The death took place on Monday March 28 at WRH of Mr. Sean Phelan, Knockboy, Ballygunner who was 74 years old. Although he had been unwell of some years it was only in the last few weeks his health deteriorated quickly and his death was a shock to many. The late Sean was well known all over the 'Barony of Gaultier' and beyond, where his quick and sharp retorts were felt by many when what was on his mind was transferred like chain lightning to his vocal chords and then let go, with a unique facial expression to match. The greatest satisfaction he would get would be if he felt he had raised the recipient but might throw in another remark to make doubly sure. Whether it was matches, cards, a job not that well done by someone or indeed a job that was very well done, there would always be a slag.
There was, however, the other side to Sean, which many individuals and families can vouch for. He lent his support in time of need and his commitment on these occasions to families was total and done in a private manner.
His first job was in Hearne's The Quay, Waterford then to London and to Australia for a few years. On his return he worked briefly in a store in Waterford with two other partners but then went his own way. From then onwards he made Woodstown his home from home and did a lot of work felling trees and several years ago struck up a great relationship with the Connors family at Palace Stud that lasted until his death.
The Caravan Park was a famous haunt of his at any hour, pulling off many prank and stunt on the occupants but he was always welcome.
He loved the social life and spent many happy times in The Saratoga in Woodstown during the term of the four proprietors that have run it. He had a life-long association with the first proprietors The Coghlan Family, which was maintained right up to his death.
Every Sunday he visited Mrs. Addie Coghan to sample her bread, tarts and cakes and also called on a quite a few others houses around where more tarts were the order of the day to satisfy his sweet tooth. He also struck up a great rapport with the present proprietors of "The Sar" Bill and Theresa Doherty.
Last year, his birthday celebration at the venue in the presence of a huge number of his invited guests was one of the most memorable events ever held there. He also regularly followed the hunts of the Woodstown Harriers. In recent years he and his beloved dog had been regulars on Woodstown Strand, right up to recent weeks.
In his younger days he played hurling with Ballygunner and he was one of the most stylish hurlers ever to play for them, until he became a victim of the ban of foreign games. He then joined Woodstown FC and was a very able soccer player also.
He had a great love of photography, encompassed in over 25 albums including shots of people, animals, places, events, houses and housing estates, all expertly taken and preserved. He never married but very nearly did to a Londoner but as Sean wouldn't live in London it fell through or so legend has it.
His remains were removed to St Mary's Church Ballygunner on Thursday last and on Friday morning his requiem mass was celebrated. Throngs were present on both occasions. During his mass his niece Mary Beth Jennings was the soloist and Frank King gave a lovely oration on the life of Sean. As the coffin left the church, Pat Delahunty gave a fine rendition of Amazing Grace. After mass to the sound of hunting horn his remains left for his funeral to Newlands Corss Crematorium in Dublin via Woodstown, stopping outside The Saratoga on its way.
In was probably coincidental and fitting for a man like Sean who played so many pranks in his time that the day he bade his last farewell to his native place and family and friends was April1. Sympathy is extended to his brothers Jim and Noel, brother in law, sister in law, nieces and nephews and all other relatives and many friends, especially Pat Flynn and Betty. The area now without Sean will be much the poorer and its unlikely we will see a character like him around ever again: as one lady put it, "We have no one to shout back at now". Nevertheless we say. "Thanks, Sean for all the memories and may you rest in peace". F.W.

Courtesy of the Waterford News & Star
5th April 2011 Tweet

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