Ukrainian refugees pay respect on centenarian of tragic death of Tipperary man

Michael Caudy Commemoration

Thanks to Anne Crawford for her ongoing daily work with Littleton Ukrainian refugees.

They were present recently for the inauguration  of a new plaque  fitted around the old iron cross in honour of Michael Caudy who died tragically at this spot on Thurles Road Littleton in 1923.

John McCarthy, a relative of the late Michael, was part of the ceremony which was organised by Michael Dempsey and the GAA Men’s Shed Group.

Refreshments were served at the GAA community hall.

Exam Mass on Sunday Morning

A Special Mass for all students  preparing for the Leaving and Junior Certs examinations will  take place on this Sunday, May 28 at 12 noon in St. Kevin's Church, Littleton.

Late Patrick Gooney

The death occurred on May 7 of Patrick Gooney,  Hillview, Ballytarsna, Horse and Jockey.

Predeceased by his wife Margaret, parents Tommy and Nora, brothers  and sisters, Josie, Helen, Mick, Kay , Brid and Joe.

His remains were  reposed at his residence on Tuesday May 9.

Patrick’s Requiem Mass took place on Wednesday in St. Peter and Chains Church, Moycarkey. Burial took place in St. Peter’s Cemetery.

Deeply mourned by his daughters Denise, Edel and Maggie, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sons in law, brothers Jack, Frank, Bill and Ollie, sisters Mary and Betty, brothers-in-law, sisters- in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

May he rest in peace.

Late Veronica Wall

The death occurred on May 13 of Veronica Wall, Kilkenny City and late of Bellevue, Tramore, county Waterford,   after an illness  at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny.

Predeceased by her parents Ted and Nellie, brother Eamonn and her nephew Alan.

Deeply mourned by her son Johnny, sister Eleanor (Lyons of Rathmanna, Thurles), brother Lorcan, grandchildren Fionn and Iarla,  daughter in law Lisa, brother in law Pat (Lyons ), sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, extended family, neighbours and friends. 

Her remains were reposed at Hehir's Funeral Home, Kilkenny on Monday May 15.

Requiem Mass on Tuesday  in the Church of the Holy Cross, Tramore, county Waterford, followed by burial in the adjoining Cemetery.

May Veronica now rest in peace.

Tidy Towns

Our thanks to Paudie Fitzpatrick who painted the village pump and seating blue and gold in time for Sunday’s big game and all the GAA supporters who came through the village on their way to Thurles.

The committee has been busy wirebrushing concrete flowerpots and kerb stones which have been painted black and white. Ned Bannon has hundreds of plants ready for transplanting to new pots on the Main Street.

Remembered almost 200 years after her death

Thanks to the research done by Fr. George Bourke, A.P.,  we know that on December 25, 1838, a beautiful painting of the Holy Family that had been painted by Miss Emma Stanwix was presented to Fr. Robert Grace for the Chapel of Moycarkey where it hung behind the main altar for many years.

On Thursday last in the Templemore Arms Hotel at the civic reception and awards ceremony for  the Thurles Lions and Housing Association, Emma Stanwix was remembered as Lady Moycarkey, who in her will left the fruits of her  large estate to care for the destitute widows of Moycarkey and Thurles.

From her death in 1858 it took over 30 years before the home was opened at Kickham St., Thurles in 1889. It was known locally as the Widow's Home.

When the Mercy Sisters  no longer had resources to manage the home, Thurles Lions took on the challenge of renovation and rebuilding.

Councillors  and staff from the Thurles-Templemore Municipal Area in recalling the work carried out by past and present Lions outlined the vision talent and dedication that has given Thurles and surrounding areas  over 60 units of accommodation to serve those with special needs.

Working in collaboration with the County Council and HSE as well as major fund raising campaigns it has been possible since 1961 to build Matthew Bourke House, develop Monastery Close, Butler Court and spend up to 4 million on extending the Widows Home to 20 units with a Community Centre.

At these centres their privacy is respected in a community setting. The employment of a social worker and carers will help some return to independent living.

Tributes were also paid to the work being done by Thurles Lions in managing the Littleton Emergency Refugee Centre. The focus here is on meeting the needs of newly arrived refugees, helping them adjust and settle in. No two groups are the same, every day is different, many are like lost souls when they come but the provision of good food and  a variety of dishes help them adapt within 48 hours. Currently 44 are accommodated at our Community and Sports Centre. Thanks was given to the many local groups who had to find alternative places for their social and sporting activities.

We wish Thurles Lions success in the proposed development of 14 more units of accommodation. 

What began with a  bequest from a lady in Moycarkey 165 years ago has  since served  the needs of many locals and now those from abroad.