Hickey, Ann
October 18, 2012The peaceful, yet vibrant mood of the community going about their daily lives quickly turned sombre around mid-morning as the sad and hard to understand news of the death of Ann Hickey filtered through. Ann had lost her long battle with illness and now Jim was grieving for a loving wife, Kevin, Fiona and James a loving mother, the Moloney family a loving sister and the community had lost a pillar and somebody that was very dear and special.
As people tried to come to terms with the unfolding news, the realisation quickly dawned that the radiant smile that touched and adorned the lives of everybody that she came into contact with was no more, the kind and generous heart would beat no more and those tireless hands that contributed so much to family and community were permanently at rest. We in Ballylanders GAA have not lost a member or an officer, we have lost the very heartbeat of our club. Ann Hickey, a native of Glenroe, was born the youngest of seven children to Paddy and Annie Moloney into a very strong GAA family that supported and propagated all things Irish. The love of the native games that was inculcated into her young mind was unflinching throughout her all too short life and it led to her unselfishly devoting so much of her time to the promotion and development of the Gaelic Athletic Association and her adopted club, Ballylanders.
A tower of strength to her husband Jim, who was also immersed in the GAA as a prominent referee, club official and South Board secretary for many years, Ann through her own involvement has left an indelible mark on the Ballylanders club and on the association in the division and county. For over two decades, she held top positions in the Ballylanders club, secretary 1993-6, treasurer 1997-2002, secretary 2003-2004, treasurer 2005-2006, secretary 2007-2010. Ann Hickey was no ordinary secretary or treasurer, she was inventive, creative, gifted with fore-sight, the type of person that clubs get once in a lifetime. At a time of great change in the GAA she was proactive in adapting quickly to new circumstances, she led form the front and was instrumental in promoting the development draw in Ballylanders.
Her prowess at sourcing tickets for members and for the public for big matches was legendary but then who could refuse such a charismatic individual with the gentle approach that exuded warmth and genuine gratitude for any assistance. The esteem in which Ann Hickey was held was reflected in the turnout at her removal from Ryan's Funeral Home, Ballylanders where mourners representing the GAA from the Munster Council, Country Board, the division boards and clubs in County Limerick, together with representatives from all walks of life, filed past to pay their respects for over four hours. The Church of the Assumption, Ballylanders was packed to overflowing on Tuesday for Ann's Requiem Mass, celebrated by Parish Priest Fr Thomas Breen, assisted by Fr Dave Walsh.
Ann Hickey and Ballylanders GAA stood shoulder to shoulder for over two decades and it was only fitting that the club should form a guard of honour at her removal and on the journey to her final resting place. We extend our sincere sympathy to Jim, Kevin, Fiona, James and the Hickey and Moloney Familys, who we are suffering with, in their very sad loss. We remember at this difficult time Jim and Ann's son Brendan, who was taken from us all twelve years ago and with whom Ann is now re-united. We salute you Ann for all you have done thanks for your dedication, help, leadership, friendship and cordiality, all with that infectious, radiant unforgettable smile and with heavy hearts Ann, we say may your gentle soul rest in peace. "We cannot stop the hands of time, Or live again in the past, But we love and think of Ann, as long s time will last" - Ballylanders Gaa Club.
Text courtesy of The Avondhu 18/10/12 Tweet
