Avondhu area mourns tragic passing of Philip Leahy and the late Ned Barry

THERE was a great sense of shock and disbelief throughout Avondhu, Cork and all over Ireland when word broke of the tragic accident that led to the untimely death of Philip Leahy, Castleblagh, Ballyhooly who died in the Atlantic General Hospital on August 6.

Philip, 22, was a student at C.I.T. and went on a JI visa to the US for the summer holidays. He was a member of the Ballyhooly hurling and football teams and lined out at last year with the Junior B football side that drew with Cobh in the County final and came back to win the replay.

Philip was very popular with his clubmates in Ballyhooly and C.I.T. where he had completed his honours degree in Business Studies ilast June and was due to be conferred in October.

As well as GAA Philip loved his computer he played a bit of soccer and was a good community person. He was big into recitations and was a Scor na nOg winner at Juvenile level 10 years ago with the ‘Devil may Care’.

It has been a difficult week for the family and parishioners. His popularity was borne out in the huge attendance that were present for the funeral at Ronayne’s Funeral Home on Sunday evening.

Many Officers, delegates and members of the Avondhu Board and County Boards were in attendance as well as dignitaries from all walks of life over a wide area. There was a guard of honour as the cortege made its way into the Church of the Nativity in Ballyhooly. His coffin included the Ballyhooly jersey with the club flag on his coffin. There was also a capacity attendance at the Requiem Mass and burial on Monday. There was another guard of honour by club members to his final resting place. Kevin Collins gave a very appropriate reflection on his life.

Interment took place to the adjoining cemetery. To his mother Ann (nee Twohig) brothers William, Patrick, aunts, uncles, cousins, fellow students at C.I.T, team mates many friends and neighbours we tender our sincere sympathy.

THE LATE EDMUND (NED) BARRY

THE death occurred after an illness on August 11 at the Mercy Hospital Cork of Edmund (Ned) Barry, Croughevoe Mitchelstown.

The late Ned as he was best known was a very popular member in the local community. He gave a lifetime of service to the GAA. He was a founder member of Ballygiblin Hurling club in 1955. In his playing days he was a skilful hurler being centre forward and midfielder over many years. In the early 60s he was club Treasurer and won a Novice Hurling championship medal in 1963.

In 1961 Ballygiblin Club purchased a Prize Bond in the joint names of two great clubmen the late Paddy Tobin and Ned Barry. Ned Barry held the ticket in safety in his home till 1979 when the club won a prize of 25,000 pounds. That ticket was kept in safety and Ned was able to put his hand on it when Paddy Tobin called with the news. This resulted in the purchase of the new playing field and facilities.

A fundraising draw was started and Ned Barry as Chairman spearheaded the fundraising that led to the entire facilities being paid for by the time of the official Opening in 1984. The late Eddie served as Chairman Ballygiblin from 1980 to 1985. He was club Treasurer from 1961 to 1966. He served as a selector for many years. He was the first Chairman Ballygiblin Juvenile club that was formed in 1980. He held that position till 1984.

In 1996 he was elected Club President a position he held to his death.

As well as giving outstanding service to his club he was also a very good community man and a great family man. He was devout and religious, and a hard worker as a farmer. His popularity was borne out in the huge attendance that was present at the family home for his funeral.

Members of the Ballygiblin club past and present performed a guard of honour as the cortège made its way to Ballygiblin Church on Saturday night. There was also a very large attendance at the Requiem Mass on Sunday in Ballygiblin and at burial. There was a guard of honour at the graveyard with the club flag draped on his coffin. Interment took place to Brigown New Cemetery.

To his wife Mary, sons Edmund, John, Paul, daughters Margaret (Buckley) Una (Fitzgerald) Maureen (Devine) Tricia, sisters Mary (O’Connell) Peig (Duggan) brothers John, Matthew, grandchildren, great grandchildren, daughters in law, sons in law, brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, relatives neighbours and many friends we tender our sincere sympathy.