It was on the evening of July 15th 2011 that the sad news spread through the village of Cloughjordan of the sudden and untimely death of Jack Hoctor, better known as Jackie. The news came as a shock to all who knew him and on that same evening, if Jackie had been alive and well, he would have attended the Munster under 21 hurling semi-final between Tipperary and Cork in Semple Stadium, Thurles, were he provided his services as steward at all major games.

Jackie was born and raised in Sharragh, Rathcabbin and came to Cloughjordan when he married Kathleen over 30 years ago. Jackie and Kathleen lived in Ballyhasty and reared a family of three girls, Claire, Eilish and Anne. Jackie farmed all his life in Rathcabbin and Cloughjordan, until retiring a few years ago. Up until then he ran a suckler and cattle system and provided a contracting service to other farmers with his tractor and round baler. This was very important to Jackie and it provided lots of social contact with others, while also doing the work.

Jackie provided help when needed in many ways. He was a willing helper at many grave diggings, cutting timber for auction in preparation for sales of work and at raising funds for the Kilruane MacDonaghs GAA Club. He also promoted a variety of fundraisers in the parish. He was involved with North Tipperary Ploughing Association and made available his own lands as a site for the local ploughing championships.

Jackie participated in the church choir in Ss Michael and John's when he displayed his singing talent. This singing talent provided great entertainment in the local hostelries when he organised, as described by himself 'a bit of a session'. This usually began when he sang one of his own party pieces, 'Hairy Eggs and Bacon'.

Over the years he developed friendships which took him to Doolin and Lisdoonvarna a few times each year. On numerous occasions he visited friends in Germany and America. The extent of Jackie's friendships became very clear at the time of his funeral as evidenced by a huge attendance during the time of reposing and at his Funeral Mass and burial.
Jackie is sadly missed by everyone, but particularly by his wife Kathleen, daughters, Claire, Eillish and Anne, his only brother, Michael, his relations and friends. He was a loyal friend and a good neighbour. He was great company but above all Jackie was a thorough gentleman.
May he rest in peace.

-Courtesy of Midland Tribune, 12th January 2012 Tweet

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