Tubbercurry

ANNE GORMAN R.I.P.

The recent peaceful death occurred of Anne Gorman (née Masterson) late of Carrowcurragh, Lavagh.

Anne had just turned 90 a couple of months ago, just before the Covid pandemic, and her extended family and friends had a great party opportunity to celebrate her life in a way that was befitting to a wonderful mother, grandmother, great grandmother, neighbour and friend to so many.

Born in 1930 to parents Edward and Joan Masterson, Anne grew up in Tubbercurry town centre where her father ran an extensive grocery and general supply store. In the 1930s – 50’s the Masterson’s business was a major vendor of eggs purchased in Co. Sligo and surrounding counties. This was a major source of income for small farms and it brought all the Masterson family into close contact with many of the ordinary hard working people in rural areas.

Anne’s mother Joanie was a primary school teacher and great value was held on education in the Masterson household.

After finishing secondary school in the Marist Convent in the late 1940s Anne went to college and trained as a teacher and in due course secured employment in Easkey Vocational School and later in Tubbercurry Vocational School.

In due course Anne met the love of her life, Seán Gorman, who was a progressive farmer and cattle dealer. They had 40 very happy years together rearing their family before Seán died in1989.

Anne was a quiet and unassuming lady but with a mischievous sense of humour. She helped many families and individuals quietly and without fuss to get out of difficulties and the only conditioning to helping people was that nothing was said about it.

She was very close to her sisters Kaye, Mary Joe and Monica, who successfully ploughed their own furrows, while her brothers Eddie and Joe were famous characters in their life courses and they always had the backing and support from Anne.

Anne and Seán lived in Lavagh/Achonry area since they married and were fully involved in community activities in the parish. Seán worked away from home a good deal, buying and selling cattle while Anne was the reliable influence at home as their own children grew up.

Anne was a great lover of Drama and Theatre, an interest she developed along with her brother Joe.

Their uncle Matt Devine was one of the founding members of the Western Drama Festival, and Anne attended every festival since the mid 1940s till about two years ago when failing health limited her movement.

Tragedy struck the family in 2001 when Anne’s son Kieran died in the attacks on New Yorks Twin Towers where Kieran was working. This was a severe blow to Anne and her family but she accepted it as a cross to the borne. Anne was a great Christian and always accepted crosses given to her.

In due course she became an influencer of her grand children and neighbours children and these young people now have happy memories of a great lady.

Anne is survived by her daughter Anne Marie, who lovingly cared for her mother over many years, and sons Eamon, Michael, and John as well as daughters-inlaw, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, in laws, and a wide circle of great friends in the surrounding parish.

Sympathy is extended to them all.

Due to the Covid Pandemic the funeral was private but the sense of loss of a great lady and great human being is felt throughout the community.

May her gentle soul rest in peace.

MARTIN KEAVENEY R.I.P.

The death has occurred of Martin Keaveney, late of Tonaphubble, Sligo.

Martin was the first ever apprentice taken on by the fledgling tool making company Tool and Gauge of Tubbercurry in the mid 1950s as a young man.

Martin lived in Tubbercurry for a number of years while learning his trade and not alone did he get a fine education, but he also met and subsequently marryiedTubbercurry native Alice Gaffney.

After honing his skill in the expanding factory that was Tool and Gauge, Martin moved back to his native Sligo town along with other colleagues and set up their own tool making companies.

It was often said that Tubbercurry was the home or university of many of Irelands great tool making centres, and Martin Keaveney was a case in point.

As a prominent Sligo Business man, Martin entered politics and served as Lord Mayor of Sligo in the 80s.

Martins Business, Sligo Tool and Die, still continues under the stewardship of his sons Adrian, Fergal, and Garath.

May he rest in peace.

MARGARET MCINTYRE R.I.P.

The recent peaceful death occurred of Margaret McIntyre (née Johnston) late of Leitrim north. Cloonacool, Tubbercurry. In her mid 80’s Margaret was ill for some years but bore it with dignity.

During her work life Margaret was a primary school teacher in Cloonacool and Tubbercurry, a career she carried out ably and efficiently.

Sympathy is extended to their daughters Ann (White) Patricia (Kearns), sons-in-law, grand daughter, her sister Kathleen McCarrick, in laws, nephews, nieces, and many friends, all to whom sympathy is extended. May she rest in peace.

TOMMY GILLIGAN R.I.P.

The recent death occurred in Astoria, New York of Tommy Gilligan, formally of Dohern, Chaffpool, Tubbercurry.

In his 70’s Tommy was son of the late Martin and Annie Kate Gilligan, who were well known and respected as hard working people who reared a large family in tough times.

After emigrating from Ireland, Tommy spent most of his adult life in New York and enjoyed regular visits to Ireland and Tubbercurry.

Sympathy is extended to his wife Christina and children in New York and to his siblings Jimmy (U.K) Denis (Ballyara) Mike (Carlingford) Sylvester (Keash) Noel (Bunninadden) Jerry (New York) Kathleen (London) Attracta (Foxford) Veronica Corscadden (Carrentubber) Rosaleen (Bonniconlon) Martina (Roosky) and Oliver, who still lives at home in Dohern.

May he rest in peace.

CONNACHT RANGERS

The Centenary Anniversary of the Connacht Rangers Mutiny in India was scheduled to take place in Tubbercurry on June 27 this year with President Michael D Higgins in official attendance. However, this has now been deferred due to the COVID-19 pandemic and has been provisionally re-scheduled for November 2 next.

Local man in Tubbercurry, James Gorman was a participant of the mutiny as part of their objection to the Black and Tans activities in 1920 in Ireland during the War of Independence. At that time the Connacht Rangers were a Regiment of the British Army, who had served for over a hundred years up to that point with loyalty, including in the First World War.

However, the atrocities carried out by the Black and Tans in 1920 were getting worldwide criticism, and this was what sparked the mutiny.

The leader of the mutiny James Daly was shot on November 2, 1920, for his part in igniting the rebellion, but James Gorman from Tubbercurry and his colleagues lived to tell the tale.

Hopefully, the country will have reverted to some form of normality by November to facilitate this ceremony proceeding. More details later.

TIDY TOWNS

At this time of the year there is usually great activity by the Tidy Town Committee on various projects around town, but this cannot be done in an organised fashion this year due to the COVID-19 restrictions.

However, residents should still be aware that they can do their own bit of Tidy Town work around their own property or on public spaces near their home.

With so many people off work at present it is an ideal activity to keep occupied and keep boredom at bay. To be fair to some people, some individuals are doing great voluntary work of a Tidy Town nature using their own initiative but more could be done.

Many approach roads and streets have litter accumulating that is visible on walking. If you live on a littered road, why not take an hour to go out with a bag and collect the litter? It can be deposited at the Council Yard on Ballina road or collection of it can be arranged by Geraldine Brennan or Roger McCarrick.

CORRESPONDENT

Email Roger McCarrick tubbercurrynotes@gmail.com.