Forde, Billy
November 09, 2010Joy mixed with sorrow for the rural community of Old Leighlin when, less than 30 hours after the local senior footballers had claimed the Conlon Cup as county champions, club president Billy Forde passed away unexpectedly at the home of his son Liam, where he had lived for the past year.
Billy, who celebrated his 80th birthday in June, had attended the county final replay at Dr Cullen Park on Sunday 24 October, witnessing his beloved Old Leighlin win their second county title. He watched the DVD of the final at home a short time before his death.
Born in Canada, Billy was only 18 months' old when his lumberjack father William Forde, originally from Co.Cork, was killed in a logging accident. Her sister Connie was six months' old at the time.
Billy's parents had emigrated to Canada, but on William's death, his mother, the former Margaret Caine from Old Leighlin, returned to her native place. That was in 1932.
In his younger days, Billy worked at a variety of jobs. He thinned beet, as many people did at that time, while an unusual occupation he engaged in was painting ESB pylons. He later took up employment on the extensive farm attached to St Dymphna's Hospital in Carlow.
On an impulse, Billy sat the entrance examination at the hospital for psychiatric nursing. He passed the exam and for the remainder of his working life gave loyal and dedicated nursing service at the Carlow hospital. He worked at St Dymphna's for more than 40 years.
It was while working there that he met Madge O'Neill from Leitrim, who also nursed at St Dymphna's. The couple married and had four children. Madge died in 2000, which was a great blow to Billy, who retired from St Dymphna's some 13 years ago.
In his youth, Billy was a keen cyclist and often strapped his racing bike on his back and cycled to Dublin on his ordinary bike to race in the Phoenix Park.
Billy was instrumental in reforming Old Leighlin GFC in 1952 and he held virtually every position in the club. At the time of his death, he was honorary president.
In 1958, Billy won a Carlow junior football championship medal with the club. He appeared in a recent Nationalist photo of that team from 52 years ago.
A dedicated family man, Billy also had a great love of gardening and was active up to a few days before his death.
His remains were removed on Thursday 28 October from his daughter Margaret's home to St Lazerian's Church, Leighlinbridge, where they received by Fr Tom Lalor, PP.
A guard of honour of former and current Old Leighlin footballers met the cortege when it returned to the village for burial in the local cemetery. A blue and white jersey was placed on the coffin. Fr Lalor recited the final prayers at the graveside.
Billy is survived by his children Margaret Tierney (Old Leighlin), and Neil Forde (Old Leighlin). He is also mourned by his sister, Connie Hanley (London), ten grandchildren, sons-in-law Martin Tierney and Myles Kehoe, daughters-in-law Mary and Suzsanne Forde, by nephews, nieces, other relatives, friends, neighbours and by all associated with Old Leighlin GFC.
Courtesy of the Carlow Nationalist 9/11/10 Tweet
