The Late Johnny Whitty Many in Ballymitty area were mourning the loss of one of the area's most respected residents last week following the sad passing of Johnny Whitty from Rack's Cross. Johnny, who was a well-known and respected blacksmith in the area, passed away peacefully last Monday morning at his residence, aged 90 years. Johnny had a forge at Hilltown, Ballymitty and was a blacksmith for a staggering 74 years. He began his working life at the tender age of 14, when he began working in Molloy's Forge under the tutelage of Mike Molloy. Johnny took over the Forge from Mike's son, Michael Junior, 30 years ago and worked there right up until his retirement at the age of 88 years. A hardworking, highly skilled and dedicated man, Johnny could work in the forge from 7.30 a.m. in the morning right up until 9 p.m. at night. Born and reared in Harristown, Ballymitty, John married Maryann (nee Connick) from Murrintown and together the couple set up home at Rack's Cross. The couple had five loving children; four daughters, Mary, Kathleen, Ann, Eileen and one son, Martin. Johnny was predeceased by his wife Maryann; who passed away just 18 months ago. One of his main reasons for retiring was to care for his beloved wife. Johnny had a great passion for Gaelic Games, particularly football, and was and was part of the historic Ballymitty Senior Football team who won the championship three years in a row: 1947, 1948 and 1949. He played Handball competitively until his early 80's and was an esteemed president of the Ballymitty Handball Club for a long many years. Another love of Johnny's was horse racing and he had a great interest in watching racing on television. He had a special interest in Wexford horses and trainers as e would have known many of them through his work. Johnny enjoyed good health throughout his long and lived life. He was a very familiar figure on the local roads throughout the years as he cycled to the forge, to Mass or to the shop. He was a man of great faith and a devout Catholic. On the Sunday, the day before his passing, he attended 8a.m. Mass, as he did for many years. His Funeral Mass, which was celebrated by Fr. Gerard O'Leary C.C, took place in St. Peter's Church, Ballymitty, on the Wednesday at 2p.m., with burial afterwards in Ballymitty Cemetery. Johnny is survived by his loving children Mary, Kathleen, Ann, Eileen and Martin, his only surviving sibling Nell, sister-in-law Marcella, his grandchildren, great grandchildren, relatives and many friends. May he rest in peace. Courtesy of the Wexford People 23 April 2008 Tweet

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