Whitty, Johnny
April 30, 2008
The Late Johnny Whitty
Ballymitty lost one of its great characters when Johnny Whitty died peacefully at his home in Aughermon. He was one month short of his 91st birthday. Johnny was rarely sick and continued to be active right up until the day he died.
He had been cared for by family members since his wife, Mary-Ann died in October 2006. Johnny had cared for Mary-Ann in her final years as she suffered from Alzheimer's disease. A large crowd turned out to pay their respects and lay Johnny's remains to rest alongside his beloved Mary-Ann in The sacred Heart Cemetery, Ballymitty.
Johnny was born in Harriestown and attended national school in Tullycanna. Shortly after leaving school Johnny commenced working at Molloys Forge in Hilltown. So began a career that was to span 75 years until his retired in 2005. That fact that he worked uninterrupted for 75 years in one location surely deserves mention in the Guinness Book of Records.
Johnny, however would not have looked for such acclaim, as he was a humble man who enjoyed the simple pleasure of life. Johnny moved to Aughermon in 1946 when he married Mary-Ann. They reared five children and shared 60 years of marriage before Mary-Ann passed away in October 2006.
Johnny was a hard working man who was dedicated to his customers. He cycled to work every day and although he never wore a watch, his time keeping was legendary. For many years the forge was opened for business at 7.30am and closed at 6pm.
Johnny was scarcely ever a minute late starting nor a minute early closing. Examples of his work remain to be seen all over county Wexford and beyond. Apart from repairing machinery for farmers and builders, Johnny made items such as cattle feeders, gates, railing, garden rakes and swings for children etc..He never worried about making a profit, his concern being that the customer was satisfied with the product.
The forge in which he worked has been a recognised landmark for the past century. In latter years it almost achieved the status of Tourist Attraction, it being one of the last working forges in the country. Occasionally a journalist or photographer would stop in to watch and take pictures of the blacksmith in action. Johhny's picture received nation prominence in 1999 when Macra Na Feirme include him in their calendar for that year.
In his younger days Johnny was a keen sportsman. He was a member of the Ballymitty Junior Football team that won the county title in 1947. He was also dedicated to handball and in his youth he often cycled to Kilmannon or Husserane or Campile to take part in matches.
He was a founder member of the Ballymitty Handball Club and was to the fore when the alley was renovated in the 1980's. For many years Johnny held the distinction of being Joint President of the club with his friend and played partner. Alec ( Attie) Moran. They both continued to play handball right up into their 70's, perhaps even their 80's.
Johnny is survived by his sister Nellie Carthy, his daughter Mary, Ann, Kathleen, Eileen and his son Martin, he is also sadly missed by his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family. He will be remembered fondly for many years to come by neighbours and friends from far and wide. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.
Courtesy of the Wexford People
30th April 2008
Most Read Stories