Toonagh Walk Goes Ahead. The organisers of the annual charity Toonagh Walk, regret that they are unable to hold their usual raffle, or provide refreshments in Toonagh Hall on Sunday, January 17, due to the current surge in virus cases, however, the walk still goes on and those intending to walk are invited to register using the online fundraising page - idonate.ie/Toonagh Walk 2022, and people may also give their donation on that page. People are also asked to adhere to social distancing guidelines on the day. The walk starts at 11am, setting off from Toonagh Hall. The three routes 2k/6k/10k will be signposted and it is hoped that it will pass off safely for all taking part to raise funds for the Huntingtons, Parkinsons and Motor Neurone Associations. The support of the community is hugely appreciated by the organisers at this time, as all charities are feeling the effects of not being able to run their usual fundraisers, but the calls on their services by families affected by these diseases are still huge.Wedding Bells. Wedding Bells rang out over the Christmas Season for Trisha Meaney, daughter of Monica and Michael Meaney, Rineen, Ruan and Fintan Conway, son of Mary and Francie Conway of Carron. Fr. Pat O'Neill was celebrant and Bridesmaids were Carrie Ryan and Roberta O'Halloran. Groomsmen were John Marrinan, Pat Conway and Rory Meaney and flowergirl was Una Conway. The reception was held at L'Arco in Ballyvaughan and the couple will reside in Rineen. Recent Deaths. The death occurred, just before Christmas, of I.J. Shannon, Bealacana, Ruan, in his 94th year, peacefully, surrounded by his family. I.J., who was originally from Willbrook, came to Bealacana seventy years ago, where he worked on the land, raising cattle, ponies and horses and making friendships which have endured from the older generations, who were there when he first arrived, down to their children and grandchildren who still had a great rapport with him right up to the time of his death. In 1962, I.J. married Mary Garry, from Ballynacally and, together, they raised their family of four children, encouraging them and fostering in them a great love of and respect for their own place, for animals and music, particularly traditional Irish music. He bred Connemara ponies and he and Mary travelled all over the place with the family, as children, bringing them to Gymkhanas, pony shows,music classes, ceilis and Fleadhs. Over the days of his funeral, I.J. was described as "one of nature's gentlemen, a man of the land, having a smile and a kind word, encouraging people, having a keen knowledge of animals and enjoying the liveliness of his grandchildren and proud of all his family". He was one of the "regulars" at Morty Kellys on the Friday nights for the game of cards up to a few years ago. One of his last outings was to join his family in Glor in November, when The Shannon Family was awarded the MoRglor Award for 2021 in an evening of great music and reminiscences, in which I.J. and his late wife, Mary, were regularly mentioned. His requiem mass was a moving musical tribute to his long and fruitful life and as he was laid to rest beside his wife, Mary, the music continued in the graveyard, lifting the hearts of all present in their farewell to a dear father, grandfather and friend.I.J. is survived by his son Garry, daughters Mary, Sharon, Majella, their spouses, eleven grandchildren, nephew, nieces and friends. The death has also taken place, in New Jersey, of Maura Moore, nee Donnellan, sister of Eileen Roughan, Kilcurrish, Fountain |
Notes for January >