OBITUARY: 'Maurice worked hard on the farm and was in time joined by son John'
Born on 2nd September 1934, Maurice was the second son of John Joe and Ellen Condon.
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Maurice Condon, Coolnabeasoon, Ballinamult, Co. Waterford on 17th May 2024.
Born on 2nd September 1934, Maurice was the second son of John Joe and Ellen Condon.
He was pre-deceased by his older brother John (USA) and younger sister Agnes (Cahir).
Maurice attended the local primary school in Croughclooney before working on the family farm.
He often reminisced fondly about the 1940s and 50s despite the hardship of those times.
He liked to share memories of threshings, followed by nights filled with music, song and dancing; fair days when the young people walked livestock through the night to town and the strong sense of community where neighbours helped one another.
Maurice inherited his love of Irish music from his father, John Joe, a well-known local fiddle player who was sometimes accompanied by Maurice’s mother Ellen on piano.
Their home in Coolnabeasoon was filled with Irish music, and this passion stayed with Maurice (himself a melodeon player) throughout his life.
In the late 1950s Maurice met Nuala Phelan from Graignagour. It was the beginning of the showband era and they regularly attended great dances in Collins Hall, Clonmel, Clonea, Dungarvan and occasionally the Showboat in Youghal.
Of all the performers they enjoyed, Maurice counted Mick Delahunty as his favourite, describing him as being ahead of his time with his marvellous band.
Maurice and Nuala married in 1964 and had 2 children, John and Elaine.
Maurice worked hard on the farm and was in time joined by John. For 41 years they worked harmoniously side by side, right up until the week of Maurice’s passing.
Maurice was rooted in the local community.
He was very involved in the establishment of the local branch of the NFA, the predecessor of the IFA and had a life-long interest in farming matters.
Blessed with a steadfast faith, Maurice was a regular mass-goer in Fourmilewater.
He enjoyed playing cards in Ballymacarbry, Touraneena and Graigue, and regularly attended club and county GAA matches for many decades.
He was a good neighbour and a great friend.
Maurice placed great value on family and always remained in close contact with his brother John and sister Agnes.
When his wife Nuala because ill in 2016 he nursed her night and day until she passed peacefully at home.
Since then he suffered many losses as his siblings and peers all passed away one by one. He felt each keenly, but carried on regardless never allowing others to shoulder any of his pain.
He found great joy in his grandchildren, Ciarán, Jack, Anna-Mai and Lucy and loved to hear about their daily exploits, be that in football, hurling, music, dancing and of course their education.
Maurice was always grateful for the smallest blessing, the sound of the cuckoo that heralded the arrival of summer, a good meal, a friendly chat.
He had a warm and friendly manner, a positivity disposition and a wonderful sense of humour.
He believed in the value of work and upheld the importance of honesty and integrity.
Always gracious and considerate of others, Maurice was one of life’s true gentlemen.
Maurice’s Month’s Mind mass will be held in Fourmilewater Church on Sunday 23rd June at 9am.