Community Notes April 24th

John O’Sullivan RIP

John O’Sullivan of Abbeymahon died on the 22nd. of January last. He was a quietly spoken loving husband and father. He took enormous pride in his chosen profession as a master builder, following in the family tradition. His skill in construction is to be seen all around us in the parish of Timoleague and far beyond. He was so proud of his addition of the Necessarium and the ramp at the tower door entrance to the parish church. Both fit in seamlessly into the Hiberno- Romanesque architectural gem that is the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

He had a life long interest in road bowling and was a keen exponent of the noble sport. He had many a triumph on the roads of West-Cork in his youth and had the trophies to prove it. He also had a great love of horse racing and the year would not be complete without the annual trip to Listowel where he met up with many like- minded friends. He married Eilish Mc Carthy of Main Street in April 1991 and the birth of Ian and Kevin heralded a new chapter in their lives. He was proud of his family and his community. He enjoyed good company and a trip to Charlie Madden’s on a Saturday night after a hard week’s work for ceol, deoch agus craic with his band of friends was an enjoyable weekly outlet. The family appreciated greatly the support that they received during John’s illness and death. Mass will be offered on May 8th in his memory and for the intentions of all those who were so supportive to the family during that difficult time. Sincere sympathy has been extended to his loving wife, Eilish, his adored sons, Ian and Kevin, his sisters and brothers and their extended families.

Ar dheis lamh De go raibh se.

New Business Opens

While there is plenty of doom and gloom about at present, depending on who you talk to, it is pleasing to announce the opening of a new business venture in Timoleague this week-end. The Hatch, attached to Pad Joe’s Bar in Abbey Street will be serving food on Friday next from 4.30pm to 9pm. It will also be open on Saturday and Sunday, trading at the same times. While the opening of the take-away was never a state secret, it has now become a reality and Conor and Tracie are wished every success as the commercial life of the village expands in a positive direction.

Business Re-Opens

Good to report that Monk’s Lane re-opened for take-away meals last week-end. Having experienced lock down since Christmas, Gavin and Michelle opened the archway for take-away meals on Friday evening last. They also opened for Saturday and Sunday meals. Those interested in experiencing the best of Monk’s cuisine can see the menu which will be posted up on Facebook on Thursday night next. Phone lines will be open for orders from 3pm on Friday and Saturday and from 11am on Sunday morning. Bon appetite!

Timoleague Railway

The mention of the two locally named steam locomotives last week has brought back many pleasant memories of bygone days of rail transport on the local line. Three steam engines in particular are etched in the mind of railway enthusiasts. The Argadeen, built in 1894; The Saint Molaga, built in 1890 and The Slaney, built in 1885 are fondly remembered on the Timoleague line during the “steam age”. All three locomotives were made at the Hunslet Engine company, Leeds.

The first to arrive was the St. Molaga. Her name plates were incorrectly cast as St. Maloga. Photographs of this spelling were recorded by the manufacturers. She was fitted with a new boiler in 1922 which was generally similar to the original.She continued to work the line until she was scrapped in 1949. The next to arrive was The Slaney. She was purchased from Robert Worthington, who you may recall as the man responsible for the construction of the line. He had used the engine during the construction of the line. Having been built in Leeds, she saw service on the Baltinglass to Tallow line and later was used on the Palace East to New Ross line. The name probably originates from its time in the south-east. A broken cylinder and defective plates led to it being condemned in august 1920. The third locomotive to see service on the line was the Argadeen which was bought by the local company in September 1894. As with the St. Molaga, the spelling was as used originally. The Argadeen was scrapped in 1959.

Two other engines, locomotives no. 90 and 100 also had a long association with the line with the former dating from 1875 and the latter from 1890. (to be continued).