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DAN JORDAN RIP
Dan Jordan, Ballaghmore, Ballon passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday 30 November following a lengthy illness that was bravely borne. The news of the death of the 71-year-old well-known and popular farmer and sportsman cast a dark shadow over the community.
Son of the late Dan and Hannah Jordan, Killane, Ballon, Dan ran the family farm along with his brothers from the time he left Ballon NS right up to the time he became ill. Dan loved the land and his animals in equal measures and in times gone by was a regular on the road drawing beet to the Sugar Factory in Carlow.
Dan was one of the most talented sportsman that Ballon ever produced. He excelled at Gaelic football, winning three Carlow intermediate championship medals, two with Kilbride (1968 and 1974) and one with Ballon, the club he helped co-found, in 1981. He also won a junior championship with Ballon in 1979 and several league medals with both clubs. He was a tenacious and brave player who regularly lined out in the number 7 jersey but was never found wanting of advancing to the forward line when the opportunity presented itself. He played for the Carlow county team for five or six seasons during the 1970s.
Dan also excelled in athletics. He was on the Ballon team that won the novice cross-country championship in 1968 and the senior championship the following year. He represented County Carlow in the Leinster championships on several occasions. His athletic excellence also extended to track and field and he competed with some success at meets all over South Leinster in distances from 400 to 3000 metres.
Dan married Mary Nolan from Rathrush in 1981 and the couple moved to their new home just over the Ballon parish border but he remained a Ballon man through and through and continued to serve on the committee of Ballon GFC. In fact, he was one of the club’s longest serving members, right from its inception in 1976 to the time of his death. Dan and Mary have two grown-up sons, Donal and David.
Dan’s remains reposed at his home before being removed to The Church of the Holy Cross, Myshall on Tuesday 3 December where they were received by Rev. Thomas O’Byrne PP and Rev Jim O’Connell, Adm, Ballon/Rathoe. Burial took place in Lismaconly cemetery following Requiem Mass. Both Ballon and Kilbride Gaelic Football Clubs provided a Guard of Honour.
Dan will be sadly missed by his wife, Mary; sons Donal (Oxford) and David (Ballaghmore); brother Tom (Sheen); sisters Margaret Lalor (Ballykealey) and Mary Hogan (Roscrea); Donal’s partner Nathan and by his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives, close friends and neighbours. He was predeceased by his brother, Peter in 2000.
COLMAN DOWLING RIP
Colman Dowling, North King Street, Dublin and formerly Kellistown died on Thursday November 21 (peacefully) in the loving care of the doctors and nurses at Our Lady’s Hospice, Harold’s Cross, Dublin. Aged 53, he was a self-employed entrepreneur. His funeral took place on Monday 25 November in St. Patrick’s Church, Rathoe, followed by cremation. Colman is mourned by his wife Nathalie, children Emile, Alice and Ambroise; parents Maurice and Anne Dowling, Kellistown, brothers Muiris, Brendan, Patrick (twin), Trevor and Ken, sisters Stephanie and Jill, mother-in-law Nicole, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives and friends.
MATT CANAVAN RIP
Matt Canavan, Kilconnor, Fenagh, died peacefully at his home on Sunday 10 November. He was aged 81 years. Matt worked all his life as a physiocratic nurse, tutor and examiner in St Fintan’s Hospital, Portlaoise, a position from which he retired 33 years ago. Matt’s interests included quizzes, both the old individual type and in later years, table-quizzes. He competed with considerable success with teams from both Ballon and Nurney. He also compiled questions and acted as quizmaster on many occasions and at many venues over the years. He played badminton with clubs from Ballon, Fenagh and Kilbride at various stages and collected a number of county championship medals along the way. Another of his great interests was playing cards and he would travel to halls or public houses in the general locality for his weekly game. His remains reposed at Kearney’s Funeral Home, Fenagh before being removed to the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Ballon on Tuesday 12 November for Requiem Mass which was celebrated by Rev Jim O’Connell, Adm. Ballon/Rathoe and Rev Declan Foley PP, Bagenalstown. Burial took place in Ballon cemetery afterwards. Predeceased by his wife Jane in 2011, Matt will be sadly missed by his cousins, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, relatives, friends and neighbours.
JACK CRANNY RIP
John (Jack) Cranny, Boggan, Kilbride passed away peacefully, after a short illness, on Saturday 7 September in St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny, at the age of 82. Born in Ullard, Myshall in March 1937, Jack was the son of James and Dora Cranny (nee Curry). He attended school in Myshall before starting his working life with Colliers of Boggan, Kilbride at the age of 15 and he continued to work for the Salter family of Raheenkillane up to the age of 70, when he retired. Farming was a lifelong interest and he kept a few stock of his own, such as milking cows, pigs and hens.
One of Jack’s great interests in life was sport but especially the GAA. He started playing football with Kilbride but when they didn’t field a team in 1956 and ‘57, he and his brother Jim played for near neighbours Kildavin, winning a junior championship with them in 1957 – their first title since 1919.
Having returned to play with Kilbride, Jack won a junior championship and league double in 1964 along with his two brothers, Jim and Mick. He went on to win an intermediate championship in 1968, scoring a vital goal in the second half. Jack also went on to win intermediate leagues with Kilbride in 1971 and ‘72. When he finished playing Jack continued to be involved with the Kilbride club by mentoring younger players, acting as selector, was a member of many committees and was Honorary President of the Club in recent years. He was also involved in the management of the Slaney Rangers team that reached the SFC final in 1993.
Jack married Eileen Townsend of Carrigslaney and they raised their family of nine children in Boggan. With Eileen’s love of dancing and their love of Irish music in particular, they were seen at many dances the length and breadth of the county and beyond. Jack also had a great interest in politics and current affairs.
Following his passing Jack reposed at his home in Boggan. Father Jim O’ Connell Adm, Ballon/Rathoe assisted by Father Tom O’ Byrne PP, Myshall officiated at his Funeral Mass in St. Peter and Paul’s Church, Ballon, and burial took place in Kildavin cemetery afterwards.
Jack is survived by his wife Eileen, his sons Jim, Tom, John Joe, Aidan, Darren, Jason, and Niall, his daughters Ann and Madeleine, daughters-in-law, Ann Marie, Yvonne, Helen and Sandra, son-in-law Dave, and his grandchildren Jack, Helena, Dylan, Ryan and Holly, and his brother Mick, sister-in-law Alice and his many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents James and Dora, his sisters Mary, Biddy and Sal and his brother Jim.
DERMOT KEALY RIP
The death took place at Waterford Regional Hospital on Monday 26 August of Dermot Kealy, 7, St Oliver’s Drive, Rathoe and formerly, Grangeford and Tullow Hill. He was aged 58 years. Originally from Tullow Hill, he was a well-know cattle dealer and later had a stall at various markets selling everything from detergents to animal foods. He liked to listen to music, particularly country and western, and followed the GAA locally. His remains reposed at Carpenters Funeral Home, Carlow before being removed to St Patrick’s Church, Rathoe on Wednesday 28 August and burial took place in St Patrick’s cemetery, Tullow following Requiem Mass on the following day. Fr. Jim O’Connell Adm officiated. Dermot is survived by his wife Patricia, son Declan and daughter, Denise, brother-in-law, sister-in-law and other relatives and friends.
MRS TERESA NOLAN
Mrs Teresa Nolan, “Spring Valley”, Laragh, Ballon passed away peacefully at St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny on Saturday 18 May, just eight weeks after the death of her husband, Patsy which took place on Wednesday 20 March. Formerly Teresa Baker and a native of Tinnock, Gorey, County Wexford, she was aged 85 years. She met her husband to be in 1951 in Gorey where he was working as a stonemason, got married the following year and went to work in Liverpool. They returned to Ballon in 1963 where Patsy started a stone cutting business with Teresa very involved. They had a family of five and were together for 67 years until Patsy’s death in March. She was fond of both singing and dancing and was involved with Ballon/Rathoe Tops of the Town during their successful years in the 1970/80s. The couple also enjoyed ballroom dancing and participated in competitions locally. Although Teresa lived in Ballon for more than 50 years she was a Wexford woman through and through and followed the fortunes of the model county’s hurlers and footballers with great interest.
Her remains reposed at Kearney’s Funeral Home in Fenagh before being removed to the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Ballon for Requiem Mass on Monday 20 May and burial took place immediately afterwards in Ballon cemetery. Teresa will be sadly missed by her sons Declan (Ballykealey), John (Laragh) and Dermot (Ballykealey); daughters Patricia Lawlor (London) and Anita Dowling (Ballon Hill); sons-in-law Andy and Seamus; daughters-in-law Pauline, Anita and Annmarie and by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
MRS STASIA O’NEILL
The death took place on Saturday 11 May of Anastasia (Stasia) O’Neill, Ballon. Formerly Stasia Smyth, Ballinadrum, she was aged 83 years. Stasia qualified as a nurse and worked in the Mater Hospital, before marrying Maurice O’Neill in 1958 and settling back in Ballon, where they farmed together and raised their family of 11 children. She undertook many ventures over the years including poultry farming and fruit farming. Her care of animals was exceptional, both domestic and farm creatures.
Stasia had a great interest in gardening throughout her life. She gathered and nurtured a collection of special plants which she sculped to create an extraordinary garden. One of her treasured plants was a unique snowdrop that she discovered amongst a bowl of mixed bulbs that she bought at Drummonds garden shop in Carlow in 1958. She realised this was something rare, different to the other known varieties of snowdrops. She was subsequently asked to name the snowdrop, and decided on “Drummond’s Giant”, in recognition of where she first found it. Her garden was a magnet for other gardeners, with whom she happily shared both her deep knowledge and her unusual plants.
Stasia’s remains reposed at Kearney’s Funeral Home in Fenagh before being removed to Saint’s Peter an Paul Church, Ballon on the evening following her death and burial took place in Ballon cemetery after Requiem Mass on Monday 13 May.
Stasia is sadly missed by her children, Anne, Tom, John, Mary, Catherine, Christine, Peter, Gerard, Eileen, Maurice and Jane; daughters-in-law; sons-in-law; grandchildren; brother Tony; sister-in-law, brother-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, kind neighbours and great friends.
MR JOHN GAFFNEY
The death took place suddenly at his home on Sunday 14 April of John Gaffney, Ballykeenan, Myshall. He was aged 76 and was formerly from Clonmelch, Tinryland. He was the only son of the late John and Ita (nee O’Toole) Gaffney and on the early death of his parents was cared for by the O’Toole family. He moved to Ballykeenan in 1974 where he helped out on the farm particularly with the animals.
John attended the BEAM Services in Bagenalstown on a weekly basis participating in gardening and loved his day trips. He was involved in Special Olympics and represented BEAM with success in bocce (soft ball bowling) in the Leinster championships. He also attended Tullow Day Care Services.
His remains reposed at his home before being removed to SS Peter and Paul’s Church, Ballon on Wednesday 17 April for Requiem Mass and burial took place in Ballon cemetery immediately afterwards. John is mourned by his cousin Mary Murphy, Ballykeenan and her husband, James and their family and by other cousins and friends.
MRS NELLIE DOYLE
Mrs Nellie Doyle, Mountain View, Kilbride, whose death took place at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny on Sunday 14 April was formerly Nelly Weafer and a native of Rossard, Bunclody. Aged 70, she was one of a family of 13. She worked in Dublin mainly as a nanny before marrying Martin Doyle in 1967. The couple, who lived in Kildavin before moving to Kilbride in 1992, had seven children, four daughters and three sons.
Nelly was full of life, full of energy and, living on ‘the ‘border’ divided her time and interests between Ballon and Kildavin. She was highly regarded in both parishes, was a kind friend and a good neighbour who was always there to help when needed. She served on the Parents Association of Ballon NS and was involved in organising the school reunion there in 1995. She was also involved with the weekly bingo in Ballon and with the Senior Citizens organisation in Kildavin. One of Nellie’s main interests was the GAA and Kilbride GFC in particular and had the distinction of been appointed the first lady secretary of the club.
Her remains reposed at her home before being removed to St Lazarian’s church, Kildavin on Wednesday 17 April for Requiem Mass and burial took place in Kildavin cemetery afterwards.
Nellie is survived by her husband Martin; daughters Kathleen Clifford (London), Annemarie Nolan (Ballykealey), Helen Plunkett (Carrigslaney) and Amanda Kavanagh (Clonegal); sons, Martin (Ballinvalley), Michael (Ballyhogue, Co Wexford), and Paddy (Kilbride) and by her brothers, sisters, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
MRS MARY CUMMINS
The communities of Ballon/Rathoe and Half-Way-House, Bunclody, County Wexford were plunged into shock and sorrow following the sudden death of Mary Cummins, Ballytarsna on Wednesday 20 March. Aged 52, she was formerly Mary Murphy from Mullawn and worked in Weston’s of Bunclody as a young girl. She married Joe Cummins, Kilnock, Ballon in 1993 and the couple had two children, Conor and Emma. Mary commenced work in Ballon Childcare Facility some ten years ago where she was popular with both the staff and children alike. She continued working there up to the time of her death. A quiet lady, but with a kind greeting and a smile for all, Mary had many interests in life such as gardening, craftwork, driving, attending GAA matches and photography. In fact, it was the simple things in life that gave her most pleasure.
Mary’s remains reposed at her home before being removed to St Patrick’s church, Rathoe on Saturday 23 March and burial took place in the adjoining cemetery following Requiem Mass celebrated by Rev Jim O’Connell Adm and attended by her cousin, Fr Chris O’Donnell as well as priests from neighbouring parishes and Rockwell College.
Mary is mourned by her husband Joe; son Conor; daughter Emma; sisters Nancy Fenlon (Monageer) and Stasia Fitzpatrick (Ballycarney); brothers, Paddy, Phil, Mick and John (Mullawn); father-in-law Joe Cummins (Kilnock) and by her brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, grand nephews and nieces and other relatives and kind friends and neighbours. She was predeceased by her parents Dan and Brigid Murphy(Mullawn): sister Kathy Fitzharris (Kilbride) and mother-in-law Babsie and brother-in-law, PJ Cummins (Kilnock).
MR PATSY NOLAN
The death took place on Wednesday 20 March at Waterford Regional Hospital of Patrick (Patsy) Nolan, ‘Springvalley’, Laragh, Ballon. Born in 1926 he was the third of seven children of Johnny and Julia Nolan, a well-known stone-cutting family in the village of Ballon. On leaving school he worked in the stone works with his father and brothers until his early 20s. He took up employment at Murphy Stonecutters in Gorey and while there met his wife Theresa (nee Baker). They emigrated to England in 1952 where he worked as a stonemason on the building of a new dock extension at Liverpool port. They returned home to Ballon in 1963 where he resumed his stonemasonry and they built a thriving business over the years. He gave employment in the area for almost 50 years and many of his employees had a long and happy association with him.
On retirement he lived an active life continuing his interests in the village and parish and celebrated his 90th birthday in November 2016 in good health.
Patsy was involved with the Tidy Towns committee in the early days of Ballon’s involvement in the competition, was president of Ballon Labour Party for a time and was instrumental in establishing the St Patrick’s Day parade more than 30 years ago.
His remains reposed at Kearney’s Funeral Home in Fenagh before being removed to the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Ballon for Requiem Mass on Saturday 23 March and burial took place immediately afterwards in Ballon cemetery. Patsy is survived by his wife Teresa; sons Declan (Ballykealey), John (Grange) and Dermot (Ballykealey); daughters Patricia Lawlor (London) and Anita Dowling (Ballon Hill); brother Jimmy (Ballon Hill): sister Kit (Limerick); sons-in-law Andy and Seamus; daughters-in-law Pauline, Anita and Annmarie and by his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends
MRS SAL FOLEY
There was widespread regret and sorrow throughout the parishes of Kildavin, Myshall and Ballon at the death of Mrs Sal Foley, Kilbride which took place in Riverdale Nursing Home, Ballon on Monday 18 March. Aged 79, she was formerly Sal Cranny from Ullard, Myshall.
She worked with St Patrick’s Missionary Society in Kiltegan and it was there that she met her future husband, Paddy Foley, whom she married in 1961. The couple had nine children so Sally became a typical mother providing a home for her husband and family. She was a good neighbour and friend with a smile and a welcome for all those that crossed her path. However, life was not always a bed of roses for Sal and Paddy as they suffered the loss of three of their children, two while in their teens and one in infancy.
Living across the road from Kilbride GAA club it was natural that Sal became a big fan and her interest grew as, first her sons and then her grandsons donned the green and red jersey. She was particularly proud as her grandson, Darragh Foley, developed into one of County Carlow’s top players. She also liked a little TV with Telebingo her favourite programme and country music with Daniel O’Donnell and Declan Nerney her favourite artists.
Her remains reposed at her home before being removed to St Lazarian’s Church, Kildavin on Thursday 21 March for Requiem Mass and burial took place in Kildavin cemetery immediately afterwards.
Sal is deeply mourned by her sons Liam (Nurney), Jim (Connaberry) and Noel (USA); daughters Doreen (Kilbride); Sarah (Carlow) and Olivia Staunton (Graiguenamanagh); brothers Jack (Boggan), Mick (Ullard); sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Paddy; daughter Mary and sons Patrick and Michael.
MS CATHERINE DALTON
The death took place on Sunday 10 March of Catherine (Kitty) Dalton, Mullaunmore, Ballon and late of Grangeford peacefully surrounded by her loving family and friends. Her remains reposed at her home before being removed on Wednesday to Mount Jerome Crematorium. Catherine is mourned by her parents Joe and Anne Dalton, Tullow, sister Jackie, brothers Dermot and Fergus, sister-in-law Anne, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and other relatives and friends
AUSTIN DONOHUE RIP
Austin Donohue, Castlefield, Kilcoole, Rathoe died peacefully at his home in the loving care of his wife, son and family on Tuesday 5 March. He was aged 64. Austin worked with the ESB all his life and only retired on 2018. A very popular man, he was immersed in the Fighting Cocks GAA Club and was president at the time of his passing. He played at full-back on the team that defeated Kilbride to win the junior football championship in 1990. There were many string to Austin’s bow and he was very involved with Ballon/Rathoe during their successful days in Tops of The Town and was also a member of Ballon Drama Group. He also participated in debating and public speaking competitions with Macra na Tuaithe and Macra na Feirme.
His remains reposed at his home before being removed to St Patrick’s Church, Rathoe for Requiem Mass on Thursday 7 March and burial took place in the adjoining cemetery immediately afterwards. Members of The Fighting Cocks Club and his former colleagues in the ESB provided a guard of honour.
Austin is mourned by his wife, Anna; son, David; mother, Mrs Nancy Donohue, Rathoe; brothers Tony (Paulstown); Paudie (Graiguenaspideogue); Dessie (Tullow) and Seamus (Kilnock); sisters, Anne Connolly (Bennekerry); Nuala Ryan (Palatine); Carmel McCarthy (Ballyloo); Deirdre Donohue (Ballon); Emily Maher (Ballintrane); Angela O’Sullivan (Kilnock); and Sinead Frayne (Tullow) and by his uncles, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces and by members of the Murray family.
MR SEAN McCOURT
The death took place at the Mater Hospital, Dublin on Thursday 31 January, following a long illness, of Sean McCourt, 39, Mullaunmore, Ballon. Aged 73, he was a native of Glaslough, County Monaghan.
Sean was interested in all sports and was an avid supporter of his native Monaghan football team and having worked in Bermingham in his youth remained a supporter of Bermingham City. The music of the Showbands, particularly those who specialised in country and Irish music was another of his great passions.
His remains reposed at his home before being removed to the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Ballon on Saturday 2 February for Requiem Mass. Burial tool place in Ballon cemetery immediately afterwards.
Sean is survived by his wife Mary (nee Kealy, Carrigslaney), his son, Fergal; brother, Eamon; sisters, Mary, Kathleen and Ann, brothers and sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.