The Late Joe Doorley The recent death of Joe Doorley, Caritas, Oak Park, Carlow was received with great sorrow by his loving wife and family, neighbours and large circle of friends in Carlow town and county. Joe was best known as a progressive, hardworking farmer and took great pride in caring for the land and animals. he was born in Cloneen, Nurney, in a very different time both economically and culturally. Working life began on the land at an early age doing jobs which are no longer a feature of Irish farming - ploughing with horses, weeding and thinning beet. The 'lamping' and sale of rabbits was also an important source of income at this time. Throughout his life a good "kitchen garden" was most important, probably from the days when self-sufficiency was imperative in order to have food on the table. Joe loved the land given our history in relation to the landlord's domination. Ownership of land provided security and a means of making a living in a time of high unemployment. Joe also loved his country. Remembering much of the early turmoil of our state, he was very conscious that freedom and the right to vote were not easily obtained and should be forever appreciated. There was always a tremendous respect for ancestry in Joe's life as he gave thanks to those who gave so much of themselves for the present generation. In turn, he believed the present generation should be conscious of the legacy we leave behind for the future. As a keen musician Joe was involved with Ceoltas for many years. He was a member of the Nurney Fife and Drum band where he played the bagpipes, tin whistle, accordion, melodica and mouth organ. Gaelic games were a passion for Joe and he often cycled long distances to matches including one to Waterford to see the famous boy wonder, Tommy Murphy from Laois, take on Kerry and a trip to Athy to see Carlow win the Leinster title in 1944. During his playing days, Joe played with Fenagh and Nurney GAA club and he represented the county at junior level. Joe was a member of the Easter week commemoration committee and a member of the Thomas Traynor Memorial committee. In his youth Joe spent many an evening visiting houses where he would play cards and music during a time when television was an unknown concept. Some people have described him as an expert at the pitch'n toss. Family and faith were interconnected in Joe's life and of vital importance to him. Joe was the beloved husband of Teresa for 41 years raising of family of seven children together. Joe died at St Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny. His funeral was received at Carlow Cathedral by Fr Cushen. Also in attendance were Fr Morgan, Fr Little, Fr Cummins and Fr Murphy. The requiem mass was concelebrated by Fr Cushen and Fr Dillon. His burial took place in St Mary's Cemetery and Mr Pat Hickey, the last surviving member of the Thomas Traynor memorial committee, paid tribute to Joe and sang the ballad of Thomas Traynor at the graveside. Joe was hugely respected, greatly admired and will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Joe is survived by his wife Teresa, daughters Carmel, Colette, Geraldine, Siobhan and Carrie, sons Michael and JJ, sisters Nan and Bab, grandchildren, sons-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam dilis. Courtesy of the Carlow Nationalist 20th May 2005 Tweet

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