Christy Hanrahan RIP
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF CHRISTY HANRAHAN RIP
4-12-1923 TO 18 – 01- 2009
Christy lived and worked all his life in the townland of Killonahan, in the parish of Manister. He took over the running of the family farm with his sister Kitty, at a young age, and worked the land until his retirement. He was a man of great stature, and, as Fr Blewitt PP Manister, mentioned in his tribute to Christy, he probably had to duck his head each time to get into the stalls to milk the cows. As well has his farming, Christy took great pride in his garden in the orchard, growing his own vegetables for many years. He was by nature a creature of habit, and you could set your clock by him, as he passed by, accompanied by his two dogs, to bring in the cows for milking . If he met anyone on the way, he would always salute, and stop to pass the time of day. There was always time to offer his opinion on any given subject, ranging from the weather to sport, especially the previous or next week’s hurling or football, and world affairs to politics, a gift he retained right up to the time of his passing.
He ploughed with horses in his early years, and would have been working the land at the time of “Compulsory Tillage”. He was part of the generation where neighbours helped neighbours, and took it in turns with the threshing. There would often be up to twenty at the Hanrahan’s dinner table for such occasions. Initially he would bring his milk to the creamery by horse and cart, but time moved on, and there followed a succession of vans, the registeration number of the first one being, I U 9084, as Kitty is well able to recall.
He didn’t take part in sports himself, but he enjoyed the thrill of sporting occasions, and would often cycle to race meetings. His over-riding passion though was all things GAA, and as well as attending many local parish encounters over the years, he also travelled to Croke Park by train on occasions for All Ireland finals, a fact of which he was very proud. In recent years he added rugby to his list of interests, particularly with the success of Munster, and became very knowledgeable on that subject too. Despite not participating, he was nevertheless a formidable opponent when it came to discussing or debating the merits of particular teams or their performance, or players and their positions, and he had a remarkable memory for facts and figures. Christy enjoyed many a game of cards in his time, together with a pint of plain and a small one, and was a popular figure in the local hostelries where he would pass away the time of day putting the world to rights. Kitty loyally and steadfastly looked after Christy at home until he required more specialist care, and he became a much loved and well liked resident of St. Catherine’s Nursing Home at Newcastlewest, where he continued to amaze staff and residents with his ability to converse on the topics of the day. He also became the “unofficial keeper of the remote control” especially on match days. Kitty is eternally grateful for the loving care and attention he received there, and it was a blessing for her to know Christy was very happy there.
Christy passed away peacefully at the Regional Hospital on Sunday January 18, after a short illness, seven weeks after celebrating his eighty sixth birthday. Christy’s removal took place from Daffy’s Funeral Home in Croom, to St. Michael’s Church Manister. He was buried in the adjoining graveyard after a mass which had been arranged by their kind neighbours, with many of their long standing friends from the surrounding area in attendance. May he rest in peace.
CHURCH NOTICES
Listed readers for masses this coming weekend, Saturday February 28 and Sunday March 1, the First Sunday of Lent, are as follows; Saturday at 7pm Dan Riordan, Sunday at 10am Joe Tierney, Sunday at 12noon James McCarthy
Eucharistic Ministers, Saturday at 7pm M.Collins, M.Bennis, B.Carroll. Sunday at 10am, M.O’Mara, M.Punch, S.Milburn. Sunday at 12noon S.Enright, N.O’Grady, R.Bennis.
Please arrange a replacement if you are unable to fulfill any duty allocated to you. Weekday masses are at 9-30 am Monday to Friday. The weekly prayer meeting takes place every Monday evening from 8 to 9pm. and all are welcome. There will be Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament after 10 o’clock mass until the 12noon mass each Sunday during the season of Lent, with prayer intentions for vocations and religious life.
COLLECTIONS
The organisers of the church gate collection last weekend, which was in aid of St. Vincent’s, Lisnagry, would like to thank everyone most sincerely for their generous support. Your generosity is asked for this weekend’s collection, which is in aid of Milford Hospice.
BLOOD DONORS
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service is holding local donor sessions at the following locations during March, Monday 2nd in Corbally, Tuesday 3rd in Adare, and Wednesday 4th in Caherdavin. For more information contact the Donor Information on 1850 731137, or www.ibts.ie
SENIORS PARTY
Seventy parishioners or more were in attendance for the annual social which took place last Friday in the Cu Chulainn, commencing with mass at seven o’clock, celebrated by Monsignor Lane. A delicious turkey and ham dinner was then served, by the hardworking team of willing and able volunteers, not quite on the same grand scale as the recent Oscars where there were three hundred and fifty chefs, and six hundred and fifty waiters, but gratefully accepted and greatly enjoyed all the same. There was no time for calorie counting as a sumptuous range of delicious desserts were on offer, generously provided and donated locally. All those present received a raffle prize during the course of the evening, which were again generously sponsored by local businesses, friends and supporters. Singing and dancing then took over for the remainder of the evening, with entertainment provided by the local set dancing group, and a repeat of some of the acts from the recent concert. All in all a wonderful night, reflecting the great spirit of community which abounds here in Patrickswell.
RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME INFORMATION WORKSHOPS
A range of activities may be funded under the 2007-2013 Programme (also known as LEADER) including training, technical assistance, diversification into non-agricultural activities, support for business creation & development, village renewal & development and rural tourism. A workshop will be held held at 7.30PM on Thursday February 26th in the Adare Parish Hall. All are welcome. For more information contact: 069 62222
DANCE
On the five Mondays in March, local dance instructor Lisa Cahill will run dance classes in Patrickswell GAA hall from 10-11.30am. Promoting fitness and fun this is a trial to see if local women have an interest in a group like this. To register please contact Mo on 087 9915873.
RURAL BUS SERVICE
Rural Bus currently runs a morning service every second Thursday from Askeaton to Dooradoyle Shopping Centre. Individuals in Patrickswell who may be interested in having the bus also serve their town are asked to contact Mo on 087 9915873 or Evelyn at the Friday Club on 086 2507273. The service also operates a route from Askeaton to Desmond Complex, Newcastle West on the second Wednesday of each month. For these services to remain operational new users are required.
FRIDAY CLUB
Operating each Friday from 3-5pm this is an opportunity for older people to meet up for a chat and a cuppa, play cards and bingo or get involved in the monthly book club or one of our outings. For more information, contact Evelyn on 061 215755. A new chiropody service is now available to members on a three month trial and costs €10 for members. Contact May on 087 6550044.
COMMUNITY GROUP TRAINING NEEDS
The Volunteer Support Service will run a series of training programmes for community and voluntary groups covering a variety of useful topics. First Aid Training (in conjunction with the VEC) will take place in Newcastle West on March 3rd and 4th. Contact Paul on 069 79079 or email pmoriarty@wlr.ie.
DESMOND BOWLS CLUB
Desmond Bowling Club has been successful in its recent funding application to the County Limerick Local Sports Partnership and now hopes to be up and running in the coming weeks. Those interested in learning more or getting involved in the running of the club are invited to attend a meeting in the offices of West Limerick Resources, St. Mary's Road, Newcastle West on Friday February 27th at 2.30pm. For more information call Jim on 069 77153 or Louise on 087 6674607
NEW WEBSITE
Community Development company West Limerick Resources has recently launched their new dedicated website www.wlr.ie which contains background information on the company, its programmes and a latest news section. It is designed to keep the community updated on the ongoing work which the organisation does in areas of social inclusion, community work and enterprise development.
PILGRIMAGE
A pilgrimage to Fatima is departing from Shannon on Thursday May 28, accompanied by a spiritual director. The cost for seven nights will be 759Euro, and for more details contact Joan Bourke on 061-600951.
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