Billy was a kind hearted man who loved music
THERE was widespread sadness on Good Friday following the death of William (Billy) Whitty.
Billy of Mountaingate, Cleariestown was laid to rest on Easter Monday alongside his parents and beloved elder brother Tommy in the little cemetery adjoining Cleariestown Church.
Billy was very popular with everyone he met being of a disposition that never intentionally offended.
Billy was a man with special needs and spent his latter years in Kerlogue Nursing Home where he was very well looked after by a caring staff. Weekends were spent in Murrintown with his sister Mary (Tut) and he always looked forward to this weekly visit to Murrintown House.
A deeply religious person Billy had a great devotion to the Sacred Heart and the Blessed Virgin Mary and going to Mass was one of the highlights of his life.
He became firm friends with his Dublin based consultant Professor O’Toole who had great regard for Billy. The eminent surgeon used to laugh heartily when Billy would say to him: ‘Hey, O’Toole, how you today?’ or some similar comment.
Billy was also on very friendly terms with his local priest, Fr John O’Reilly and would occasionally admonish the priest if he gave a little cough by saying ‘fags no good for you, they make you cough, me telling you’.
While staying in Kerlogue Nursing Home Billy produced many fine paintings with the help of his tutor. He also had a great love of music and enjoyed watching hurling games and the soaps on television.
As a young man he worked on the family farm at Mountain Gate with his late father Richard, mother Annie, older brother Tommy and sister Eileen. Billy had a great understanding of horses and ploughed like a champion with a pair of ponies. He also milked by hand and had a great way of soothing a difficult cow during milking.
The now defunct Regal Lodge Bar on the New Line which was situated not far from Billy’s home hosted the best bands of its time and Billy loved the music there. He also helped out the owners by picking up empty glasses.
There was a huge turnout for both Billy’s repose and his sister Tut’s home in Murrintown and also at his funeral Mass which took place in Cleariestown Church. The staff from Kerlogue Nursing Home, fellow service users and the staff from Ard Aoibhinn were all in attendance joining Billy’s relatives, neighbours and many friends.
The Knights of Malta were also there in large numbers wearing full uniform having known Billy well through their dealings with him.
Close friend and neighbour Brian Doyle read a lovely tribute to Billy at his funeral Mass which was celebrated by Fr Kevin Cahill and con-celebrated by Fr John O’Reilly, Fr Jimmy Moynihan and Fr Jimmy Ryan. Kathleen Lawton performed the music and singing at the mass which was held on Easter Monday.
Billy is survived by his sisters Mary (Tut) and Eileen, sister-in-law Margaret, relatives, friends and neighbours. Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam dílis.