In Loving Memory Of
William Coleman
Tinnock , Ballingarry
Died 23rd March 2012 Aged 82 years
Rest In Peace
''Always Remembered
By His Friends''
COLEMAN
Obituary by Martin Maher ( from Ballingarry Parish Journal 2012)
Billy Coleman
1931-2012
Billy passed away peacefully to his eternal reward on the 23rd March 2012 after living a long and healthy life with just a brief stay in hospital at the very end.
Billy was born in Dublin and was orphaned there before being transferred to St Joseph’s Orphanage in Fairyhouse, Clonmel where he remained until he was 16 years of age. Upon leaving Fairyhouse, he first came to Mrs Linda Fitzgerald’s in Jessfield but remained there but for a short time, returning to work on a farm in Kilsheelan . There he met a brother of Bobby O’Gorman’s and shortly afterwards returned to the O ’Gorman’s farm in Foilacamin where he worked for a number of years.
In about 1960 he moved to his small house in Tinnock where he was to live the rest of his life in a very quiet, unassuming and unobtrusive manner. He worked for many neighbouring farmers including John Walsh, The Hill and Tim Corcoran, Tinnock and also worked for Hugh O Brien, Lower Ballingarry and the late Donal Kealy of Glengall as well as doing countless odd jobs for many other parishioners. In his early years he was particularly friendly with the Luttrell family in Jessfield where he went for his nightly game of cards. In his later years he had a great friend and neighbour next door in Mrs. Teresa Sparrow.
Billy led an exemplary Christian life with regular attendance at Mass and other church services. He recited the rosary three times a day every day without fail. He was always one of the first to pay his Church dues and often in excess of the stipulated amount. Even though he was reared an orphan, he was aware of his mother in Dublin and sent her bountiful gifts particularly at Christmas time until her death many years ago . He lived a very simple and frugal lifestyle and many were very surprised to learn that he left very significant monetary assets at the end of it. He died intestate.
Billy will be remembered by all parishioners who knew him as a very kind, humble and inoffensive man and always with a cheerful disposition. He will be sadly missed by all.