On the usual visit to Clonmacnois graveyard on Christmas Day when crossing the Old graveyard near Saint Ciaran's Church a fresh growing flower bouquet resting on a flattened headstone caught my eye. The memorial belonged to a Thomas Galvin Castledaly aged 47 years who departed this life on May 16th 1869. Pat was telling me that the late Kieran Egan the stonecutter told her that they always used "Departed This Life" rather than died as death was final whereas the Departed this Life indicated there was a next life. What do you want written. ?
The hourglass man paid three visits to the parish in the past week.
Michael "Mickie" Kelly from Lakelands Clonfinlough died in his daughter Bernies home in Ferbane as he and his wife Kathleen were about to enjoy Christmas dinner.He had been looking through Roy Keane's book just before that. Mickie worked with Bord na Mona and in the Power Station and carried on some farming since his retirement about 18 years ago. He was buried in Clonmacnois on Sunday.
On Monday morning came the news of the death of Jim Egan Clonfinlough and formerly Clonlyon.Jim leaves Anne and five children.
At lunchtime came the sad news that Lil Connor Clonmacnois had been found dead in the paddock at the back of the house. Lil had spent Christmas Day with her nephew Padraig and her friend and neighbour Mai Duffy rang her to enquire if she wanted to go to the shop. There was no reply
May they rest in peace.
Likewise Archbishop Michael Corteney who was murdered in Burundi Africa yesterday. Born in Nenagh he was ordained a priest for Clonfert Diocese.He worked in Tynagh and Woodford and studied in the Vatican.