Callanan, Paddy

November 13, 2006
The late Paddy Callanan The death took place on November 13, 2006 of PJ Callanan, Derrykinlough, Kiltimagh. A native of Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, Paddy came to Kiltimagh in 1932 to work as a telegraph boy. Some years later was appointed postman for the area, working mainly from Cloonfallagh PO delivering mail to all the outlying areas of the town. His job ensured that he came into contact with lots of people and he was always obliged and helpful to those he met on his daily rounds. Paddy always kept very active and had several interests. He was very fond of painting and when the local drama society needed sets painted they always turned to him to do the job. When the rural electrification scheme commenced in the area Paddy wired many of the houses, such were his talents. But probably his greatest interest, outside of family and work, was music. He was very proficient in several instruments, his favourite being the accordion. He played with many local bands including the Sloyan Brothers from Knock, Liam McDonagh, Kiltimagh and, latterly, with the Pete Brown Showband, with which he toured the country and also travelled overseas. In his youth he was a keen hurler and played inter county with Tipperary. Over the years he made some attempts to get a hurling club set up in Kiltimagh but to no avail. Paddy was a great friend to many and a kind and helpful neighbour. He will be remembered with affection by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, but he will be especially missed by his son and daughters and their families. Following the death of his wife, Mary, some years ago, Paddy returned to his native Clonmel. He never lost touch with Kiltimagh and visited on a regular basis and kept in touch with all his old friends. His final trip was the summer of 2006 when he drove all the way from Tipperary, which was a fair achievement for a man of his years. He moved to the Queen of Peace Nursing Home in Knock, where he was well cared for until his death. Following the Funeral Mass in the Church of the Holy Family, celebrated by Fr Paddy Kilcoyne PP, he was laid to rest in Kilkinure Cemetery. The parish choir gave a nice rendering of hymns, with soloist Mary McNicholas, and his son-in-law Michael Sloyan from Bekan sang one of his favourites, Slieve na mBan. He is survived by his son John, Dundalk; daughters Marie McLoughlin, Coogue South, Ballyhaunis; Theresa Sloyan, Greenwood, Ballyhaunis; brother Johnny and sister Kitty (Clonmel), son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends to whom sympathy is extended. Courtesy of The Mayo News 13 November 2006

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