Generosity and community spirt among Joe’s qualities
THERE was huge sadness in Baltinglass following the death of Joseph (Joe) Plant at the age of 74.
Many in the local community knew Joe due to his involvement in many aspects of life in Baltinglass.
After attending school, he began his working life. He soon decided to follow his interest in automobiles and trained as a mechanic in McDonald’s Garage in Hacketstown. He later moved to Brian Brennan’s Garage in Baltinglass before setting up his own garage business at Parkmore, Baltinglass in July 1977.
During his time in Brennan’s, Joe assisted with the undertaking business. He later teamed up with undertaker Paschal Dunne before starting to undertake independently. Joe would be pleased to know that the Plant family will continue the undertaking business he established. As a business person, Joe was well-regarded for the professional services he gave to his many customers.
For many years, Joe was a member of the local fire brigade. He also acted as a courier, travelling nationwide for many years, particularly for Kaideen Knitwear and Wampfler of Baltinglass. He was constantly busy, always doing something for someone else, and often helping people at very unsocial hours.
In his spare time, he was often asked to help a club or organisation and he was always willing to oblige. Joe had so many abilities and was known to be very generous with his time and energy.
Alongside Con Hayes, he created and arranged various stage sets for the Baltinglass Dramatic Society. They both travelled to many drama festivals around Leinster in the 1980s and their designs often won accolades as the best sets at various festivals.
Joe was also a very dedicated family man. He married his wife Maureen in 1988 and the couple had two children, John and Maeve. When he did take time off, Joe looked forward to spending time with his family on holidays to Spain over the past years and especially his last recent family trip to New York.
In his earlier years as a mechanic, Joe had a great interest in motor rallying. With his self-modified rally car and his friends, he often travelled the country to follow national rallying events. In later years, Joe enjoyed his Sunday morning golf game in Baltinglass Golf Club as well as the occasional ‘away’ golf trip. For many years, Joe voluntarily photographed and recorded the major presentation events of Baltinglass Golf Club.
For many years, Joe’s Monday nights were spent in Fatima Hall, Baltinglass, as he endeavoured to make the punters happy by announcing the numbers or helping at the weekly Parish Bingo.
He served two terms on the Board of Management of Scoil Naomh Iosaf, acting as a Safety Officer. Baltinglass Lions Club called on his services during their many fundraisers and events and he also helped the organisers of Daffodil Day. The family holiday mobile home was frequently called upon and was often visible in Weavers’ Square, Baltinglass, as it became, for a number of days, the focal point of a fundraiser or event.
Joe Plant is sadly missed by his beloved wife Maureen and children, John and Maeve, their partners Chloe and Harry, close family friend Kieran, sister-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, cousins, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
His funeral took place at St Joseph’s Church, Baltinglass. Burial took place afterwards in Baltinglass Cemetery. May he rest in peace.