Drum Notes

Late Mr Kenneth (Ken) O'Neill It was with much regret, sadness and sense of loss that the people of Drum, Athlone, and a wide area of South Roscommon and Westmeath learned of the death of Kenneth (Ken) O'Neill, Summerhill, Athlone which occurred at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe on January 16. Although in ill health for some time his death was unexpected. Aged 73 years, Ken was son of the late Martin and Josephine (nee Morgan, Newry, Co. Down), Baylough, Athlone, and was a member of a family of six. He was predeceased by his wife Mary (nee Kenny, Clonbolia) in 1978. Ken was born in London in 1938 which was pre-World War 2 and some time later was transferred to the care of his grandmother in Newry while his parents remained and worked in London for a few years. They were all later reunited and settled in Athlone. Ken was educated in Athlone receiving his secondary education at the Marist College. He commenced his working career with the Lipton's Foodchain, but later took up employment with New Ireland Assurance as a Sales Representative. He remained with this company for over fifty years working as District Manager for a long period of time. Of a friendly, caring and outgoing disposition he endeared himself to all those with whom he made contact with, family, friends and customers alike. He was well known and highly respected. He played football with Athlone and won County Senior Championship medals in 1961, 1965 and 1970. He also won a Junior hurling championship medal with Athlone and played with Westmeath during those years. He was a great supporter of the Clann na nGael club since taking up residence in Summerhill and his son Phelim played in all grades for the club. Ken was a member of the Thomastown Golf Society and thoroughly enjoyed his period as Captain of the Society in 2002. A guard-of-honour by all members of the society was formed as a mark of respect on the morning of his removal from the residence of his son Phelim. A guard of honour by the Clann na nGael club was formed at the cemetery as Ken was taken to his final resting place. His remains were removed from the residence of his son Phelim to the Church of SS Peter & Paul's, Athlone, for Mass of the Resurrection at 11am, which was followed by burial in Drum Cemetery. The chief celebrant of the Mass was Rev Fr Michael McManus CC, Drum, assisted by Very Rev Canon Liam Devine PP, SS Peter & Paul's, Athlone, Rev Fr John Cullen PP, Kiltoom, and Rev Fr Declan Shannon, CC, Coosan, Athlone. Ken is survived by his son Phelim (Summerhill), daughter Sinead Moran (Bealnamulla), grandchildren Ryan and Ellen Moran, son-in-law Derek Moran, brothers Dessie (Coosan), Anthony (Oranmore, Co. Galway) and Terry (London); sisters Mary (Baylough, Athlone) and Bernadette (Dublin). He is also survived by his mother-in-law Mrs Ellie Kenny, Clonbolia, Ballydangan, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins and a large circle of friends. May he rest in peace. Late Mrs Mary (Mae) Brennan The death occurred recently in London of Mrs Mary (Mae) Brennan (nee Harney, Crannagh, Athlone). Aged 86 years, she was daughter of the late Patrick and Lena Harney and was the eldest of a family of ten. She emigrated to the U.K. in her early years, but did return to Ireland in the 1990's and lived in Cartron Drive, Athlone, for twelve years before returning to North London to be near her children and grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Peter Brennan, a native of Kerry in 2009. Her funeral has taken place in London. May she rest in peace. Recently bereaved Sincere sympathy is extended to Margaret Macken, Lisdillure, Cornafulla, on the death of her mother Mrs Lily Hogan, Altown, Garrycastle, which occurred on Thursday, January 19 at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe. Sincere sympathy is extended to Helen Glynn, Clonark, Cornafulla, on the death of her mother Mrs Mary Kate Gutherie, 12 Lestlodge, Athlone, which occurred at her residence on Tuesday, January 17. Sincere sympathy to Seamie Mulvihill, Johnstown, Cornafulla, on the death of his grandmother Mrs Patricia Mulvihill, Whitehall, Coosan, which occurred at her residence on January 15. May the deceased rest in peace. Coffee morning and cake sale in Clonown A coffee morning and cake sale will be held in Clonown hall on Sunday morning next January 29 after the 11am Mass followed by a disco for children. This event is being held to raise funds for the I.H.C.P.T. or the Irish Handicapped Children's Pilgrimage Trust, an organisation which bring children with special needs to Lourdes at Easter. A group of cyclists will cycle from the North of France completing 100 miles per day for seven days before reaching Lourdes. Each cyclist must raise €2,500 for each child taken on pilgrimage. Clonown native James Costello is one of those cyclists and any support received will be very much appreciated. The supply of cakes and or your attendance on the morning would be very welcome to support this very worthy cause. Wedding bells for Imelda and Gavin The marriage took place on Saturday, December 31, 2011, at St. Brigid's Church, Drum, between Imelda Watson, fourth daughter of Annemarie and the late Laurence Watson, Crannagh, Summerhill, Athlone and Gavin McGrath, youngest son of Stephen and Angela McGrath, Rathfarnham, Dublin. The bride was given away by her brother Philip. The marriage ceremony with Nuptial Mass and Papal Blessing was performed by Rev. Fr. Michael McManus C.C. Drum. The bridesmaids were Helen, Paula, Sarah and Catherine Watson, all sisters of the bride. The bestman was Brian Boyle, friend of the groom and the groomsmen were John McNeela, friend of the groom, Ian McGrath, brother of the groom and Barry McGrath, nephew of the groom. The lessons were read by Annemarie McDonnell, sister of the bride and Adele McGrath, sister of the groom. Hymns with musical accompaniment were rendered by Angeline Mansfield, friend of the bride. The reception was held at the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon and the honeymoon is being spent in South America. The bride is a teacher of history and English at St. Brendan's Co-ed School in Birr and the groom is a proprietor of a recruitment agency in Dublin. The couple will reside in Dublin. Clann na nGael lotto jackpot €2,400 won For the third time in a very short period of time, the Clann na nGael lotto jackpot has been won. The numbers drawn this week January 22 were: 2, 14, 17 and 27. The jackpot of €2,400 was won by Brendan & Joe Duffy, c/o Bernie Reilly. The five 'match three' winners who receive €40 each were: Mike Shine (Gary Shine); Breda Lafferty (Ray Fallon snr); Mary Kelly (Kitty Naughton); Mike & James (James Curley) and Tony Keyes (James Curley). The jackpot next week returns to €2,000 and the venue for the draw is The Mill. Congratulations to Brendan and Joe Duffy, father and son, from Meehambee, Drum on their success, and to Bernie Reilly who receives €240 as promoter.