Tola on Clare F.M. Local musician, Tola Custy, featured on ‘Atlantic Tales’ on Clare FM on Sunday evening in a lively, interesting and entertaining interview full of positivity. The passion, love and zest for life shone throughout and it’s no wonder that he is very popular with young and old - his respect for older people and his enthusiastic encouragement for young people are very special traits he possesses. He spoke highly of his father, Frank and mother, Teresa who encouraged Tola and his sisters in their love of music. Tola has travelled the world thanks to his love of playing, he is a noted fiddle player, and his involvement in music, composing and playing, has stood him well over the past year since Covid restrictions came into place. He is involved in various projects with youth groups and has done some work with the BBC. His career as a primary school teacher, working with young children, gives him great hope for the future and highlights how important education is to children. In these times when a lot of the news is filled with Covid statistics and pessimism, it was a nice ‘time out’ filled with positivity and hope. Recent Deaths. The death has taken place of Eileen O’Donoghue (née Crowley) of Toonagh and formerly from Ballynacally. Eily, as she was fondly known, endeared herself to all those she met over her lifetime. She was born and reared in Ballynacally and had three brothers and one sister. She cycled to school in Ennisand became a phychiatric nurse. She had a passion for music, singing and dancing, and it was at a dance in Ennis that she met her late husband, Frank. Following their marriage, they lived in Spancilhill for eleven years and in the early 1970’s they came to live in Toonagh, where they built the home where they reared their six children. Eily’s wit, good nature and her resilience were traits that her family, friends and neighbours would attribute to her. She was an avid supporter of parish activities, Camogie, hurling and was always up to date with the latest happenings. She loved the annual holiday in Lahinch and Christmas party with the Ruan Old Folks Club and she looked forward to her weekly outing to Clarecastle Daycare Centre, where she often regaled the gatherings with her beautiful singing voice. Eily was a woman with a big heart who loved her family dearly and her death, on Valentines Day, in her own home, with her family, was testament to the love they also had for her. Eily was predeceased by her husband, Frank and is survived by her daughter Mary, sons Patrick, Connie, James, Francis and Sean, son in law, daughters in law, brothers Michael and John Joe Crowley, grandchildren, extended family, neighbours and friends. Following requiem mass in Ruan Church, Eily was laid to rest in Drumcliffe Cemetery. Anastasia Pyne (née Hastings) Ranaghan, Corofin formerly of Drumline, Newmarket on Fergus died in Liscannor Nursing Home last week and was laid to rest in Kyle Graveyard. Anastasia was a quiet, gently lady. She was predeceased by her husband, Tom, and is survived by her sons Gerry and Mark, sisters in law, extended family and friends. The deaths have also taken place, in recent times, of Philomena O’Gorman, Kildysart, sister of Carmel O’Loughlin, Dromore, Ruan and Peter Cornelius Duson father of Kees Duson, Ruan. |
Notes for February >