O'Halloran, George
August 14, 2010
The Late George O'Halloran
The death took place recently of George O'Halloran, a well known Clare man and Gael. Although he had been living in Dublin for the past 61 years, he never forgot his Clare roots.
A son of the late Jack O'Halloran, who was from Gaurus, and the former Mary Lillis, who was a native of Low Island on the Shannon Estuary, George was born in Clarecast but came to live in Corrovorrin, Ennis when he was three years old. He was educated at Ennis CBS and after his schooling he joined CIE in Limerick in 1949. Later that year, he retired from CIE in 1989, he was district manager of the Clontarf Depot. During his time with the company, he survived two armed robberies in Clontarf and Summerhill CIE Depots. The highlight of his career with CIE was the visit of Pope John Paul II to Ireland in 1979 when he co-ordinated transport for 2,400 journalists and media people.
During his retirement years, he remained involved with CIE through the Retired Executive Social Team (REST) and the GPA, the monthly sodality in Merchants Quay.
Throughout his active life, he was involved in a number of voluntary organisations. Among them was the committee of the local school in his parish of St. Anthony's, Clontarf for 50 years. After his retirement in 1989, he was involved in the local church as a voluntary sacristan and remained in that position until shortly before his death.
George, who lived with his wife, Pat and family in St Lawerence Road, Clontarf, was also a Probus founder member in 1966, covering Clontarf, Raheny and Killister. He was president of Probus for a number of years.
However, his association with Clare was priority and for many years, he was a member of Muintir an Chláir - the Clare Association in Dublin. He served as secretary and vice-president and as a committee member played a big part in organising the associations annual dinner.
He never missed a Clare match if at all possible and he had a proud record of seeing 52 All-Ireland finals in hurling and football. No doubt, the Clare All-Ireland hurling wins in 1995 and 1997 were the highlights of his GAA involvement.
He died on August 14 in the Mater Hospital, Dublin. His remains were removed from his home to St Anthony's Church, Clontarf where funeral mass was celebrated the following day by Fr Paddy Sheehan, chaplain to the Clare Association in Dublin, assisted by Fr Tom McCarthy, PP, St Anthony's. The voluntary organisations Greorge was involved with were well represented as was Muintir an Chláir, which was represented by Liam O'Looney, chairman officers and committee members.
The funeral after mass was to Old Balgriffin Cemetery.
George is survived by his wife, Pat, son Seamus, daughter Mairéad; brother, John (Brudsie); sister, Peggy, daughter-in-law, Eaven, grand-daughter, Ava, sisters-in-law; brother-in-law; nieces and nephews and relatives.
Courtesy of the Clare Champion
September 3rd 2010
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