The much regretted death took place in St. Brigid's Hospital, Carrick on Suir on November 13th of Eileen Lonergan of Kyleafreaghane, on the extreme edge of our parish. Eileen had been seriously ill for the last number of years, yet in true Eileen fashion, she battled on to the very end. She first came to this part of the country over four decades ago and took up residence in Kyleafreaghane on her marriage to Tom Lonergan whose family have been in the area for at least the better part of two centuries. Eileen herself came from Ballycahill and loved to support the Premier County, even when in more recent years, she seemed to be swimming against the tide. Among the items displayed to show the life of Eileen were knitting needles and thread (blue and gold). She was a hard-working woman who carried life's crosses bravely and always managed to maintain a cheerful happy disposition. From time to time, Eileen enjoyed a small flutter, be it at bingo or on the horses or the lotto. Her family was number one with Eileen at all times and she was devoted to them. The family photo at her funeral mass spoke volumes.
Her remains were removed from St. Brigid's to the Mortuary Chapel of St. Michael's Church, where they reposed and were visited by large numbers of family and friends from the Mullinahone – Callan area where Eileen was extremely popular. The funeral obsequies were conducted by Fr. McGrath, Mullinahone and Fr. Dalton, Callan.
At her Funeral Mass in St. Michael's Church, the readers were Tommy Lonergan and Annette Briercliff.
The offertory gifts were presented by Denis Lonergan, Joseph Lonergan, David Lonergan and Jodie Lonergan (sons and daughter). The prayers of the faithful were recited by Andy Lonergan (son), Elaine butler (niece), Edie Fogarty (niece), Eileen Barry (cousin) and Teresa Lonergan (daughter in law). Two of Eileen's nieces Fiona and Joanne Butler were joined by vocalist, John McCormack accompanied by organist Kevin Hickey in giving Eileen a lovely musical send-off. This included at her request, the singing of Slievenamon as the funeral cortege left St. Michael's. The items which told the story of Eileen's life i.e. a family photo, knitting needles and wool, bingo and lottery tickets, the racing page and of course, a beloved Tipp jersey and were demonstrated by Eileen's grandchildren, Brian Lonergan, Cian Lonergan, Jamie Aire and Jonathan Aire. After Mass, the cortege moved to Kilbride Cemetery, where Eileen was interred. As Eileen herself could have said, "It may not have been in Tipperary, but it was well on the road to it".
In spite of her great love for the Premier County, it must be remarked, that Eileen's funeral in Mullinahone was attended by a huge number of her Callan-Coolagh friends. She will be sorely missed on both sides of the County boundary. To her husband Tom, her sons Tommy, Davy, Denis, Joe and Andy, and her daughters Jodie and Annette, we extend our condolences.
Sympathy also to her daughter in law, son in law, brothers Austin and J.P. Butler and sisters Mary McCarthy and Josie Fogarty as well as to her uncle Dick Tierney, who journeyed from beloved Ballycahill for the funeral. May the sod of Kilbride rest lightly on Eileen Lonergan.
Going to be wet
A conversation in a local shop brought up some interesting facts. With almost forty days to go at this stage, it is virtually certain that local rainfall in 2009 will be the greatest ever recorded, since rainfall records began to be kept locally in 1980. Up to today (Monday), rainfall is already greater than for any year except 2002. By the time that these notes appear, it is likely that the 2002 figure of 1122mm will be surpassed. It is also likely that the November total so far of 176mm will increase to over 192mm and probably over 200mm to make it the wettest month so far of 2009. At the moment, January remains the wettest month of the year. It set the tone and even the relatively dry February and Marcy weren't able to offset the damage. Rainfall hit back with a vengeance in April and then we struggled into summer. "What Summer?" say many readers. Well the calendar said it was summer. Anyway, so far 193 days of the year have had rain. I wonder what odds would I get on rainfall not exceeding 200 days this year or indeed what odds on the rainfall for November not exceeding 200mm. I am sure that Paddy Power and Co could afford to be generous.
Choir for Christmas
Practice is going ahead in St. Michael's Church with our choir preparing for the Christmas ceremonies. Turnout has been good, but it is still not too late to add your voice. Times etc can be had from Ann at 087 2271762 or Mary at 086 3046751. Don't leave it to others. Tackle up Rudolph and head in to St. Michael's to polish up the vocals.
Local Lotto
The last draw took place on Monday November 16th. There was no jackpot winner. Indeed, we didn't have even a Match 3 winner. The numbers drawn were (8, 9, 22, 25). However, in the spirit of Santa, the committee held a lucky dip among all the entrants and divided up the Match 3 prize of E150. The lucky dippers were: Carmel O'Meara, Liam Tobin, Tom Crotty, Michael Gahan and Chrissie Gahan. Congratulations to all. Next draw will be on Monday next November 30th when the jackpot could be worth E3,450. However, if you want to win, you must first be in.
Christmas Cookery
Callan Parents Council will present "A Christmas Cookery Demonstration", with Anne Neary of Ryland House Cookery School in Colaiste Eamonn Ris on Thursday December 3rd at 8pm. Tickets cost €20. There will be a door prize of a voucher for a cookery course with Anne. Further enquiries to 056 7725340. Tickets are available from the school or from any committee member.
Parish News
Condolences to the family of the late Eileen Lonergan, whose death took place recently. Choir practice for Christmas in St. Michael's as advertised.
Anniversary Masses next weekend:
Saturday November 28th 8pm Anniversary Martin Lynch, Kickham Street
Sunday November 29th 9.30am Anniversary Mary and Mikey Pollard, formerly Kilvemnon
Sunday November 29th11.30am Anniversary Rita Keating, Ballyogue.
Quiz
The annual Rita Keating Memorial Table Quiz takes place this Thursday night in McInerneys.
