William Roache

William passed away on January 10, 2016. He was second youngest of seven children of the late Tom and Margaret Roache, Knockglass - born on July 11, 1926.

In the early 50’s, like many young people, William went to work in England. He lived with his brother Paddy and his family in London.

William worked in construction and spent some time working at Heathrow Airport.

In 1962 he returned to Knockglass after the untimely death of his brother Tommy. There he helped his younger brother James on the small family farm. He also worked for a short time with the ESB.

In 1966 William was best man for his brother James when he married Mary Treasa Murray.

In the 1990’s William’s sister Kathleen returned from Scotland to live in the family home with William, Kathleen passed away in January, 2010, After a time with William’s health problems, he found it hard to cope on his own and went to live in Bohea, surrounded by his brother, sister-in-law and their family. His niece and goddaughter Mary cared for him until God called him home. Repose took place at Nevin’s Funeral Home, Westport on Tuesday evening, January 12, with removal afterwards to St. Mary’s Church.

Mass was celebrated by Fr Karl Burns, Fr Michéal MacGréil and Fr Jim Walsh. During Mass gifts were brought to altar by William’s grand-nephews, Patrick, Stephen and Johathan. William’s golden jubilarian pioneen certificate, a rosary beads for his devotion to the rosary and a box of roses representing his sweet tooth.

In his homily, Fr Karl Burns spoke of the different seasons of life and William, a man who grew up on the land, knew the different seasons.

First and second readings were given by William’s nieces, Margaret and Mary. Prayers of the faithful were given by his grand-niece Sarah and his grand-nephew James. Gifts of bread and wine were brought to the altar by his nephew Tommy and his wife Bernie.

William was predeceased by his parents Tom and Margaret, his brothers Paddy and Tommy, his sisters May, Margaret and Kathleen and niece Mamie.

William is survived by his brother James, sister-in-law Mary Treasa; nephew Tommy and his wife Bernie and family; niece Margaret and her husband Martin and family; niece Mary and her husband Dave; nephew Paddy and his wife Maureen; grandnephews Patrick, Stephen, Jonathan and James; grandnieces Sarah and Maureen.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.