Tribute to Mr Jerry Lenihan RIP, Moig, Askeaton, Co Limerick
The late Jerry Lenihan was born in Raebeg, Rearcross, Co. Tipperary on November 28 1919, to James and Bridget Lenihan. Of the eight children of the family, four of them died in their youth and the only survivor is his brother Jack who lives in Norwich, England.
Following his schooling, Jerry served in the Irish Army and was posted to Castleconnell and Kerry. On leaving the army, he took up employment as a shoemaker, which he practiced in Copswood College and later in Kildimo and Askeaton. When this trade suffered a downturn, he put his hand to many other jobs, working in Shannon in the making of the runway and later in Aeroboard, Askeaton. He then went on to work with Butlers the building firm and in later years in Wyeth’s, until his retirement. He was always available locally to help out any neighbours who required odd jobs. During his working life he was well known by his trusty Honda 50, which served him well into advanced age. Those who knew him in Kildimo, remembers well his passion for card playing, which he organised in his accommodation in O’Shea’s house near the Church. Like all card schools, it was not easy to end the nightly sessions and Jerry would call for a last ‘killer’ game as he called it, where the stakes might be raised for this game. This interest in cards was to endure all his life and even in his last months when his health was deteriorating, he would still be ready when his loyal friends called to take him to a game. Such games were always pursued with his unfailing humour, another characteristic of Jerry, which he carried to the end.
It was in Kildimo that he met Eileen O’Shaughnessy of Clooncaura and on their marriage they eventually settled in their cottage in Moig. From here they raised two boys and three girls, a task that he had to perform on his own since the early death of Eileen in 1974. He had to bear two more tragedies on the early deaths of his daughter Breda Doab and his son Billy.
An interest in Greyhounds was another passion and he was a regular attender at meetings in Limerick, Clonmel and Kilkenny. His Tipperary background ensured that he was interested in the county hurling team, during which games he would hang the ‘blue and gold’ outside his house, with the intention of engendering a bit of fun amongst his neighbours. On his last visit home, that same flag was raised outside his house to honour these interests and in the full knowledge that it would evoke a twinkle in his eye.
Jerry bore his final illness with his usual good humour in spite of the suffering endured by failing heart and lungs. He remained conscious until the final end and on his deathbed he displayed the care and concern for his family and their children, which was always his habit. Death took place in the Mid-Western Hospital on Thursday April 16 2009 in the presence of his loyal and devoted family. His remains were waked in his home in Moig and returned to his parish church in Askeaton for his funeral Mass on Sunday, April 19 2009. Following the church service, his internment took place to the family plot in Kilcornan to join his wife Eileen and children Breda and Billy.
Deepest sympathy is extended to his children Peg, Aiden, and, Ann, their partners, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and to his neighbours and many friends. RIP.
A month’s mind Mass will be celebrated, in thanksgiving for Jerry’s life, on Sunday May 31 2009 in St Patrick’s Church, Ballysteen at 9.30am.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.
COMMUNITY LOTTO
Following the recent Jackpot win, a new series of Lotto Draws takes place every Tuesday evenings at 8.30pm in the local pubs on a rotational basis. The numbers in the Draw on May 12 were 2, 5, 19 & 21 for a prize of €1,000. As no punter made the winning prediction, five ‘Lucky Dips’ were drawn for prizes of €20 each, which went to Edel O’Mahoney, Bernie Nolan, Síle Kelly, Chrissie McMahon and Anne McHale.
FOOTBALLING FIND
Congratulations to twelve-year-old Tom O’Shea of Ballyvareen, who has been selected for the County National Schools Team, the only one to qualify locally. Tom will take to the turf at Semple Stadium on May 24, against a Tipp team in an ‘eleven-aside’. This is the opener for the Senior Match to follow, but for Tom it marks a high point in his career so far and the GAA are treating these young athletes with due honour on the occasion.
HERITAGE WEEK
Following the success of Kildimo’s previous involvement in the annual week, this year the ‘Kenry Historical Society’ will be including items in the 2009 calendar of events. The dates fixed for the nationwide showcase of Ireland’s rich heritage is from August 22-30. Thus far there are plans afoot for a historical walk in the Ringmoylan area on August 30. On August 23, there will be a tour of ‘The Hidden Places of Curraghchase’. All aspects of our heritage are highlighted during this special week, so if you know of any interest that might be made public, we’d like to hear your ideas. A nationwide Booklet of events is published every year to publicise Ireland’s involvement in this European event. The last date for inclusion in this publication is May 31. Perhaps you have something to share with others? Have you a specialist skill you might demonstrate, such as dry stone walling, hedge layering, vegetable production- the possibilities are endless!
BANTRACHT NA TUAITHE CILL DÍOMA
All good wishes go to ICA member Kathleen Griffin, Old Kildimo who was elected to the committee of Limerick Federation recently. Coming with a very impressive C.V.both in ICA and in sport, her selection as sports officer was a foregone conclusion. Kathleen has over twenty years membership of the local guild, having served in various roles including president, vice president and hon. treasurer and was also associated with community games for a considerable number of years. To celebrate the occasion her proud husband is whisking her off to Paris for the weekend and no doubt among their places to visit will be the Irish embassy where their relative is the current ambassador. C’est la vie.
CLOTHES BANK
Should you be making way in your wardrobe for the new spring collection, your better rags will be welcome to the ISPCC ‘Clothes Bank’ behind ‘De Bucket’. Shoes will also be accepted and if you want to recycle your old mobile phone, there’s also a place to bin it at the same location. A similar clothing bank is available at Copswood College as well as the different kinds of glass and food tins.
ANYONE FOR MEDUGORJE?
John O’Brien from Doon is organising a pilgrimage to Our Lady’s Shrine in September, 12 - 19. The week’s trip will leave from Shannon and if you book before June 1, you can have the trip for €669, otherwise it will cost you €699. Two priests will accompany this tour and John will give you all other details on 061 380614.
AREA COUNCILS
West Limerick Resources are establishing five local area Councils in their catchment region. The aim of such groups is to promote development in each local council area. To get the scheme off to a start, a public meeting is taking place at the deferred date of May 25, at 8.00pm. While most local groups have been contacted regarding the above, if you feel you have an interest in this new initiative, you will be most welcome to come to the meeting. If you need further information on the subject, ring Eimear on 069 62222 or see their website at www.wlr.ie
CALLING ALL MEN!
The forgotten species when it comes to health matters, the month of June is being set aside to highlight men’s health issues. Among the areas of concern in relation to men is the problem of Prostate Cancer, which will be dealt with in a public meeting in Limerick on June 18. Details of this and other matters relating to cancer concerns may be found on www.cancer.ie/news/upcoming.ie. You can always give local support to cancer by donating good quality saleable items to their shop in William Street, which is open every day except Sunday. Volunteers to assist in the shop are also sought after, after all cancer concern is not just for ‘daffodil day’.
SALESIAN COLLEGE NEWS
Congratulations to 1) Students who passed their Water Safety Exams - 2nd Year: Emily Fitzgerald,
3rd Year: John Sheehan, Conor Holland, Sarah O’Dea, Niall Madden and Ciarán Mulcahy, 5th Year: Chris Slattery and Claire McCarthy and 6th Year: Georgina Ryan, 2) to all those who competed in both U.L. and Castleisland in the North Munster Athletics: a) Áine Sheehan 2nd in Shot, Discus and Hammer, b) Ailish Sheehan 1st in Shot & Javelin and 2nd in Discus and on winning Gold in Shot in the Munster Schools Athletics recently, c) Orlaith O’Neill 3rd in Hurdles, d) Girls Relay: Orlaith O’Neill, Sarah O’Dea, Niamh O’Connor & Hazel O’Connor, e) Ciara Barrett 2nd in 400 Hurdles and f) Niamh O’Connor 3rd in 400m.
Well done to the U16½ Footballers who reached the Co. Final against Bruff last Friday but were defeated after a brave display and we wish the Junior Girls Football Team the best of luck in the Co. Final later this week.
Well done to all those involved in the preparing for the Past Pupil reunion of class 1972-1977 held on Sunday last May 17 2009. A special word of thanks to the Folk Group for their enormous contribution to the Mass.
Table Quiz Fundraiser for Salesian work in Swaziland, Africa where Fr. Martin McCormack is currently Chaplin, will take place in Clancy’s Bar on this Friday, 22nd May at 9.30pm.
House Exams for 1st, 2nd and 5th year students will commence on Monday next 25th May 2009.
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