The late Rodger O’Halloran
Rodger O’Halloran, Monty’s Meadow, Conna and formerly of Kilworth, Co. Cork, passed to his eternal reward on February 28th last.
Born in the Erinville Hospital, Cork on 24th June, 1939, it was his mother Elizabeth who reared Rodger at their home in Parliament Street, Cork, as his father James worked in London all his life.
In 1943 when Rodger was four years old, Elizabeth gave birth to Rodger’s sister, but unfortunately both mother and child died in childbirth. Rodger was then taken to Midleton Hospital where he remained for a short while, as his father was still in England. Rodger was then taken care of by Mary and Jim Leahy (Rodger’s uncle), where he spent the next twelve years alongside Mary and Jim’s children, Eddie, Billy and Jimmy Leahy and Mon O’Callaghan.
When he was sixteen years old, Jim Leahy got a job for Rodger at Tom Hallahan’s in Rathcormac doing farm work. Rodger spent many happy years there and also spent many years at Moorepark as a labourer. He then worked for different farmers around the Fermoy and Kilworth area. The remaining years of his working life were spent at O’Brien’s in Kilworth, where he was treated very well and was very happy there.
Some 15 years ago, Rodger moved to Monty Meadows in Conna where he lived until his recent sad passing, on 28th February in CUH Cork. Rodger’s life in Conna was great and he got involved in all activities, including bingo and cards, never missing a day trip or the annual four/five days away. He was a breath of fresh air, full of fun and a very positive individual.
Suffering a stroke two years ago, he recovered well after it and had a mobile scooter that was like a Rolls Royce to him. He travelled all the surrounding areas around Conna on it. Rodger spent many a weekend at Leahy’s Open Farm as a car park attendant and loved every minute of his time there. Many people knew him because of this and he always had a lovely word for people visiting the farm. He will be sadly missed there.
Rodger never married, but never gave up on finding love. He was full of jokes and has left us lovely memories and is sadly missed by his loving family and friends and will never be forgotten.
At his funeral Mass, which was celebrated by Rev. Fr. B O’Donovan P.P., assisted by Rev. Fr. Paddy Barry P.E., symbols representing Rodger’s life were presented to the altar. A photo of Rodger and his Mum were presented by Tina Dunleavy, while James Leahy brought a statue of Our Lady, Eamonn Leahy brought ornamental love birds and Donal Leahy a high vis jacket. The significance of these items were narrated by Laura Downes.
A fitting eulogy was delivered by Laura Downes giving an insight into Rodger’s life and acknowledging the help and support the family have received from family and the surrounding community.
Rodger was laid to rest in Templenacarriga Cemetery, Lisgoold, as Willie Kearney played one of Rodger’s favourite songs ‘I don’t mind if I do’ on the accordion. May he rest in peace.