Local Notes: Recent deaths, marriage jubilees and short breaks scheme
Local men Brendan McLoughlin, James Duke and Ned O’Connor at Strokestown Show. Pic: Gerry Faughnan
The death took place recently at Mullingar Regional Hospital of Mr Edmond (Teddy) Flanagan of St. Anne's, Strokestown. He was one of the best known characters in his native town and area. He was the youngest son of the late Mr Francis Flanagan, (ex-Sgt RIC ) and of the late Mrs Mary Flanagan (nee O'Connor, ex-NT). He was educated at the Convent of Mercy and Marist Brothers' Schools, Strokestown, and at Summerhill College, Sligo. Following his schooldays, he trained as a psychiatric nurse in the UK and worked there for a period of time. He later moved to Portrane Hospital in Dublin, before coming home to St. Patrick's Hospital, Castlerea, where he remained for many years. He completed his nursing career as manager of the out-reach psychiatric services based in Strokestown. He was noted for his compassion and care for all those he came in contact with. He also engaged in farming activities, which he successful carried on for many years. He introduced peacocks, peahens and guinea fowl to the town and his peacocks were noted for their parading on the public street in the town when traffic had to halt to allow them cross the road. He was an active member of the local Conference of the Society of St Vincent de Paul and acted as its president for many years. He assisted many people who engaged with the society through many unobtrusive acts of care and kindness. He also found time to get involved with the local dramatic and musical society in the town and participated in many of its shows and pantomimes. He was very musical and was noted in his younger days as an accomplished whistler and one knew instantly where he was at any give time. He followed country and western music, particularly artistes emanating from the USA. He also enjoyed card playing and the occasional game of solo. He was an active member of Strokestown and Elphin Bridge Clubs. He was a good neighbour and in his day and his wide circle of friends now mourn his passing. He was predeceased by his brothers, Father Des, (O.Carm.,) (Dublin), Bill (Roscommon) and Broddy (Killeshandra), and by his sisters, Moira (Dublin), Sister Venard (Mercy Order, Roscommon) and Mrs Pauline Cunningham (Strokestown). His surviving sister, Doris (Clane, County Kildare) since sadly died on September 12th last. Mass of the Resurrection was concelebrated at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Strokestown, by Canon Ciaran Whitney, an old school friend, and by Fr. Vincent Atueyi (Strokestown) and Fr. Michael Troy, O.Carm., (Moate). The interment followed in Strokestown Cemetery. F. Eamonn O'Connor, P.P., and Fr. Troy officiated at the graveside. He is survived by his wife, Eileen (nee Cunniffe); daughters, Gemma and Anita; sons-in-law, David and Kieran; nephews, nieces, sister-in-law, Mrs Eithna Flanagan (Killeshandra), brother-in-law, Mr Eddie Cunningham (Strokestown), and other relatives to whom deepest sympathy is extended.
The results of the SCDA fortnightly draw held on September 16th -numbers drawn - 16, 20, 22, 24. Two Match Three winners - Helena Clarke, Kilkerrin, and Odhran Doherty, Tarmonbarry. Next Draw on Tuesday, September 30th at the SCDA office. Thank you for your continued support.
To mark the 250th anniversary of St. Coman's Church, Roscommon, there will be a Service of Rededication and Celebration of Harvest with the Right Rev. Ferran Glenfield, Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh, on Sunday, October 5th at 3 p.m..
Couples celebrating their silver, ruby, golden, diamond, platinum or other wedding anniversaries are invited to attend a Jubilee Mass along with their families and friends on either Sunday, October 5th at 2.30 p.m., at Sligo Cathedral or on Sunday, October 19th at 2.30 p.m., at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Strokestown. Bishop Kevin Doran will celebrate both Masses. Light refreshments will be served afterwards for all in attendance. As each couple celebrating an anniversary will receive a certificate they are asked to register their details at www.elphindiocese.ie/jubileeofmarriages.
There will be a creative brian health event, organised by Roscommon Dementia Alliance Committee, at King House, Boyle, on Wednesday, October 15th from 10 a.m., to 1.30 p.m., with inspiring speakers, music, dance and art, which will showcase how creativity supports brain health. Tea/coffee, entertainment and lunch included. All welcome. Register with Teresa at (086) 0291215 or via e-mail: teresa@ridc.ie
Would you be interested in providing home from home short breaks for children and adults who have an intellectual disability? Brothers of Charity Services Ireland, Homeshare Roscommon, are recruiting host carers. Training and support provided. Tax-exempt allowances paid. For further information e-mail homeshareroscommon@bocsi.ie or telephone Catherine on (087) 2126607.
Irish language classes for adults will commence at the Cruachan Al Centre, Tulsk (F45 HH51) on Wednesday, October 8th from 6.30 p.m., to 8 p.m., The course is suitable for all levels with an emphasis on conversational Irish. Beginners are welcome. Classes will run every Wednesday for six weeks and there is a nominal fee of €50. For further information contact Deirdre at (087) 3807773 (evenings).
The death took place recently at St. James' Hospital, Dublin, of Mr Kevin Egan of Leixlip, County Kildare. A native of Strokestown, he was born on November 3rd, 1944, the youngest son of the late Mr Patrick J. Egan and of the late Mrs Mary B. Egan (nee Neary). The family resided at Elphin Street for many years before relocating to Dublin. He attended the local primary schools. He showed an interest in mechanics from an early age and was to the forefront of the soapbox craze in the town. He was noted for his participation in Soapbox Derby’s which took place in the town in the 1950s from Upper Elphin Street to the Bridge on Bridge Street often with controversial results. He later emigrated to London and from there to Toronto, Canada, where he was involved in the motor trade. He resided at Muskoka, Ontario. On his retirement he returned to live in Dublin and later took up residence at Leixlip. He was a frequent visitor to his native town over the years. News of his passing following a brief illness was heard of with regret among his relatives, former neighbours and school friends. He was predeceased by his brothers, P.J., (Toronto), Jim (Dublin) and infant siblings, Maureen and Mark. A celebration of his life took place at the Garden Chapel, Mount Jerome Crematorium, Harold's Cross, Dublin. His cremains were later interred at Strokestown Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Rita; son, Colin; daughter, Nicole; sister, Mrs June Murphy (Dublin);nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews, and extended relatives to whom deepest sympathy is extended.
The death took place recently at Roscommon Hospice of Mrs Lucy Gibbons (nee Rhatigan), of Aughamuck, Kilrooskey, wife of the late Mr Bertie Gibbons. She was a native Newtowncashel, County Longford. She was a highly respected member of her local community. She was predeceased by her brother, William, and sisters, Bridie, Margaret, Kathleen and Betty. Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated at St. Mary's Church, Ballagh, and the interment followed in Kilgefin Cemetery. She is survived by her sons, Joe, John, Paul, Raymond and Aidan; daughters-in-law, Patti, Chrissie, Deirdre and Helen; Paul's partner, Joan; grandchildren, Conor, Chloe, Thomas, Martina, Caitlin, Liam, Ava Morgan and Pearse; great-grandchildren, Arlo and Sienna; nieces, nephews, extended family and other relatives to whom deepest sympathy is extended.
The death took place recently at his home of Mr Paddy Purcell, Carrowreagh, Athleague, husband of Mrs Mary Purcell (nee Lohan) (formerly of Caggle, Strokestown). He was son of the late Mr Bill Purcell and of the late Mrs Teresa Purcell. He was predeceased by his brother, Michael (Mickey). He was actively involved in the Athleague Community Centre Committee. The Funeral Mass was celebrated at St.Patrick's Church, Athleague, and the interment followed in Athleague Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, sons, Ivan and Adrian; daughter, Edel; grandson, Jack; brother, John; sisters, Mary and Anne; daughter-in-law, Stephanie; Ivan's partner, Anne; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and other relatives to whom deepest sympathy is extended.
The death took place recently in Wellington, New Zealand, of Mrs Kathleen Whooley (nee Madden), wife of the late Mr Denis Whooley. A native of Caggle, Strokestown ,she was born on July 4th, 1928. After emigrating to New Zealand in 1952, she lived her life in Tawa, Wellington. She was predeceased by her sons, Denis and Kevin. The Funeral Service took place at Our Lady of Fatima Church, 169 Main Road, Tawa. She is survived by her sons, Mike and John; daughters, Trish and Anne-Marie; sons-in-law, Neil and Chris,=; daughter-in-law, Isabel; grandchildren, Josh, Tara, Erin, Keira, Jennifer, Rowan, Gerard, Earl, Louisa and Laurie; 13 great-grandchildren, and other relatives to whom deepest sympathy is extended. All messages for the Whooley family may be forwarded C/o P.O. Box, 119, Paraparaumu 5254, New Zealand.
