The late James Phelan The sudden passing of Mr James (Jim) Phelan of Kilrainey, Moycullen, was an occasion of great sadness and regret in the extended district, where he was widely known and popular. Jim, who hailed from Mountrath in County Laois, served for 41 years with the Forestry Service (Coillto Teo). He was an integral part of the local community since coming to live and work in this district 42 years ago. Jim took charge of Ross Forest in 1965 with a staff of 40 and recognised the necessity for local sales, pioneering the Christmas Tree Market in Ross and later developing the growing market in Galway. The good-humoured and friendly Jim had a deep knowledge of forestry, having learned many and varied skills in his teenage years a the local forest in Bawnreagh, in his beloved Laois. His later training took place at Shelton Abbey and Avondale Forestry Schools in County Wicklow and he worked in counties such as Cork, Tipperary and Wicklow. Jim also worked in the Glen of Aherlow in County Tipperary, where his son Denis was born, but made his home in Moycullen. He was a keen environmentalist and he always urged Coillte Teo to have regard for its surroundings when carrying out such operations as ploughing, drainage and aerial fertilisation. In the 1960s his responsibilities for the development of forestry and the creation of employment extended over the whole West Galway region for Galway to Clifden. This extensive area was later subdivided into smaller tracts and he was responsible for developing forestry in Moycullen-Rosscahill and Oughterard areas. Much was achieved in developing extensive area of forest lands. Glowing tributes were extended to him at the removal of remains and burial ceremonies. Many present had fond memories of times when life was simpler and change was at a slower pace. At a time when employment opportunities were sparse and emigration was extremely high in local parish, the forestry kept many people in worthwhile employment. Jim Phelan had a great fondness for rural area and the traditional lifestyle, he loved meeting people and hearing that they and their families were doing well. He loved a chat, a game of cards, a game of golf and farming with is great friends, the late Waltie McDonagh and Martin McDonagh, Baile Doite. Mr Phelan maintained his interest and deep involvement in rural development throughout his life. In the 1960s he lived in Porridgetown near Rosscahill and was involved with Killanin GAA. After the Phelan family moved to their new home in Kilrainey, he got involved with community development and was especially associated with Coiste Pobail Mhaigh Cuilinn and the Hall Committee. He derived great satisfaction from the securing and development of the Kilrainey Forest Park. He was very happy when his fellow County-man, MEP Liam Hyland, officially opened the facility. In the 1980s Social Employment Schemes provided many worthwhile facilities in the parish. He was to the fore in this area and his work will be a lasting tribute. Before coming to the West of Ireland, he served as a County Councillor on Laois County Council for the Tinnahinch-Borris-in-Ossory district and spoke fondly of cycling to the various meetings as young member of the local authority, an indication of how he always wished to serve the people. He was just past 81 years of age and always had an active and healthy life up to a short time before his sudden death. His passing will certainly leave a great void within his immediate family circle and in the wider community. The reposing took place at the Aiseiri Room, a short distance from his home and his remains were removed to the Church of the Immaculate Conception on New Year's Day. The burial ceremonies took place at the local cemetery following the celebration of Requiem Mass, at which Fr Colm Clinton was celebrant. The gatherings were large and the attendance was representative of the various areas of his life. He is survived and fondly remembered by his wife, Una, a native of Killeagh, Cork; by his son, Denis; daughters Orla and Fiona; daughter in law, Nora; grandchildren Cian, Aine and Donncha; sisters; brothers; in-laws; nieces; nephews; cousins; other relatives and a wide circle of friends. Courtesy of the Connacht Tribune 13 January 2007 Tweet

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