The sad news of the passing of one of Ballylongford's most respected citizens Michael McEllistrem RIP of Main Street, Ballylongford cast a huge air of gloom over the entire community on Thursday last July 2nd. Michael passing has left a huge void in the lives of countless friends and neighbours but most especially that of his family who he was most proud of, and it is to his sons Michael, Tim, Richard, Maurice and daughters Helen sister Alice, son in law, daughter in law, grandchildren, nephews, nieces and extended relatives we extend our sincere sympathies at this time. Born on 2nd January 1917 Michael grew up and lived on the family farm all his life, and it was on this farm he would become one of Ballylongford's and North Kerry's most progressive and industrious farmers in later years. But like all successful people, to reach such a high standard, particular in dairy farming required endless hours of hard work and this was very much the cast for Michael and his beloved wife Catherine and family. The normal everyday tasks of cutting and saving the turf, planting and maintaining the garden, cutting and saving the hay, along with milking and looking after the farm was never a burden despite the fact that farm machinery in those early days was not as modern as it is now. While working a large farm was not easy Michael also had many great visions in life, and one of those visions was the setting up of the Listowel Livestock Mart of which he was a founder member. While his work kept him very busy he also found time for relaxation and recreation. His love of Greyhounds was boundless and he loved the track and coursing meetings, in later years he would love to accompany and help his son Michael who also possesses the love of greyhounds with much success. But the second biggest enjoyment for Michael was football and particularly the local GAA club in which he played a big part of all his life. His success on the field of play saw him win North Kerry medals (League in those years) in 1940, 41, 42 and 43. Also in 1940 the famous Shannon rangers were formed Shannon rangers were formed and Michael played a vital part in that team having knocked out the then reigning County Champions Strand Road in the opening round with a twelve point victory margin. They progressed to the Semi Final only to be defeated by Dingle in that game. Two years later Shannon Rangers were back at the top again and on this occasion they went all the way in winning the County Football Championship for the very first time, and Michael was very much a key figure in the success of this team, despite having picked up an injury in the Semi Final. Up to his death there were only two surviving members of that 42 team both himself and Mons. Leahy. Prior to the days of the Shannon Rangers Michael played with the North Kerry Divisional team which reached the Final of the County Championship in 1938 but were defeated by Dingle in the Final. While he was a vital cog in the Ballylongford and Shannon Rangers teams he also wore the County colours with great pride. He was a Kerry Minor in 1934 but no honours were won in that year by this team. However he played for the Kerry Junior in 1938 and 1941 winning a Munster Junior medal in 38 playing at centre forward. After his playing career finished Michael became active in other areas of the club and he found great pride with the success that the club had during the late 60's and 70's as this was an era in which his sons backboned the Senior team that had great success. In latter years he was honoured with the title of club president a position he held up until the time of his death. The respect and admiration in which he was held in the club was reflected by the large numbers of former players and present day players who flanked his remains with a very fitting guard of honour on removal from Lynch's Funeral Home on Friday evening to St Michael's Church. The Kerryman, 8th July 2009 Flanagan, Ger The Flanagan family were left heartbroken recently at the sudden death of Ger Flanagan who was aged just 55. Ger is survived by his wife Elizabeth 'Dooley' to whom he was married for 32 years and their four children, Ger, Joeline, Ian and Shane as well as his children-in-law who were very fond of Ger. He had four grandchildren, Jordan, Casey, Troy and Finn, as well as his brother and sisters. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who loved having his family nearby and was never happier than when joining his wife Dooley and their children for a sociable pint in Hollands. He got on very well with his grandchildren, even getting to grips with Thomas the Tank Engine with two-years old Finn. A resident of Ballywaltrim Heights, Dooley's birthplace Rathnew also had a very special place in Ger's heart and he was staunch supporter of the village's GAA team. He also followed Liverpool FC, as did his children who often enjoyed getting together to watch the matches with their dad. One of Ger's most prized possessions was the Wicklow Jersey he got from Tommy Gill after Wicklow won the Tommy Murphy Cup. He was also a breeder of English bull terriers for 30 years and loved attending the dog shows. He often travelled to Spain with his family. Just last year 40 of them went on a trip to celebrate Dooley's 50th birthday. She and Ger went to Spain at least four times a year where they made great friends with a family that own the Glasgow Bar in Santa Ponza. They always welcomed Ger, Dooley and the kids in to their family. When Ian got married to Cathy in May, it was a very proud day for Ger. He was thrilled to have the entire family together and delighted to welcome his new daughter-in-law into the fold, having already become a second father to her over the years. The newlyweds said that while they are devastated at their loss, they are glad that Ger got the chance to have such a wonderful day. One of his more recent hobbies was the cultivation of bonsai trees, which his kids are now trying to look after for him. The pastime required a lot of patience, which was a quality Ger had in abundance. He was given his final farewell recently at St Fergal's Church before being laid to rest at Springfield Cemetery. His family said that they are grateful to all the relations, friends and neighbours who have shown them so much support in their sadness. Wicklow People, July 29th 2009 Tweet

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