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OBITUARY
MARY PRENDERGAST (nee French) Upper Curragh, Ardmore We write with sadness and regret on the sudden passing of Mary Prendergast on Wednesday, 24th February, 2016. Mary was predeceased by her three brothers and three sisters. We express our deepest sympathy to her husband John; brothersin-law Pat and Jay; her many nieces, nephews and extended family; and her great friend Peggy Keevers and the extended Keevers family. Mary was born in 1950. She spent much of her early life in Ballinacurra, near Midleton in Co. Cork. She worked in Midleton Hospital for a period of time before meeting John in Red Barn in 1969 and they married in September 1973. Mary came to live in Ardmore, Co.Waterford, following her marriage to John.They enjoyed many happy years together in Upper Curragh. She was an integral part of the community where she worked first in John Joe’s Shop in the Main Street, then in Quain’s Shop and she finally settled to work in Keevers Bar for the last 41 years. She had a quick word for everyone and kept the punters’ feet firmly on the ground! Keevers’ was not only Mary’s place of work but a second home for her and John. Peggy and Mary were lifelong friends and the Keevers family treated Mary as one of their own. It was in Keevers Bar that Mary enjoyed many a game of 45, teaching the younger generation the tricks of the trade. Mary also followed the horses and enjoyed the odd flutter when she had a good tip! She would contact Caroline Keevers, otherwise known as her secretary, to place the bet for her! Mary had a great flair for arts and crafts and her talent is to be seen all over her home in her many paintings. Mary knitted on a daily basis and every young relative has sported one of Mary’s beautiful creations at some stage in their lives. John and Mary were completely devoted to one another. Mary’s sudden departure will leave a void in his life and in the lives of many, but the happy memories of her will be treasured. Lying in repose at her residence in Upper Curragh, Ardmore, Rosary was recited on Thursday evening by Fr. Finbarr Lucey, P.E., in the presence of her loving family, neighbours and friends. On Friday evening Fr. Finbarr Lucey, P.E., again recited funeral prayers in the presence of her loving husband, neighbours and friends. On Saturday morning, Mary’s remains were removed to St. Declan’s Church in Ardmore where, on her arrival, she was received and blessed by Fr. Milo Guiry, P.P. Funeral Mass was celebrated thereafter by Fr. Milo Guiry, P.P., who was assisted by Fr. Finbarr Lucey, P.E., and Fr.Tom Flynn, P.P. Symbols representing Mary’s life were brought to the Altar by Eoin Keevers (cards), Lizzie Prendergast (knitting), Dave Daly (teabags), Neasa Keevers (Racing Post), Marion Buckley (cigarettes) and Judy Donegan-Daly (painting); these were narrated by Seamus Prendergast. Readings during the Mass were recited by Caroline Keevers, Steve Daly and Lisa Prendergast. Prayers of the Faithful were read by Seamus Keevers, Laoise Keevers, Patrick Prendergast, Declan Prendergast, Máire-Seo Mhic Iomhair and Yvonne Corcoran. A lovely selection of hymns was provided throughout the Mass by the Ardmore Church Choir, with a beautiful solo by soprano Cara O’Sullivan. The Offertory Gifts were presented to the Altar by Mary Prendergast (Glencorrin) and Helen Keevers. Instrumental music was provided in the Church and at the graveside by Laoise and Neasa Keevers, Lily Cronin, Kate Faherty and Aisling O’Brien. Following Funeral Mass burial took place in Holy Cross Cemetery. Fr. Milo Guiry, P.P., officiated and recited the graveside prayers where Mary was laid to rest in the presence of her loving husband, relatives and friends. May she rest in peace. John would like to extend his sincere thanks to his wonderful neighbours and many friends, who travelled from near and far, for all their help and support at this difficult time. Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated on Easter Sunday, 27th March, 2016, in St. Declan’s Church, Ardmore, at 11.30 a.m. (Funeral arrangements by James Kiely & Sons, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).
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CISS WALSH Deerpark, Ballysaggartmore, Lismore It is with immense and profound sadness we record the passing of Ciss Walsh which sad event occurred peacefully on Monday, 8th February, 2016, in the loving care of Strawhall Nursing Home and her Doctor Joe Keane, Fermoy. Ciss was born on 5th April, 1924, to Jeremiah and Nora Fennessy in Coole, Ballysaggart. She was one of four children and attended the local Primary School in Ballysaggart. Ciss married her recently deceased husband and soulmate Seamus on 9th April, 1953. They built their house in ‘Maryville,’ Deerpark, and it was here their four children, Pius, Diarmuid, Alma and Cora, grew up. Ciss was happiest working side by side on the farm with her beloved Seamus. She loved to bake and sow and when Ciss retired, she loved to spend long Summer days walking and talking with her dear sister Maggie. Ciss lay in repose at her home in Ballysaggart on Tuesday evening where her nieces Carmel and Norma led the family and friends in the recitation of the Rosary. On Wednesday evening her removal took place from Ryan’s Funeral Home, Lismore, after prayers which were recited by Fr. M. Cullinan, P.P., to St. Mary’s Church, Ballysaggart. Her casket was adorned in the colours of her beloved Ballysaggart GAA. Her remains were blessed and received by Fr. M. Cullinan, P.P. Requiem Mass for the happy repose of her soul was offered up on Thursday morning. Celebrant was Fr. M. Cullinan, P.P. At the beginning of the Mass various mementos that were a large part of Ciss’ life were presented to the Altar – walking stick, sunglasses and passport, hair curler and scarf, diary, photo, flour and jam were brought up by her grandchildren Ceanna, Jamie, Erika, Christian, Ronan, Isabel and Alan, with Sinead giving a brief description on the significance of each. The readings were read by her daughter-in-law Una Walsh and her son-in-law Denis Fenton. Prayers of the Faithful were recited by her grand-daughters Ceanna, Erika, Isabel and Sinead. the Offertory Gifts of Bread and Wine were brought to the Altar by her daughters Alma and Cora. After Communion her grand-daughters Erika read a poem and Isabel gave a fitting eulogy in her granny’s memory. While the beautiful singing of Angela O’Regan and Maurice Carroll greatly enhanced the celebration of Funeral Mass. After the Mass the cortege proceeded to the adjoining cemetery. Final prayers were said by Fr. M. Cullinan, P.P. Ciss was laid to rest beside her beloved husband and soulmate Seamus in the family grave. The Kearney Brothers of Castlelyons led all present in singing “Danny Boy” in memory of Ciss whose legacy will remain for many years to come. “The skies look beautiful every day because Heaven cannot contain the beauty that you radiate.” Ciss is survived by her children Pius, Diarmuid, Alma Fenton and Cora; daughters-in-law Mary and Una; son-in-law Denis; brother Fanahan; sister Maggie; grandchildren Emily married to Tom Veale, Ceanna, Jamie married to Natalie Byrne, Dermot, Erika, Caolan, Christian, Gavin, Ronan, Ava, Isabel, Alan and Sinead; great grandchildren Cian, Fionn and Róisín in Australia, and all her nephews and nieces. Month’s Mind Mass for Ciss Walsh will be celebrated on Thursday, 17th March, in St. Mary’s Church, Ballysaggart, at 9.30 a.m. (Funeral arrangements were by Ryan’s Funeral Directors, Lismore).
Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 18 March, 2016
IMELDA (Mel) O’CONNOR (nee Walsh) Kilcannon, Cappagh It is with sorrow and regret we record the passing of Imelda (Mel) O’Connor (nee Walsh), Kilcannon, Cappagh, Co. Waterford, loving wife of the late James, which sad event occurred peacefully at her residence on 29th February, 2016, aged 94 years. Mel was the last surviving member of the Walsh family. She was the youngest of a large family of eleven, six brothers and four sisters. At the age of thirteen, Mel travelled to England to attend Boarding School. Later on Mel worked in England for a number of years and was in London at the time of the bombings during World War II. Mel returned to Ireland and met and married her husband James O’Connor. Mel was a very sociable lady, she enjoyed playing Bridge and made many friends along the way. Mel was a keen artist, she loved nature and enjoyed gardening. She never missed her daily walk and was ahead of her time when it came to modern technology. Mel attended computer classes in her late eighties. In recent years, Mel loved attending the Day Care Centre in Cappoquin. The staff cared for Mel so well while she was there. At home Mel was also very well cared for, especially her Carers, Catherine and Breeda, and Dr. Stacey and Nurse N.Tobin who where all wonderful to Mel. She received the very best of care and was treated with the utmost kindness and respect by all.Those who knew her will have their own special memories of her. Her passing is much regretted. May she rest in peace. Lying in repose at Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Home, Cappoquin, Rosary was recited on Monday evening by Rosary Committee member Danny Coughlan in the presence of her loving family, relatives and friends. On Tuesday evening Rev. Fr. P. Gear, P.P., recited funeral prayers in the presence of her loving family before removal took place to St. John The Baptist’s Church, Affane. On arrival her remains were received and blessed by Rev. Fr. P. Gear, P.P. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday morning by Rev. Fr. P. Gear, P.P., and was assisted by Rev. Fr. J. Kiely, P.E. Symbols representing Mel’s life were presented to the Altar by grandniece April Walsh and grandnephew Patch Walsh. The significance of the symbols was narrated by grandniece Sarah Walsh. Readings during the Mass were recited by grandniece Angie Morrissey. Prayers of the Faithful were recited by grandnieces Sandy Landers and Helen Walsh. Dina Walshe provided a lovely selection of music and hymns during the Mass. Nephews Jim Byrne and Lar Flynn presented the Offertory Gifts to the Altar. Following Communion Angie Morrissey acknowledged the support their family received from relatives and friends during the funeral. Following Funeral Mass burial took place in the adjoining cemetery. Rev. Fr. P. Gear, P.P., officiated the graveside prayers and was assisted by Rev. Fr. J. Kiely, P.E., and Rev. Fr. G. O’Connor, P.P., where Mel was laid to rest in the presence of her loving family, relatives, neighbours and friends. We extend our deepest sympathy to her loving nephews Eddie Walsh, Laurence Flynn, Jim Byrne and John O’Connor; nieces Bernadette Hennebry, Kathleen French, Gwen Phelan and Enna Walsh; grandnephews, grandnieces; her special grandniece April Walsh who cared for Mel during her illness; relatives, Carers, neighbours and friends. Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated on Friday, 1st April, 2016, in St. John the Baptist Church, Affane, at 7.30 p.m. (Funeral arrangements by Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Directors, Cappoquin & Tallow).
Just think of it! EVERY year, when I hear people talking about the National holiday as ‘Paddy’s Day’ and suchlike descriptions, I remind myself that the most important thing about St. Patrick’s Day is, that he is a saint. Some of the portrayals of him that we’ll see in the next few days would give the impression that Patrick was the original Irish leprechaun, complete with a floppy green hat and a foxy beard. In reality, he seems to have been, even from his youth, much given to praying. During his captivity, while minding sheep on a lonely hillside in Antrim, he found time to pray. Later on, back home in Britain, he must have prayed and been tuned into the Holy Spirit. This may well be the source of his vision of the Voice of the Irish calling him to walk amongst them once more. The book known as ‘the Confession’, which is really a short autobiography, could well be described as a continuous prayer in praise of God’s goodness to the man who wrote it. He seems to be amazed that God should choose him ‘in spite of my ignorance’, to preach the gospel to a people who, as he sees it, are at the edge of the world. ‘I give thanks to my God tirelessly who kept me faithful
in my day of trial, so that today I offer sacrifice to him confidently, the living sacrifice of my life to Christ, my Lord, who preserved me in all my trouble’. There’s a prayer, composed about the 12th century, which is called ‘St. Patrick’s Breastplate’, which expresses his desire to offer prayer to God in all circumstances and at all times.You might like to use it yourself, so here are some lines from it. Christ be with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ deep within me, Christ below me, Christ above me, Christ at my right hand, Christ at my left hand, Christ as I lie down, Christ as I arise, Christ as I stand, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me. Fr. Robert Arthure, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford.