Details from Michael Dawson with thanks:
Links that might help you with your Grief
Helping children to cope with grief
MRS SABINA REDDY
Mrs Sabina Reddy (nee Walsh), Kyleballyhue, Carlow passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday 13 December.
Her remains were reposed at her home before being removed to St Patrick’s Church, Rathoe on Thursday 15 December for Requiem Mass followed by interment in the adjoining cemetery.
Sabina will be sadly missed by her sons Patrick and Billy, daughters Mary and Sadhb, grandchildren Sadhb, Ben, George, Keana, Ella, Rae, Lexi and Chris, sons-in-law Kevin and John, daughters-in-law Vjola and Leah, relatives, neighbours and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Liam, sister Brigid and brother Michael.
PADDY GRANT RIP
Paddy Grant, Ballymogue, Ballon, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at Hillview Nursing Home on Monday, 12 December.
Paddy was involved in many organisations in the village, including the Credit Union and Athletic Club. One of his great interests was ballroom dancing and along with his late wife Teresa, had many years of success at competitions all over Leinster. The couple also judged at competitions.
His remains were reposed at his home before being removed to Saints Peter and Paul Church, Ballon, for Requiem Mass on Thursday, 15 December, followed by burial in Ballon cemetery.
Paddy is mourned by his son Seamus, daughters Gretta, Teresa, Catherine and Geradine, daughter-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother Mick, sisters Bridie and Catherine, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, kind neighbours and his many friends. He was predeceased by his wife, Teresa, in 2017
MRS MARY McCARTHY
Mrs Mary McCarthy, 38 Mullaunmore, Ballon, Co. Carlow and formerly of Macroom, Co. Cork and Wallington, Surrey, England, passed away peacefully, in the loving care of the Matron and staff of The Sacred Heart Hospital, Carlow, on Sunday, 4 December. Her remains reposed at Carpenter Bros. Funeral Home, Carlow on Thursday 8 December, before being removed for Funeral Mass on Friday in Saints Peter & Paul Church, Ballon, followed by a funeral to Dardistown Crematorium for Cremation Service.
Mary will be sadly missed by her husband Michael, daughter Fiona, sons Stephen and David, grandchildren Dominic, Jonathan, Leo and Cameron, brothers Sean, Gene and Pat, son-in-law Stephen, daughter-in-law Trish, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her grandson James and siblings Jerh and Judy.
MRS HARRIET BROPHY
The death occurred at the Sacred Heart Hospital, Carlow, surrounded by her loving family, on Wednesday, 26 October of Mrs Harriet Brophy, Kellistown, Carlow. Aged 86, she was formerly Harriett Whelan from Ballybrack, Hacketstown.
She moved to Kellistown following her marriage to Michael Brophy in 1969, and the couple had one son, Paul.
Most of Harriet’s life was devoted to caring for members of her immediate family, the Whelan’s in Hacketstown in the early days and from 1998 onwards, her husband Michael until he died in 2009.
Outside of her home, she devoted much of her time to fund-raising and helping out at St Patrick’s Cheshire Home in Tullow, where her sister Mary was a resident. She also helped out at the weekly whist drive in Rathoe for many years.
Her remains reposed at her family home in Kellistown, having been removed from the Sacred Heart Hospital via her native Hackeststown, pausing at the cemetery where her parents and some of her siblings are interred. Her burial took place in Rathoe cemetery on Sunday, 31 October, following Requiem Mass in St Patrick’s Church.
Harriet will be sadly missed by her son Paul, daughter-in-law Sinead, her beloved grandchildren Eoin, Aidan, Cathal and Éimear, brother Willie (Hacketstown), Jim (Rathdangan) and Oliver (Malahide), sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, neighbours and her many friends. She was predeceased by her husband Michael and by her parents James and Nora, brother Eddie, and sisters Bridie and Mary. Incidentally, the late Mrs Brophy was a first cousin to our much-loved late Parish Priest, Rev Edward Whelan.
PAT DOYLE RIP
Every once in a while, a person comes into a parish from another to live his life and raise his family and in doing so, he enriches the lives of those he meets and of the community as a whole. Pat Doyle was such a man, and we in Ballon were truly blessed that he settled amongst us. Clonmore’s loss was certainly Ballon’s gain.
Pat passed away at his home at Ballon Hill on Friday, 14 October, surrounded by his devoted wife and family after a long illness bravely borne. He was aged 66 years.
Pat, from Clonmore, married Frances Murphy from Ballinadrum in 1979, and the couple set up a home on Ballon Hill where they reared their four children.
Pat had joined the Defence Forces in 1975 and was stationed on The Curragh and, on completion of several courses, climbed to the rank of Sergeant. He did two tours of duty with UNIFL in Lebanon, the first in 1983 and the second in 2001 but his expertise in his particular field of work necessitated his returning there for brief periods on several occasions. He retired in 2006 but returned to work as a civilian on the Curragh up to the time of his death. His love of army life and his influence on the youth of the area inspired many young men to follow in his footsteps.
Pat was immersed in the GAA. Although he played his early football with his native Clonmore and won a Carlow SFL Div. 2 medal with them in 1977, he will forever be associated with the Ballon club as a player, an official and a trainer, the latter pertaining to the juvenile and ladies teams in particular.
As a player, Pat was, for several years, Ballon’s marksman-in-chief and was a corner forward on the teams that won the IFC in 1981 and the Div 2 league in 1986. He was team manager of the Ballon minor B team that won the county championship in 1993 and for close to 20 years trained various under-age teams in the village, while at the same time acting as either club chairman or secretary. He was club president at the time of his death. He was the recipient of the Carlow Setanta Award for his work with juveniles in 1990.
A posting on the club’s Facebook page reads: Today we say goodbye to a true great. Pat has put so much into our club over the years that it is fair to say he has reached legendary status. He has worked wonders through the years with our under-age teams and his influence on them has made us what we are today. Not only was Pat known for his association with the GAA but he was renowned for his quick wit and cheeky sense of humour. A lover of a sing-song or funny story if he wasn’t in the army he could have been an entertainer. He was an absolute character. We cannot thank him enough for the years that he gave us. He was a great club man and a great friend.
Pat is mourned by his wife Frances; daughters Stacy Eakin (Bangor, Co Down) and Susanne Martinez (Raheny, Dublin); sons Patrick (Switzerland) and James (Athy); sons-in-law Jonathan and David; daughters-in-law Barbara and Rachael, grandchildren Emily, Rhys, Oliver, Isabel, Vincent, Clarissa, Adam and Lauryn, brothers Seamus, John, Donie, Andy, Liam, sisters Maureen, Stasia and Martina. brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, kind neighbours, army colleagues and his many friends. He was predeceased by his parents James and Anastasia, sister Bridie, and brother Garry.
Pat’s remains reposed at Kearney’s Funeral Home, Fenagh, before being removed to Saints Peter and Paul Church, Ballon, on Sunday, 16 October, for Requiem Mass and burial took place immediately afterwards in Ballon cemetery. Members of the Irish Defence Forces carried his coffin both into the church and graveyard while UN Veterans flanked the hearse en route to the graveyard where the Last Post was sounded. Members of the Irish Air Corps and O.N.E. were also in attendance, while members of Ballon, Clonmore, Fighting Cocks, Kilbride and Ballon Ladies Gaelic Football club lined the streets as the cortege made its way to the cemetery.
MS BERNIE KENNEDY
Bernadette (Bernie) Kennedy, 8 Mount Clare Court, Graiguecullen and formerly Grangeford, passed away peacefully on her 88th birthday, surrounded by her loving family, on Friday, 7 October, in Beechwood Nursing Home, Leighlinbridge. She was one of six children born to the late Bernard and Elizabeth Kennedy (Grangeford) and was the penultimate surviving member of her family.
A kind and gentle lady, Bernie saw nothing but good in everyone and had a large circle of friends. She was the matriarch of the Kennedy family and was well-immersed in all her sibling’s families. For many years she was a volunteer with both the Poor Clares in Graiguecullen and the Capuchin Brothers in Carlow and was also involved in the St Clare’s Parish Community, where she was a Eucharistic Minister.
Amongst the workplaces were Kellistown Chickens in Pembroke, Carlow, Lanigan’s Solicitors, Carlow and Clery Solicitors, Carlow.
Her remains reposed at Carpenter Bros Funeral Home, Carlow, before being removed to St Patrick’s Church, Rathoe, on Monday, 10 October, for Requiem Mass concelebrated by Fr Tom O’Byrne and Fr Tom Lawler, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Bernie is mourned by her brother PJ and his wife Pauline (Sydney), and by nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews and her many cousins, extended family, relatives, her wide circle of friends and her former work colleagues in Clery Solicitors. She was predeceased by her siblings Ned (Grangeford), Meta Nolan (Wexford) Maisie Murphy (Myshall) and Nancy Dowling (Tomard).
MRS MARGARET MULCAHY
Mrs Margaret Mulcahy passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving husband and family at her daughter’s home at Ballykealey, Ballon, on Sunday, 4 September. Margaret and her husband David had moved from Newmarket County Cork to live with their daughter Elaine and son-in-law, Padraic Lalor, in 2019 and had become well-known by neighbours and the local community in her short time in Ballon.
Margaret a native of Abbeyfeale in County Limerick, helped to run her parent’s grocery shop in her early years before moving to Tralee in Co Kerry, where she worked in Hibernian Insurance. She later moved to Newmarket when she got married and spent 50 very happy years there.
Margaret will be sadly missed by her husband David, daughters Elaine and Maireád Langedijk (Carlow), sons-in-law Padraic and Martin, grandchildren David, Eamon Niamh and Ciara, brothers Pat and Conor, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces and by her kind neighbours and friends in both Newmarket and Ballon.
MRS KATHLEEN CONDRON
The death took place peacefully at Waterford Regional Hospital on Friday, 2 September, of Mrs Kathleen Condron, Rathrush, Rathoe. Formerly, Kathleen Donohoe was the only daughter of the late Billy and Annie Donohoe, Rathrush and was aged 75.
She married Pat Condron from Castledermot in 1973, and the couple settled in Rathrush, where they reared their two children, Caroline and Theo.
As a young girl, she worked in Braun before spending many years with Mary and John Allnatt at Sandbrook House and Mrs Anne O’Hara in Carlow.
She later became housekeeper to Fr Edward Whelan PP and held that position for 35 years until his death, at which time Kathleen retired. She also held the position of Sacristan in both Ballon and Rathoe churches and also the position of parish secretary. Apart from her work, the great love of her life were her three dogs and, of course, fashion.
Kathleen’s remains reposed at Kearney’s Funeral Home in Fenagh before being removed to the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, Ballon, on Saturday, 3 August, where a requiem mass was celebrated on the following day. She was interred in Suncroft cemetery, Co Kildare, afterwards.
Kathleen will be sadly missed by her husband, Pat, daughter Caroline Dillon (Suncroft), son Theo (Tullow), daughter-in-law Evelyn, son-in-law David, grandchildren Katie, Jamie, Paul and Alanna, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, relatives, kind neighbours and her many friends.
JOHN McHUGH RIP
JOHN McHUGH RIP
The death took place suddenly on Thursday, 21 July of Mr John McHugh, Kilnock, Ballon.
His remains reposed at R. Healy and Son’s Funeral Home, Pollerton Castle, Carlow, before being removed to the Church of SS Peter and Paul. Ballon for Requiem Mass on Monday, 25 July. Burial took place afterwards in Bennekerry cemetery.
John will be sadly missed by his wife Orlaith, sons Seán and David, mother Mary (Sharon Avenue, Carlow), sister Fiona, brothers Michael, Fergal and Aidan, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, relatives and friends and his many colleagues in the Insurance industry.
JOHNNY TRACEY RIP
The death took place peacefully surrounded by his loving family at the District Hospital, Carlow, on Tuesday, 19 July of Johnny Tracey, Ballintrane and formerly of Seskin, Drumphea. He was aged 78.
Johnny was a very popular and well-known member of the communities of his native Drumphea and his adopted Ballon/Rathoe. He was a good-humoured, easy going and jolly man who was held in regard by his neighbours and all who knew him.
Following the marriage to Teresa Cummins, Ballintrane, in 1971, the couple set up a home in Ballintrane where they raised their two daughters, Sharon and Martina.
John started his working life with The Irish Sugar Company in Carlow while part-time sheep farming in Seskin.
When he retired, he travelled extensively with Macken Travel visiting countries in Europe and with Candy Tours travelling the length and breadth of Ireland. He was a regular visitor to steam rallies, both in Ireland and England, in the company of the Glynn brothers.
In later years he travelled far and wide to nights of Song and Story, especially in County Wexford. He loved the newspapers and read them daily, while the Nationalist and Farmers Journal were a must each week. He kept even further up to date with current affairs on television.
His remains were reposed at Kearney’s Funeral Home, Fenagh, before being removed from his home to St Patrick’s church, Rathoe, on Friday, 21 July. His friends from Song and Story formed a Guard of Honour as the cortege arrived at Rathoe Church.
Burial took place in the adjoining cemetery following Requiem Mass celebrated by Fr Jim O’Connell Adm.
Johnny will be sadly missed by his wife Theresa, daughters Sharon Deacon (Ballykealey) and Martina Abbey (Kildangan, Co Kildare), sons-in-law Ken and Brendan, grandchildren Adam, Orla, Emer, Aine, Alyssa, Bryana, Devan and Lucas, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, relatives, kind neighbours and his many friends and in particular the O’Brien Family, Coolnasnaughta.
Ms SARAH STYNES RIP
Ms Sarah Stynes, Grangeford, Bennekerry, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, in the care of the doctors, nurses and staff at Glendale (Sonas) Nursing Home, Tullow, on Wednesday, 15 June. She was the daughter of the late Annie and Michael Stynes and sister of the late Ita, Peg and Tom.
Her remains were reposed at McGuill’s Funeral Home, Bennekerry, before being removed to St Patrick’s Church, Rathoe, on Friday, 17 June, for Requiem Mass, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Sarah will be sadly missed by her loving daughter Ann, son-in-law Danny, granddaughter Danielle, grandson Joe, great-grandchildren Noah and Layla, nephews, nieces, brother Joe, extended family, neighbours, friends and especially her friends at Glendale (Sonas) Nursing Home.
UNA BUGGY BAILEY RIP
The communities of Ballon and Tullow were united in grief following the news of the death of Mrs Una Buggy Bailey, which occurred peacefully and in the presence of her loving family at Carlow Hospice on Sunday, 5 June. Una, formerly from Ballon, was the eldest daughter of Liam and Margaret Buggy. She married Cormac Bailey from Ballymurphy, Tullow, in 2009. The 46-year-old also leaves behind two children, Sarah and Daragh.
Although she was taken from this world at a young age, Una managed to pack a lot of activities into her short life. Following her secondary schooling at St Leo’s College, Carlow, Una worked in various jobs, including Griffins Pharmacy, Tullow, Kerry Group and the family shop in Ballon before moving to the family business, Buggy Curtain in Ballon. She had a passion for jigsaws, loved movies, especially James Bond films and had a great fondness of animals.
She was involved in Community Games at rounders and in the variety group winning medals in the former discipline. She took up tug-o-war, where she had considerable success under the tuition of All Ireland winner Matin Gray.
Una’s remains reposed at her residence before being taken to The Church of The Most Holy Rosary, Tullow, on Tuesday 7 June for Requiem Mass after which she was laid to rest in Grange cemetery alongside her baby son, Frank who died in 2017 and where a large number of friends and neighbours gathered to offer comfort to her grieving and a heartbroken family.
Una was a shining light in the Buggy and Bailey families and will be sadly missed by her husband Cormac, children Sarah and Daragh, parents Liam and Margaret, brother Bill, sister Lorna, mother-in-law Una, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, neighbours, relatives and many friends.
SEAMUS CUMMINS RIP
Seamus Cummins, Chapel Street, Ballon. whose death took place unexpectedly at St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny on Friday 3 June was one the best-known and highly regarded men in the parish of Ballon and Rathoe and far and wide for his talents and many and various activities.
Originally from Ballintrane, and aged 85 years, he was one of eight children born to James and Rosie Cummins. He worked as a mechanic in Flynn’s Garage in Tullow for many years before setting up his own business in Ballon.
He then spent twenty years at Newark Printers in Ballon before retirement.
He married Jenny Nolan from Ballon in 1960 and the couple had six children.
Seamus had many strings to his bow. On the sporting side he played Gaelic football mostly with The Fighting Cocks, handball with Ballon and was chairman of the Carlow County Board for a time circa 1967, was very much to the fore in establishing Burrin Celtic Soccer club in the 1980s, was chairman of the club for 21 years and was the driving force behind the purchasing and development of their Valley Grounds. He also played recreational tennis with the Ballon club.
In the 1960 and ‘70s he was a prominent member of the Ballon Drama Group often playing leading roles opposite his wife, Jenny and was also prominent in the local Tops of the Town Group. He played with several showbands including The Rhythm Rebels and later was leader of the Krimson Showband which included his son Martin (RIP) and daughter, Rose. He served on the Ballon Hall Committee and was involved with the building of the original Community Centre. He was also a former Eucharistic minister and helped out in Ballon Church whenever he was called upon.
Seamus’ remains reposed at his home before being removed to the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Ballon on Tuesday 7 June and interment took place in Ballon cemetery after Requiem Mass on the following day. Burrin Celtic AFC and The Fighting Cocks GAA clubs provided a Guard of Honour at both the removal and funeral.
Seamus is mourned by his wife Jenny, daughters Rose (Chapel St), Ann (Carlow), sons Paul (Closh), Jimmy (Ballon) and Ger (Closh), son-in-law John, daughters-in-law Caroline, Gerardine, Jacquline and Antoinette, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers Joe (Ballintrane), Brother Ger (Rockwell College), sisters Mary (England), Jane (England), Patty (Maple Lawn), Theresa (Ballintrane), Rosaleen (Rathvilly), brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, kind neighbours and his many friends. He was predeceased by his son Martin in 1996
MR RICHARD (DICK) MAHER
Mr Dick Maher (87), Ballylean, Ballon, whose death took place at his daughters Joany’s home on Tuesday 10 May was known far and wide and was very popular with the large circle of friends who knew him. Dick was one of the great ‘ramblers’ in this parish visiting the home of his neighbours and friends for a game of cards while entertaining them with his wit and storytelling. He was, above all, a good and kind neighbour and friend always ready to lend a hand to those in need.
Dick took over the family farm from his parents, Jimmy and Maggie, on leaving school and farmed all his life, and while he worked hard he took time to socialise and in his youth attended dances all around the county and neighbouring counties. He married Betty Buckley from Millstreet, County Cork, then a teacher in Kilquiggan, Co Wicklow and later Rathoe, in 1965. The couple had five children, three sons and two daughters.
Dick loved the GAA and played his early football with both Myshall and Fenagh, there being no team in Ballon at the time. He later played on the old Ballon team of the 1960s and was a great supporter of the re-establishing of the current club in 1977. He was a regular match goer and also followed the County Carlow team regardless of their fortunes. He was also involved with parochial work and served on the Community Centre and Bingo committees for many years.
His remains reposed at his daughter and son-in-law, Joany and Frank Feeney’s home in Laragh before being removed to the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Ballon for Requiem Mass on Friday 13 May followed by burial in the local cemetery. Fr Jim O’Connell Adm officiated assisted by Rev Lester Scott. Ballon GFC formed a Guard of Honour as the cortege made its way from the church to the cemetery.
Dick is mourned by his daughters, Margie Killeen (USA) and Joanie Feeney (Laragh); sons, Jimmy (Galway), Dinny (Ballylean) and Richie (USA); sons-in-law Mick and Frank; daughters-in-law Liz, Denise and Kerry; grandchildren Sarah, Margie, Adam, Hailey, Joan, Cayden, Kevin, Brian, Michael and Emmett; sisters Tess (Hollybrook), Maria (Sligo) and Alice (Moneygall), brothers Seamus (Bray) and Simon (Bray, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, his many kind neighbours and friends. He was predeceased by his wife Betty in 2011 and by his sister Peggy Brady.
MRS MAUREEN OWENS RIP
The death occurred at Naas General Hospital on Thursday 7 April of Mrs Maureen Owens, Sherwood Park House, Kilbride. Formerly Maureen Cleary was the daughter of Walter and Kathleen Cleary from Aghade and was aged 80.
She married Paddy Owens from Baltinglass in 1968 and soon afterwards they moved to Perth in Australia where the first three of their six children were born. On returning to Ireland they bought and extensively renovated Sherwood Park House which Maureen and Paddy turned into an upmarket guest house. Maureen had a great love of art and antiques and over the years amassed a collection that enhanced the beautiful Sherwood Park House.
For over twenty years they were really successful with Sherwood being #1 on TripAdvisor for Carlow and got rave reviews including appearing on the front page of the NY Times Supplement, Homes and Interiors and the Farmers Journal. One suspects that Maureen’s legendary cookery skills also played a big part in the success of Sherwood. However, retirement eventually called and Maureen and Paddy enjoyed their autumnal years travelling and enjoying life a bit more.
Maureen’s remains were removed to SS Peter and Paul Church, Ballon on Saturday 9 April and burial took place in Ballon cemetery after Requiem Mass on the following day.
Maureen will be sadly missed by her husband Paddy, daughters Carmel, Barbara and Rosemary, sons Justin, James and Pat, grandchildren Aoife, Adam, Sara, Paddy, Carol, Josh, Juliette, Páidí, Eoghan, Sadhbh, great-grandchild Nancy, daughters-in-law Jackie and Cathy, son-in-law Toby, Carmel’s partner Barry and James’s partner Jill, her extended family, friends and kind neighbours. She was predeceased by her brother Jim and sister Carmel.
MICHAEL BYRNE RIP
Michael (Mick) Byrne, The Forge, Connaberry, Ballon passed away suddenly at his residence on Friday 8 April. Aged 76, he was the second son of the late Joe and May Byrne.
Michael was held in high esteem by all those that knew him, particular his neighbours on the Connaberry Lanes. He was a great follower of sport, especially the GAA and travelled to Croke Park regularly. The trip of his life was when he visited his brother Joe in Australia accompanied by his sister Eileen. He liked his TV and was a great lover of films especially the old black and white variety. Michael also liked to keep up with current affairs and was an avid reader of both the newspapers and novels and took a deep interest in American politics and politics in general. He liked to socialise and attend Tullow Day Care Centre on a weekly basis.
His remains reposed at Kearney’s Funeral Home in Fenagh before being removed to the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Ballon on Tuesday 12 April where they were received by Rev Jim O’Connell Adm. Burial took place in Ballon cemetery following Requiem Mass on the following day.
Michael is survived by his brother Joe (Australia), Seamus (Connaberry), sisters Eileen (Kerry), Breda (London), Clare (Mayo) and Marie (London) and by his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, cousins, relatives, kind neighbours and friends.
LATE JOAN CARROLL
There was genuine and deep regret throughout Rathoe and Ballon, and indeed much further afield, following the death of Miss Joan Carroll, Rathoe which took place at Aut Even Hospital, Kilkenny on Tuesday 22 March. Aged 73, she was the eldest child of the late Michael and Mary Carroll, Rathoe.
Joan was a pillar of the community and was involved in many organisations in the parish but in particular Ballon/Rathoe Credit Union, an organisation to which she devoted the best part of 40 years. She also gave time to the upkeep of St Patrick’s Church and helped with the flowers there. She was also involved with the annual silver circle and goose club and was instrumental in setting up the monthly after mass coffee morning in the local hall.
Joan worked with Byrne and Dawson’s in Tullow before moving on to Irish Sugar in Carlow where she spent the remainder of her working life.
Her remains were reposed at Kearney’s Funeral Home in Fenagh before being removed to St Patrick’s Church, Rathoe on Thursday evening 24 March where they were received by Fr Tom Dillon and Fr Jim O’Connell. Interment took place in the adjoining cemetery following Requiem Mass concelebrated by Rev Jim O’Connell and Rev Tom Little on the following morning.
Joan will be sadly missed by her brothers Tom and Pat, sister Marie and by her sisters-in-law Chris, Joan and Nellie, brother-in-law Tom, nephews, nieces, relatives, kind neighbours, her many friends and indeed the parishioners of her parish that she served so well. She was predeceased by her parents and brother Michael.
PC WHELAN RIP
The death took place at Sonas Nursing Home, Tullow on Saturday 5 March of PC Whelan, Ballykealey, Ballon. He passed away one day short of his 76th birthday. He was one of three children born to Paddy and Nell Whelan who at one time ran the ‘Slip Inn’ shop at Ballykealey. PC was well known throughout the area and there was deep sorrow at the news of his passing. He was also well known and highly thought of in the trucking industry.
On leaving school PC worked at Slaney Valley Dairies and later Midland Dairies in Ballon and following the closure of that plant drove for various haulage firms including Glynn’s of Graigue-na-Spideogue and Brian Kehoe Haulage Carlow. He had a passion for vintage machinery and cars.
His remains were reposed at Kearney’s Funeral Home in Fenagh before being removed to the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Ballon on the evening following his death and burial took place in Ballon cemetery following Requiem Mass on Monday 7 March.
He was predeceased by his wife Bernie in 2001, his parents Paddy and Nell, brother Tom and sister Katsy. He will be sadly missed by his partner Frances and by his nephews, nieces and other relatives and friends.
MS ANN O’BRIEN
There was widespread sorrow throughout the area at the news of the untimely death of Miss Ann O’Brien, Ballon, which occurred on Friday 25 February aged 52 years. Daughter of Mary and the late Tommy O’Brien, Ann worked in hospitality all her life in various hotels and bars such as Ballykealey House Hotel and Rathcrogue House but mainly at ‘The Long Man’ in Thomastown, County Kilkenny. She was a great lover of old movies as well as music and dancing.
Ann’s remains were removed from Kearney’s Funeral Home in Fenagh to the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Ballon on Sunday 27 February for Requiem Mass and burial took place immediately afterwards in Ballon cemetery. Members of the Ballon GAA club formed a Guard of Honour.
Ann will be sadly missed by her mother Mary, brothers Donnacha, Thomas and Kevin and sister Claire, her sisters-in-law Deirdre and Nicole, nieces Roisin and Niamh, her cousins, relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her father, Tommy in 2004.
BERTIE MURRAY RIP.
Bertie Murray, Ballintrane, whose death occurred at his home on Friday 25 February surrounded by his loving family, was held in high regard not only in Ballon/Rathoe and his native Fenagh but throughout Carlow and much further afield. He was aged 84 years. A kind neighbour and a good friend to all who knew him, Bertie was County Carlow’s top athlete throughout the 1950 and 60s and in later days came to prominence as a ploughman winning six All Ireland titles as well as multiple placings. He had no equal locally either on the track or cross-country and holds a record that is unlikely to be broken. He won the 200yds, 400yds, 800yds, 1 mile and 3 miles plus five cross-country championships four years in a row between 1960 and 1963. He won a Leinster 1500m in 1960 and silver in both the 800m and 1500m in the All Ireland the same year. He was also a top badminton player winning numerous county championships. And when his sporting career came to an end Bertie took to the dancefloor where he was equally accomplished.
Bertie’s remains were reposed at his home before being removed to All Saints Church, Fenagh for Funeral Service on Monday 28 February and burial took place afterwards in the adjoining churchyard.
Bertie is survived by his wife, Sheila (nee Hunter), daughter Jean; sons Douglas and Eric; son-in-law Ned, daughter-in-law Fiona, Eric’s partner Arlene, grandchildren Ciara, Lisa, Gary Laura and Darragh, grandson-in-law Robert; greatgrandchildren Cian and Lee, nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his son Trevor.
MAURICE DOWLING RIP
Maurice Dowling, Kellistown, Carlow passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday 22 January. He was aged 81.
Maurice is survived by his wife, Anne, sons Muiris, Brendan, Patrick, Trevor, and Ken, daughters Stephanie and Jill, brothers John and Brian, sisters Margery, Pam and Ronnie, sons and daughters-in-law Richella, Olwyn, Maria-Jose, Nathalie, Andrew, Eileen, Mark and Hannah, 22 grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, and friends. He was predeceased by his brother Cormac and son Coleman in 2019.
His remains were reposed at Healy’s Funeral Home in Carlow before being removed to St Patrick’s Church, Rathoe on Monday 24 January for Requiem Mass, Burial took place immediately afterward in the adjoining cemetery.
Josephine O’Brien RIP
Josephine O’Brien, River Cottage, Ballynoe, Ardattin passed away peacefully at the District Hospital, Carlow & the Carlow/Kilkenny Home Care, surrounded by her adored daughter Ann on Sunday 2 January. Josephine’s remains were interred in Ballon cemetery on Wednesday 5 January following requiem Mass in the Church of SS Peter and Paul, Ballon. Josephine will be sadly missed by Anne, her son-in-law, Sean, grandsons Peter and Patrick, relatives, friends, and kind neighbours.