John was very popular with colleagues and had great skill in garden and kitchen
John (Johnny) Watters, who died on 21 September, 2018, was one of the first residents of Saint Fursey’s Terrace, Blackrock. He worked for 41 years with the ESB.
He hailed from Grange, Knockbridge, the eldest of six children of the late Paddy and Julia Watters.
He attended school in Knockbridge and after working on local farms started work as a linesman with the ESB at the age of 17.
Johnny enjoyed his job even though it entailed braving all sorts of weather. He wasn’t in the least put out by answering call-outs at all times of day and night and on weekends when storms and emergencies arose.
He was popular among colleagues and known for his leg-pulling antics, which were fondly recalled by those who came to sympathise and offer their respects during the course of his wake.
He worked over the wider Dundalk area, taking in North Louth and Mid Louth, as far as Dunleer.
For health reasons he took early retirement, which created a void in his life, but he engaged in part-time roofing work and also as a night security man.
He filled in time in his garden. He loved former workmates calling and reminiscing with them.
Johnny loved flowers and seeing them in bloom in the summer. The hanging baskets he created and put up in the front of his home were a joy to behold.
Gardening played a big part in the latter years of his life. He grew cherry tomatoes, lettuce and scallions in his glasshouse and took pride in keeping his garden and home.
He liked to be active and pottering about and was a man who believed in getting on and doing things once he thought of them. Occasionally his nephew Alan Hilliard would be his side-kick and anything that Johnny couldn’t manage Alan was the man to get it done.
He loved going into Woodies and picking up bargains on discount day for pensioners, such as tools and equipment.
Another hobby was visiting markets, like Jonesboro when it was going strong, and Fairyhouse, in search of knick-knacks. Most items he wouldn’t use and ended up giving away.
He was a dab hand at cooking which he enjoyed. He could make a meal out of an egg. His stew was a real treat.
Blackrock became his adopted home. Johnny and his wife, Teresa (nee Neary) in 1958 moved into the then newly-built first batch of houses in Saint Fursey’s Terrace at Cocklehill.
He was the last surviving man of the couples who first occupied the houses.
Teresa was from Dromiskin and they met through dancing. With few cars in those days Johnny used to cycle over and back for dates.
They spent the first couple of years of their marriage in Dromiskin, and had one son, Seán when they took up residence in Blackrock. They went on to have a family of eight, comprised of four sons and four daughters.
Sadly, Teresa passed away 18 years ago, and their son, Ian, known by the nickname ‘Spock’ as he was an avid viewer of the long-running television science fiction programme ‘Star Trek’, died in London in 2009.
Johnny by nature was quiet but also garrulous at times and loved a cigarette before quitting twelve years ago. In his day he was an adept darts player and also played rings.
He was predeceased by his granddaughter, Kelly-Anne; wife, Teresa and son, Ian.
The death of his neighbour and close friend Niall McCabe in March this year had a profound affect on him. They spent a lot of time together and were good to each other in different ways. They used to go for spins wherever the mood took them and stop off for something to eat.
Johnny passed away peacefully in the wonderful care of the Louth County Hospital.
He is survived by his sons, Seán, Patrick and Darren; daughters, Anne, Veronica, Antoinette, Elaine; grandchildren, Shaun, Niamh, Shane, Sonia, Darren, Gary, Jason, Keelin, Nicole, Dean, Sarah, Tadhg, Caolán, Stella, Simone; great-grandchildren, Adam, Davin, Riagan, Saoirla, Tiarnan, Lee, Sam, Harry and Darren; brothers, Pat and James; sisters, Mary, Judy and Anne; sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
He reposed at his home on the Saturday, and his remains were removed on Sunday afternoon to Saint Fursey’s Church, Haggardstown.
Father Pádraig Keenan PP celebrated Requiem Mass assisted by Fr Brian White and Rev Dermot Clarke (Dcacon).
Gifts symbolising Johnny’s life were laid before the altar by Eva and Simone Watters and Veronica Watters.
The Prayers of the Faithful were led by Stella Watters, Sonya McCabe, Shane McCabe, Darren and Gary Harvey, Jason Hibbert, while the Readings were given by Niamh Watters and Shane McCabe.
The Offertory gifts were taken to the altar by Jean Watters and Michael McCabe.
Sean spoke about his father and read a prayer reflection after Holy Communion.
The music was provided by Ruth Kelly.
Burial took place in the adjoining cemetery.
The month’s Mind Mass for Johnny is on Sunday, 21 October at 12 noon in Saint Oliver Plunkett Church, Blackrock.