested in history and was a member of the Carlow Historical Society. His other interests included religion, steam rallies and reading. His remains were interred in Aghade Churchyard on Monday 11 December following funeral service.
Billy is survived by his wife, Breda; sons Andrew (Carlow) and David (Rathrush);daughters-in-law, four grandchildren; sister Mrs Margaret Bayley, (Arclare, Myshall); brothers Arthur (Timolin) and Desmond (Rathrush); brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces.
MS JO O’TOOLE
The people of Rathoe were sad to hear of the passing of a very popular member of their community – Jo O’Toole, Ballynunnery, Rathoe at Signature Care Nursing Home, Killerig, Carlow on Saturday 25 November. She had celebrated her 60th. birthday with family and friends earlier in March of this year. Jo was educated at Rathoe National School and Brigidine Convent, Tullow.
Jo had many and varied interests including nature, music, arts and crafts and especially Scrabble. She also loved a cup of tea and visited her neighbours and friends to share a cuppa and a chat!
She had a passion for gardening and her garden was always full of different colour – shrubs, trees and flowers which displayed colour all year round. She liked to pass on her knowledge of plants and she knew all the Latin names for her plants. Jo loved nothing better than reading a good book with Lyric FM playing classical music in the background.
She loved her nieces and nephews and when they were younger, she brought them on memorable daytrips on the train or bus. Jo contributed to charities quietly and in her earlier years she took part in fund raising walks abroad.
Her remains reposed at Kearney’s Funeral Home, Fenagh before being removed to St. Patrick’s Church, Rathoe on Sunday 26 November. A beautiful Requiem Mass celebrating Jo’s life was concelebrated by Rev Jim O’Connell and Rev Dermot Farrell, her cousin, with Andrea Delaney providing the music that she so loved so much. Her burial took place in the adjoining cemetery.
Beloved daughter of the late Ger and Teasie and sister of the late Michael, Jo is survived by her sisters Marie and Geraldine, brothers John and Peter, brothers-in-law John and Joe, sisters-in-law Marian and Mary, aunts, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.
LATE PADDY JOYCE
LATE PADDY JOYCE
Paddy Joyce, Graiguealug, Fighting Cocks died peacefully, aged 96, at University Hospital, Waterford on the 17 November. Paddy was a devoted husband to Peg (nee O’Neill) and a loving father to Ray and Fidelma. Family meant everything to Paddy and he saved his special smile for his grandchildren.
Paddy witnessed a great many changes throughout his long life and he embraced them and moved with the times, always seeing the positive side. He worked hard, had a great love of the land and was a farmer like his own father for much of his life. He gave up farming in the 1970s to work as a driver with Corcoran’s Mineral Company in Carlow. It was a big change for him, but he took it in his stride; enjoyed the craic with his colleagues, and travelling to small villages and towns as part of his job. He loved music and dancing and as a young man his accordion playing was sought after at house dances near and far as well as at home with family and friends.
Paddy was passionate about GAA, in particular The Fighting Cocks Club. He was delighted to be its Honorary President and was very proud of its many achievements. Politics was also a great interest of his. He was the Honorary President of the Ballytarsna Fianna Fáil Cumann and always looked forward to canvassing and the build-up to elections.
Paddy enjoyed the company of people whether that was a good chat with his friends over a cup of tea or the banter over a pint at The Fighting Cocks. He looked forward to the daily exchange of news with his good friend Breeda McDonald. Paddy Joyce was a gentleman, dearly loved by his family and his many friends. He will be sorely missed.
His remains reposed at home before being removed to St Patrick’s Church, Rathoe on the 21 November 2017 for Requiem Mass celebrated by Fr Jim O’Connell, ADM, Ballon/Rathoe. Following a mass full of warmth that celebrated his long life, he was laid to rest beside his wife Peg.
Paddy is survived by his daughter Fidelma, son Ray (Brisbane, Australia), daughter-in-law Tiffany, grandchildren Liam, Fintan, Theo and Cormac, nephew Harry and his wife Eileen and family, his extended family and many wonderful friends and neighbours. Paddy was also pre-deceased by his sister Marie and her husband Peter Roberts.
MS MARY LARKIN RIP
The death took place at Sonas Glendale Nursing Home, Tullow on Friday 20 October of Mary Larkin, Ballynunnery, Rathoe. She had celebrated her 86th birthday three days previously.
Mary was a lovely lady who had a great passion for sport and even got a mention by Brendan Hennessy on KCLR on Sunday 22 October. While she loved all sports, she was passionate about The Fighting Cocks. Her late son, Pat wore the number 4 jersey which Mary was given after his tragic death on a motor cycle accident in 1983. When the ‘Cocks won the Carlow IFC in 2012 captain, Matty Dowling, brought the cup to Glendale for Mary to hold. She also loved local news and newspapers and read the Nationalist every week.
Her remains reposed at McGuill’s Funeral Home, Bennekerry before being removed to St Patrick’s Church, Rathoe on Sunday and burial took place after Requiem Mass on Tuesday 24 October in the adjoining cemetery.
Mary is mourned by her sister-in-law Bridget, niece Patricia, nephews Pat, Michael and Tim extended family relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her son Pat (aged 23 years) and by her brothers Michael and Patrick.
MRS ANNE BROPHY
Rathoe lost one of its most popular and respected members of the community with the passing of Mrs Anne Brophy, Kellistown at St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny on Sunday 22 October. She was daughter of the late Jim and Grace Hughes, her father serving Carlow as a Fine Gael TD from 1938 until his untimely death in 1948. Anne received her education at Rathoe National School and St Leo’s Convent in Carlow.
She married Brendan Brophy in 1952 and the couple had six children- a girl and five boys. While Brendan went on to be a successful business man and politician Anne remained in the background looking after the home and rearing their family. She was a very religious woman and was known for her generosity and charity to those well less off.
Her remains reposed at Byrne’s Funeral Home in Tullow before being removed to St Patrick’s Church, Rathoe on Tuesday 24 October for Requiem Mass concelebrated by Fr Jim O’ Connell, ADM, Ballon/Rathoe; Fr Thomas O’Byrne PP, Myshall; Fr Tom Little PP, Bennekerry; Fr Eddie Aughney PP, (St Mullins) and Fr. John McEvoy PP, (Rathvilly). Burial took place in the adjoining cemetery immediately afterwards.
The late Mrs Brophy is survived by her daughter Grainne Murphy (New Inn); sons Jim (Kellistown), Gregory (Castlemore) and Fergal (Dublin); sister Marjorie Dempsey (Carlow); daughters-in-law Kay, Brede, Ena, Muriel and Paula; son-in-law, John, grandchildren, nephew, nieces, other relatives and a large circle of friends. She was predeceased by her husband Brendan in 1999 and sons Pat in 2004 and Brendan (Benz) in 2008.
MRS PAULINE BYRNE
The death took place at St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny on Wednesday 18 October of Mrs Pauline Byrne, Kilcoole, Rathoe. Aged 73 years, she was formerly Pauline Nolan from Knockbower, Nurney and worked as a child minder in Dublin in her early years. She married Ned Byrne in 1965 and the couple had ten children, six girls and four boys. Rearing a large family, it was hardly surprising that Pauline was a good homemaker and that she could turn her hand to cooking and knitting with equal success. Sport was her hobby and she was a great supporter of The Fighting Cocks, Tinryland and the Carlow County GAA teams. She was a regular visitor to Tullow Day Care Centre and enjoyed the weekly game of bingo there. Apart from that she loved to browse through various magazines and watch TV, particular sporting programmes.
Her remains reposed at her home before being removed to St Patrick’s Church, Rathoe on Friday 20 October and burial took place in the adjoining cemetery on the following morning after Requiem Mass concelebrated by Rev Jim O’Connell, ADM Ballon/Rathoe, Fr John McEvoy PP, Rathvilly and Fr Eddie Aughney PP, St Mullins and a Rathoe native.
Pauline is mourned by her daughters, Catherine Murphy (St Mullins); Lylah Byrne (Dublin); Paula Deering (Rathvilly); Sheila Gibbons (Rathvilly); Miriam Larkin (Navan); Orla Braid (Melbourne); sons, Patrick, James and Niall (all Kilcoole); brothers Dick (Fenagh); Tom and John (both Graiguenaspidogue), sisters Kathleen McEvoy (Ballylinan), Colette Burke (Wexford) and Theresa Burke (London), sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, her adored grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbours, relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Ned in 2012 and infant son, Edward in 1967.
MRS TERESA GRANT
Mrs Teresa (Teesie) Grant, Ballymogue, whose death took place at St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny on Monday 4 September was formerly Teesie Whelan from Boggan. She was aged 85 years.
After leaving school Teresa went to work in Corrigan’s Shop in Ballon before serving her time at Ward’s drapery in Tullow.
She married Paddy Grant from Bannow/Ballymitty, County Wexford in 1953 and the couple had five children one son and four daughters. One of her interests was knitting, particularly Arran jumpers, and she did so commercially for several years.
She loved gardening and always had a garden full of glorious colour. An avid reader she read everything from the classics to the latest publications to the newspapers and was also a fan of music, particularly country and western, and was a regular lister CKR’s Johnny Barry. A keen sports fan she supported Manchester United and was also fond of horse-racing with Ruby Walsh being a great favourite.
However, her great interest was old time ballroom dancing and along with her husband, Paddy, had many years of success at competitions all over Leinster. The couple also judged at competitions. They organised competition in Ballykealey House Hotel in aid of Ballon/Rathoe Athletic Club and donated their trophies as prizes.
Her remains reposed at her home before being removed to the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Ballon on Thursday 7 September and burial took place in the local cemetery following Requiem Mass concelebrated by Rev Jim O’Connell, Adm and Rev Brendan Howard PE.
Teesie is survived by her husband Paddy, son Seamus (Celbridge); daughters Gretta (Ballymogue); Teresa (London); Catherine (Kearnstown); Geradine (Closh); sister Kathleen (Tallagh); daughter-in-law Madeline; sons-in-law Kevin, John, Paul, John, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her sister, Maura Kelly in 2005.
DEATH OF TOMMY QUIRKE
The death took place peacefully at his home, Ballymogue, Kilbride on Wednesday 23 August of Mr Tommy Quirke. Age 69, Tommy dedicated his life to his family and farming. Hs remains reposed at his home before being removed to the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Ballon on Friday 25 August for Requiem Mass and burial took place in the local cemetery immediately afterwards.
Tommy is survived by his wife, Betty; son Nicholas (Ballymogue); daughters Lisa Byrne (Paulstown) and Breda Quirke (Ballymogue); grandson Thomas; sister Marie (Cork); brothers Seamus (Ballintrane), Nicholas (Enniscorthy) and PJ (Galway); son-in-law John; daughter-in-law Katie, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces and other relatives. He was predeceased by his brother, George.
JOE CONNORS RIP
The death took place at St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny on Sunday 23 July of Joe Connors, Rathoe and formerly of Kellistown. He was aged 80.
Joe farmed all his life at Kellistown but after becoming visually impaired in 1994 moved to Rathoe where he was cared for by his brother Jack and sister-in-law Anne. For the last nine years that role has been assumed by his nephew Paul and his wife Miriam.
Joe dealt with his disability very well and was a regular visitor to the Day Care Centre in Tullow, the Irish Wheelchair Association and the Council for the Blind. He took his annual holidays in the care of Tullow Day Care Centre and/or the Council for the Blind and was, for years, a weekly visitor to his friends Pat Fleming (RIP) and Alice Molloy.
His remains reposed at his nephew Paul’s home in Rathoe before being removed to St Patrick’s Church, Rathoe on Monday 24 July for Requiem Mass followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery immediately afterwards.
Joe is survived by his sister Tess O’Rourke (Carlow), sister-in-law Anne, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his wife Bridie 1994 and by his brother Jack in 1997.
PAT MURPHY RIP
The death took place on Sunday 2 July of Patrick Murphy, 6 Quarry Street, Shillelagh and formally of Sandbrook, Ballon. He was aged 83. His remains reposed at Byrne’s Funeral Home Crablane before being removed to St Peter and Paul’s Church, Ballon on the following evening. Burial took place in Ballon cemetery on Tuesday 4 July after Requiem Mass. Pat is mourned by his son Raymond, daughter- in-law Trish, brother Tim and other relatives.
LATE MICK NOLAN
The death took place at St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny on Wednesday 21 June of Michael (Mick) Nolan, Kilcoole, Rathoe. Aged 84, Mick had a great love for the outdoors and worked on the land for close on 60 years with the Lawlor Family, Graiguenaspidogue. He was also a keen gardener and took great care in maintaining the various machines he used in his work. He also had a great fondness for animals and kept sheep and cattle. A GAA enthusiast he played for both Rathoe and Fighting Cocks.
He married Mary Boland from Glynn, St Mullins in 1968 and the couple had five children -three sons and two daughters to which he dedicated his whole life. Mick was a bit of a character and good neighbour and loved his family and friends to drop in for a chat and cuppa.
His remains reposed at Kearney’s Funeral Home, Fenagh before being removed to St Patrick’s Church, Rathoe the following evening. Burial took place in the adjoining cemetery after Requiem Mass on Friday 23 June. Mick is survived by his sons Jimmy (Kilcoole), Johnny (Powerstown), and Michael (Tinryland); daughter Teresa Brooks (Fenagh); daughters-in-law Aisling and Barbara; grandchildren, great-grandchild, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, nephews, nieces and other relatives. He was predeceased by his wife Mary in 2008; infant daughter Kathleen and son-in-law, Ger
JIM CLEARY RIP
 The death took place, following a short illness, on Thursday 8 June of Jim Cleary (78), Aghade, Kilbride. Son of the late Walter and Kathleen Cleary, he was educated at Ardattin National School, Patrician Brothers Secondary School, Tullow and Warrenstown Agricultural College, County Meath. Jim farmed extensively and in his younger days was actively involved in Macra na Feirme and regularly took part in their public speaking competitions. He was also involved with Tullow Show Society. Sporting wise he played badminton with the local clubs and was a keen follower of the GAA.Jim’s remains reposed at his home before being removed to The Church of The Immaculate Conception, Ardattin on Saturday 10 June and burial took place in Ballon cemetery on the following morning after Requiem Mass. Jim is survived by his sister, Maureen Owens (Sherwood Park), brother-in-law, Paddy, nephews, nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces. |
LATE TOMMY NOLAN
One of the village’s oldest and most popular residents, Tommy Nolan, Ballon died peacefully at his home on Tuesday 14 February. He was aged 88.
Tommy Nolan lived all his life in Ballon. He grew up in Connaberry and after leaving school he started working with his father on their farm. A few years later he went to work on his father’s other farm in Knockballystine where he stayed from Monday to Saturday, cycling home on Saturday evening to spend Sunday with his family.
He was still involved in farming after he married his wife, Lizzie Ann Tobin, in 1955, and he built his house and shop in Ballon village with the help of his brother Paddy. He helped out in the shop at night after his day’s work on the farm and when he retired from farming he worked full time in the shop with Lizzie Ann until it closed in 2007 – an event which closed the door on a shop full of memories.
Tommy was known for his gentleness, and kindness and was a good and caring neighbour always ready to help others and never looked for anything in return.
He was actively involved in the community, and was on the Hall Committee in the 1970’s when the original Community Centre in Ballon was being built. He gave many hours of his time and gave the use of his tractor, cement mixer and any other equipment required to help with the construction of the Community Hall. He was always ready to lend a hand when called on for parish events. He was a hard-working man and led a good life, and apart from the latter years when his health declined, he had a full and successful life. Tommy’s remains reposed at Kearney’s Funeral Home in Fenagh before being removed to the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Ballon on Friday 17 February for Requiem Mass and burial took place in Ballon Cemetery immediately afterwards.
Tommy is mourned by his sons Ger and Eamon (both Ballon); daughter Jane Flynn (Kilkenny), sister Mrs Nuala Fitzsimons(Laragh); brothers Paddy (Connaberry) and Gerry (Carlow), and by his grandchildren, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and friends. He was predeceased by his wife Lizzy-Anne in 2013 and daughter Eileen in 2016.
LATE NOEL DOYLE
Noel Doyle 6, St Martin’s Terrace, Tinryland, whose death took place at St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny on Monday 30 January was one of ten children of the late Patrick and Sarah Doyle, Ballintrane, Rathoe. Aged 69, Noel served in the Irish Navy for a number of years before taking up a maintenance job at St Dympna’s Hospital, Carlow. In more recent times he worked as a casual labourer. He was big into gardening and also had a great love of reading. His remains reposed at Kearney’s Funeral Home in Fenagh before being removed to St Patrick’s Church Rathoe on Thursday 2 February for Requiem Mass followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. Noel is mourned by his family, friends and neighbours. He was predeceased by his son, Patrick and brother, John.
JIMMY ROGERS RIP
The death took place at St Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin on Saturday 28 January of Jimmy Rogers, 2, St Oliver’s Drive, Rathoe. Aged 71 years, Jimmy worked as a driver for over 52 years, latterly as a lorry driver but he is best remembered for his time as a school-bus driver. He loved sport, not as a participant but as a television viewer and the only sport he participated in actively was meggers with the Fighting Cocks Club some years ago. His remains reposed at his home before being removed to St Patrick’s Church, Rathoe on Wednesday 1 February where interment took place in the adjoining cemetery following Requiem Mass. Jimmy is survived by his wife, Kay; sons Tom (Ballon), Dan (Bagenalsown); daughters Pauline (Rathoe), Anna (Ballon), Catherine (Rathoe), Patricia (Bagenalstown) and Mary (Carlow); sisters Marie Bermingham (Kernanstown) and Lily Dermody (Bagenalstown) sisters Marie Bermingham (Kernanstown) and Lily Dermody (Bagenalstown) and by his grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, Jimmy, in 2006.
MRS ANNIE MALONE
Mrs Annie Malone, Kilbride whose death took place at Glendale Nursing Home, Tullow on Sunday 15 January was formerly Annie Pender from Killane, Ballon. In her 98th year Annie was the last surviving member of a family of four, two sisters and a brother. On leaving school Annie moved to Dublin where she worked as a cook for over four years, cycling there from Ballon on Sundays and returning on Friday evenings. She then returned to her naïve Ballon, working first at Altimont House and later Ballykealey House, and each evening would return home to assist with the farm-work at Killane. She married Tom Malone from Knockdoorish in 1946 and moved to Kilbride. The couple had four children, two boys and two girls.
Annie was drawn to politics and joined the Kilbride Fianna Fail Cumann and acted as secretary for a long number of years. During that time she canvassed on behalf of candidates during local, national and European elections and met three Taoisigh, Charlie Haughey, Albert Reynolds and Bertie Ahearne.
She had a deep passion for gardening and was frequently seen in garden centres searching for new or unusual plants. She was also a renowned cook and was a member of Myshall ICA and represented the guild at the All-Ireland bread making competition. She was also involved in Kildavin/Clonegal Senior Citizens and, of course, Kilbride GFC – a club her husband helped found in 1927.
Her remains reposed at her sons Tom’s residence at Closh, Ballon, before being removed to St. Lazerian’s Church, Kildavin followed by interment on Tuesday 17 January.
The late Mrs Malone is survived by her sons Tom (Closh), Eddie (Kilbride) daughters Chris Cusack (Dublin); Maureen O’Neill (Dunshaughlin); sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and other relatives. She was predeceased by her husband Tom in 1976 and grandson, Barry in 1997.