John was called to his eternal reward on the morning of November 21st and left behind a trail of happy memories to his family and all who were lucky enough to be befriended by him. here was an evident sense of loss, sadness and nostalgia in his native village on hearing the news of the passing of this eminent gentleman who was a legend in his own right. Not alone was he a brother-in-law but rather a kind and caring friend who we regarded with great affection. Requiem Mass for John was concelebrated by Rev Fr Pat Scanlon, Fr John Gavlin, Fr Timothy Hazelwood and Fr Donal Roberts and the Mass was sung by Anna McCarthy, Ballyhoolly, Fr Scanlon invited John's grandchildren to place the symbols of his life on the altar as follows: Ciara presented a hurley. Emma, a photo of John and his beloved Margot, Liz a Tidy Towns Award plaque and Maria, the first copy of the book 'The OLd Rustic Bridge.' Readings were performed by John's daughters Cathy and Valerie and gifts were taken up by his nieces catriona and Kathy and prayers of the faithful were read by Martina Desmond, Suzanne Courtney, Rebecca Wistreich and Jerry Galvin. At the end of mass, his daughter Valerie, in her eulogy said: "My Father was a remarkable man. John McHugh lived his entire life in the village of Castletownroche. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word. A generous man, a man of honour and integrity. As far as my father was concerned- how one lived one's live was paramount. He was not a materialistic man or interested in accumulation or self gain. This village, this community was where Dad's interest and commitment lay. As a family, we shared him with pride and with his community. He loved Castletown Roche and always strove for its betterment. He dedicated his energy to the local GAA club and the North Cork and county boards." "In his later years, 'Tidy Towns' was where he made his mark, and of course- he was always a worker for the Fianna Gael party. His focus was always on making things better, making a difference. We were indeed blessed as a family and proud to have him as our father - what a team he and our Mother made. Between them, they created the glue which binds this family together. They thought us that people, relationships and family are where we must put our energies. Be kind, be generous and most of all be welcoming of others whose values they espoused. "Dad told me a story recently of a man who lived outside Castletownroche village, when he was young. There were only three of four vehicles in the village at the time- the man was unwell and feared that he wouldn't have the ability to make the walk home. He called to the house and asked Dad would he give him a lift home and Dad of course, obliged. When the man got out of the van, he said "John I Hope you will never be short a lift in your lifetime" and indeed he never was, because all of you good people in your own way gave him a lift when he needed it. How true is it that we reap what we sow. Today, I want to thank you on my father's behalf for all the lifts you gave him in his lifetime. I want you to know that he felt blessed with his friends, his community, his family. He has left us under a life well lived- a life he loved and enjoyed to the full and left us with memories of such good times, because he was so involved with all of us and he has left a book full of memories, full of pride in his community's achievement and history. He has spent the last 15 years of his life on this project and even in the last 8 difficult months, he worked on this book because he wished to finish it while he had the strength. He held that book printed and bound in his hands the night before he died- his work complete. It is his gift to the community." As the cortege moved down the aisle of the church to take John to his resting place in the local graveyard, Anna sang 'The Old Rustic Bridge by The Mill' and the mourners walked to the graveyard, stopping en route when passing his home on Doneraile Road and as he was laid to rest all present sand 'The Old Rustic Bridge by The Mill' which was a favourite song of John's, RIP. The vast crowds each day at his obsequies was testament to the high esteem in which John was held in his native community and further afield. There was a guard of honour on mOnday night at the Church by the Tidy Towns committee and the Fine Gael party and the GAA en route to the churchyard on Tuesday. Fr Scanlon, in his homily spoke as John as follows: "These days recalling lots of memories that go back to childhood over the many cups of tea with life-long friends and neighbours. Friends, community and involvement were more important to John and Margot than material things." "For you, his sisters it is similar, except your memories go back a little further. For you his friends and neighbours, there are also numerous memories of someone who spent so much time of his life giving of himself voluntary for the good of the community." "While there is today a deep sense of sadness and loss- gratitude aswel for these beautiful memories which enrich us all. I met him within my first week here when he approached to welcome me to the parish to "I found him to be a very genuine, honourable and sincere person." "He spoke a lot about his late wife Margot, just five and a half years dead. For him it was a huge break after 50 years of a happy marriage. Thankfully, he did learn to cope." He had a great passion for hurling with Castletownroche. He was a member of the minor team that won the North Cork Final in 1942 and went on to win further North Cork medals at novice level in 45 and 49 and at junior level in 54, 56 and 57. "John was a selector for the Cork U21 team from 65-79, a period which they won 7 All-Irelands, including four-in-a-row. John was also life time president of our local club and trustee of our local GAA grounds. Another great passion of his was The Tidy Towns committee for the last 27 years or so. "John had a phenomenal memory while it is sad that he will not be with us for the launch of the book. 'The Old Rustic Bridge,' on the 15th December. Nevertheless, it is great that so much of local GAA and social history of the area that was carried in that memory has been committed t print before he left us. It really is John's parting gift to our community. From the little glance I had through it, I have no doubt that it will be a must have for every Castletownroche person at home or abroad. Luckily he saw the book and read through it hours before he died." "Today we give thanks to God for John's long life: A life lived to the full. A life of service to others. A live that touched and enriched the lives of so many people." "The second reading today says "Now he can rest forever after is labours since his good deeds go with him." The Avondhu, 11/12/08 Tweet

Most Read Stories