The Quiet Man.
We were all saddened this week to hear of the death of Jim Power, Oldcourt. Jim was a quiet, honest, hardworking man who went about his daily business in an unassuming nature. Jim was a native of Portlaw born into the farming life and always had a great love of the land and farming. Jim was also a great supporter of the GAA world and was not only a fne player on the field and then in later years a brilliant supporter of both local and county teams.
Jims’ other great love in life was dancing and was a very fine dancer, in fact the great Tom Cheasty once remarked that Jim could turn on a sixpence on the dance floor. It was at one such dance that Jim met the love of his life Kathleen Butler and another successful Portlaw-Kilmeaden marriage began. They made their home at Oldcourt and raised their two sons Eoghan and PJ there and in later days six grandchildren. Jim was a real family man and loved to see the grandchildren calling and hearing about their activities.
While Jim and Kathleen always enjoyed going to dances, they also enjoyed meeting socially with friends for a chat or to listen to some good music. I know that Jims good friends in O Donachas will miss his company and I’m sure they will raise a large bottle in his honour.
We all hope that Jim now enjoys the peace and comfort of the heavenly kingdom and that his family can draw comfort from the wonderful memories they hold of Jim.
Keep A Check
As the clocks go back and our days are darker and colder, I ask you all to keep an eye out for all your neighbours and friends especially the elderly and those who live alone. The power of a friendly smile or chat can bring great joy to a persons day. Keep a check also that they have enough firewood or fuel and enough groceries in. The offer of a spin to the shops or mass or even just a little drive out is a kind and generous act and believe me you will get just as much pleasure from doing as receiving.
November Dead List
Although we always remember our loved ones gone before us with great fondness we think of them in a special way during the month of November. Here in our parish we offer a special mass for our dead each Wednesday night during November. The masses on Wednesday 6th,13th, 20th and 27th will be at 7.30pm. The final mass on Wednesday November 27th will be offered especially for all those who died in the past 12 months. If you would like to add the name of a relative or friend to the list of those who died during the year please contact Linda Spillane on 087-9838392 or add their name to the list in the front porch of the church.
Wedding Bells.
We send warmest congratulations to Mark O Connell who recently married his sweetheart Rose Anna. The couple were married in the beautiful county of Donegal and Marks parents Gerry and Margaret tell me that the day was fantastic and that all plans just fell into place. We hope that the happy couple enjoy a wonderful life together full of love and happiness.