RIP: Sadness at death of Kilkenny man after 'long and fulfilling life'

The death occurred of Ollie Maher surrounded by his loving family at the District Hospital, Castlecomer. A gentleman from head to toe he always had a welcoming smile with appropriate words to match. He had a long and fulfilling life and was central to sporting, cultural and economic life in Clogh and beyond.

Family meant the world to Ollie, and he was so supportive of the numerous clubs they were involved with from Cloneen GAA Club. Deen Celtic Soccer Club, Clogh Handball Club, to name but a few. No job was too big or too small for Ollie and he was as comfortable calling the bingo numbers on a Friday night, wood turning at Castlecomer Men’s Shed as he was to the fore in Clogh Heritage Group.

He worked for many years at Irish Clay Industries, later to become Ormonde Brick on the management team. In that role he facilitated so many from the area to secure stable and quality employment.

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Clogh came to a standstill for the removal with an impressive guard of honour reflecting his tremendous contribution locally. Led by the members of Castlecomer Golf Club where Ollie was so popular and served as Club Captain in 1991.

Also accompanied by the Lourdes Invalid Committee, Ollie served as a helper with the Ossory Pilgrimages to Lourdes for 16 years. Also present was members of Clogh Community Council and Cloneen Hurling Club.

Fittingly the coffin was draped by the flag of the Ossory Lourdes Pilgrims as it entered and departed the church. As the cortege left the church for the final time it did so to the sound of one of Ollie’s favourites, Forty Shades of Green.

Predeceased by his parents Patrick and Alice, sisters Kathleen and Pat, brother John. He was laid to rest in the Clogh Parish Cemetery after Requiem Mass celebrated in St Patrick’s Church by Fr Tom Corcoran PP Clogh assisted by Fr Anthony O’Connor, Kilkenny Spiritual Director Ossory Pilgrimage to Lourdes.

Ollie will be sadly missed by his wife Mag ; sons Pat and Michael,daughter Alisa, their partners Fiona, Louise and Pat, brother Eamon, sister Alice, sisters-in-law Mary, Margaret and Bridgie, brother in law Larry, grandchildren Louise, Gary, Caragh, Olive, Leah, Jamie, Mikie, Ollie, and Adie, great-grandchildren Fionn, Páidí, Annie and Grace, nieces and nephews, other relatives, neighbours and a plethora of friends.

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