'Older generation will recall it was a popular place where locals gathered to chat'

The death occurred unexpectedly at Willowbrook nursing home Mocklershill of Joan Kinane, Tubberadora on Sunday, December 29.

She was daughter of the late Michael and Mary Tuohy (née Ryan) Gaile and hailed from a family of 4 boys and 3 girls.

Joan had reached the age of 77 and was predeceased by her brothers Jim, Matt, Ger, Will and by her sister Kit.

She was the youngest of the Tuohy family and her early years were spent in Gaile but when the family purchased the Breen holding in Tubberadora from the late Brigid Breen who died in 1969, Joan arrived with her father, her brother Ger and sister Kit to begin a new life there.

The older generation will recall that 'Breens Cross' was a very popular place where the locals gathered to chat about the happenings of the day and to play skittles.

People from the area travelling by the Princess Bus to Thurles, Cashel or Clonmel left their bicycles at Tuohys for safekeeping.

It was into this setting that the Tuohy family acquired new friendships and a new beginning in their lives.

For a number of years Joan worked in Ardmayle creamery and was a valued member of staff involved in secretarial work and bookkeeping accounts as she served under various managers.

Joan, a lady of style was a very outgoing and friendly person and enjoyed Irish music and céili classes in the parish hall. She was one of the founder members of Boherlahan Badminton Club.

In latter years, it was a great joy for herself and sister Kit when her son David and wife Clare came to live in the Tuohy family home beside them.

Theirs was a very welcoming home, leaving fond memories to all who visited as they were great conversationalists and loved to trace.

With the death of Kit in 2019 and when ill health set in for Joan, the final chapter of her life began when she moved to Willowbrook Nursing Home, where she was lovingly cared for by all the staff.

In visting her there, one could see that she was very happy in her new family setting.

She had a great memory of times passed as she spoke about her days working in Ardmayle and recalling the creamery numbers of the farming community.

Above all, she was a great woman of faith and was instrumental in giving out miraculous medals to the residents and staff. She often quoted the catechism which the older generation learned off by heart.

She loved to sing her favourite songs and hymns. As it was during the christmas season, just a few hours before her passing, it was fitting as she sat beside the crib that she sang some Christmas carols.

On Thursday, January 2, her remains were reposing at Devitts Funeral Home, Cashel and on the following day removed to the Church of the Immaculate Conception Boherlahan where her funeral mass was celebrated by Fr Michael Mullaney PP and assisted by Fr Joe Egan, Ballycahill, Fr Pat Byrne CC Cashel and Fr Tony Lynch, Dublin.

Burial took place in Ardmayle cemetery.

She is survived by her son David, daughter in law Clare, grandsons Sean and Cathal and sister Mary Doheny, Ballingarry. Also by brothers in law, sisters in law, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, relatives, neighbours, friends, staff and residents of Willowbrook Nursing Home and the Kinane family. Peace to her soul.