Well-known Businessman will be missed: Peter Ward, Tournafulla, Limerick, died in the Bon Secours Hospital in Tralee in November 1st after a short illness. He passed away on the same date as his brother Martin, from Abbeydorney, had died eight years earlier. Peter was born in Ballinrobe, Co Mayo, in 1940 and came from a family of ten children.

He went to England at an early age where he worked for British Rail and United Diaries. He married Mary Ita O'Connor and the couple settled in Tournafulla, where Peter became involved in the animal collection business with Peter O'Connor, now also deceased. He brought a five-tonne Bedford lorry and continued to grow the business which continues to thrive under the management and work of his five children - Petie, Delia, Paula, Miranda and Johnnie. Ward Waste Products Ltd. Employs thirty people. Peter made a major contribution to the sporting, social and economic development of Tournafulla. He played football for the local club and was on the team that reached the West Junior A Final in 1969. He was a good man to socialise and liked a good game of cards which he played every Friday night. Peter loved the land and took pride in looking after his cattle. He loved everything old and was a member of the Creeves Vintage Club. He was physically and emotionally strong and bore his illness bravely and without complaint. Peter's popularity was evident in the huge crowds that attended his funeral in Abbeyfeale and Tournafulla and his Requiem Mass was celebrated by his friend, Fr Willie O'Gorman PP, and his footballing team-mate Fr Davis Kenneally. He was laid to rest afterwards in the local cemetery.

(Text courtesy of Kerry's Eye 29/11/12) Tweet

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