Corrigan, Andrew
October 14, 2009Mr. Andrew Corrigan of Ballyfarnouge Screen, who died on September 28, was a farmer, musician, mummer, avid GAA supporter and a gentleman.
Andrew, who was 88 years old, was leading a happy independent life up to a week before his death when he was admitted to Wexford General Hospital where he died.
He is survived by his 11 children; Bernie, Josie, Teresa, Seamus, Denis, Anne, Catherine, Patricia, Angela, Andrew and Laura; 22 grandchildren; his sons-in-law; daughters-in-law; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
A native of Knocknasillouge, Blackwater, he was the last surviving member of his own family and was pre-deceased by his beloved wife Teresa (nee Edwards) in November 2006.
Teresa's death left a void in his life that could not be filled. The couple were very united and went everywhere together during their 49 years of marriage.
Andrew was a farmer all his working life. He grew up on a farm in Knocknasillogue and took over the running of Teresa's family farm in Blackwater following their marriage.
The couple later moved to a farm and newly built house at Ballyfarnouge, Screen, under a farm-exchange programme operated by the Department of Agriculture.
Andrew loved the farm and his cows, which he had names for. He was against giving out to the animals because he believed they wouldn't give decent milk if they weren't treated right.
Many people in Wexford town will remember him as the "potato man" who called door to door in Kennedy Park, Corish Park and other estates selling potatoes every week.
One of his children always went with him to help weigh the potatoes and there was fierce competition at home for the privilege of joining him as they all knew that if they worked hard, there would be a reward of sweets at the end of the day.
He retired from farming when he was about 70 years old and the farm is now run by his son Andrew.
He was also a part-time fisherman, operating a small boat out of Blackwater and selling herrings, which all the family remember eating on a regular basis as children.
Andrew was a member of Blackwater Mummers for manly years, performing at festivals and feiseanna and even travelling to the U.K. to give a demonstration on one occasion.
He loved traditional music and played the accordion. He was also a member of a brass bad in Blackwater for years.
He passed on his love of music to his children who also play instruments.
Andrew was a fanatical GAA supporter and a former player in his younger days. He could tell you the names of players who featured in different matches in the 1940s and 1950s and what they scored. He had a fantastic memory for such details right up to the time of his death.
He loved watching the Sunday Game on television and would not have it interrupted by anyone.
Andrew was quiet and kind and gentle. When Teresa was alive she often did the talking for the two of them!
Teresa Kehoe of Teresa the Stars, a band that he and his wife loved to dance to at Ballyedmond, played at his funeral Mass in St. Cyprian's Church Screen.
His daughter Catherine who lives in England wrote an emotional poem in memory of her dad which she read out at the end of Mass.
Andrew was buried alongside Teresa in Screen Cemetery.
Courtesy of Wexford People
14th October, 2009 Tweet
