Walsh, Nicholas
September 15, 2006
The late Nicholas Downey
The death has occurred in his 91st year of Nicholas Downey at Waterford Regional Hospital.
Formerly from Kilkenny Street he spent the last number of years at the O'Gorman Home in Ballyragget.
A native of Conahy he was deeply involved in agriculture all his life and as a young man he played football with Conahy Sarsfields. During his many years living in 'Comer he was actively involved in numerous organisations.
A born leader he was ever so generous of his time as chairman, secretary and treasurer of Castlecomer Development Association; chairman of Erin's Own GAA Club; supervisor in the Credit Union; as well as holding executive positions in the CYMS and Parish Hall Committee.
During his time working with the parish he led from the the front organising Deenside Festivals which attracted the top show bands in the country. He ran the local bingo for over 20 years and donated a sum of £25,000 to both the Community Hall and Day Care Centre from funds raised.
He always had the best interests of the community at heart no matter what task he undertook. It was only right and fitting that members of Erin's Own GAA CLub should form a guard of honour at the removal.
What better way to end the funeral mass in the communion reflection than with a poem take from Poems of the Deenside by the late Lily Downey. Lily was Nicholas's second wife. The book of poems was first published in 1977. The Poem was read at the Mass by Lillian Holmes.
As you journey along in the midst of the throng
Who travel the highway of life
Full many a time you'll get tired of the climb
Of the worry the struggle and strife
But don't be dismayed with heart unafraid
Keep on do not pause in your stride
And never say die you'll never rest by and by
Just remember whatever betide.
Somewhere the sun is shinning, somewhere the skies are blue.
There's always a a silver lining, and always a heart that's true.
Forget all the pain and sorrow, remember the joys instead.
Don't think of the road behind you, but just keep looking ahead.
If you stumble and fall, well so do we all.
It's all in the luck of the game.
The path may be rough but you've got strength enough.
To stick to your guns just the same.
The road won't seem long if you're singing a song.
And smiling right through to the last.
Then you'll find you can say at the close of the day.
When all care and worry is past.
Somewhere the sun is shining, somewhere the skies are blue.
There's always a silver lining, and always a heart that's true.
Forget all the pain and sorrow, remember the joys instead.
Don't think of the road behind you, but just keep looking ahead.
Burial was in Kilmacar Cemetery after Mass celebrated at St Colman's.
Courtesy of The Kilkenny People
15/09/2006
Most Read Stories