Fondly Rememberered recently in Ballinasloe

BRILLIANT INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST

Joe Joyce, who has passed away in Dublin at the age of 77, was the son of the late Martin Joyce who was headmaster in Aughrim NS for many years, and his wife Meta. His father was for several years Secretary of the Ballinasloe Agricultural Show and was a founder member of the Aughrim Historical and Heritage Society. Following his early education in his father’s school, Joe studied for journalism in UCG and joined the staff of “The Irish Times” where he was later cited as a “brilliant investigative journalist.” He twice won the Journalist of the Year Award, was the author of seven historical and crime publications and also a renowned playwright. Joe co-wrote best-selling books including “The Boss: Charles J. Haughey in Government” as well as “Blind Justice” which was about the Sallins Train Robbery in 1976, as well as his production of the setting up of the Kerry Babies’ Tribunal, in 1984. He also wrote a number of plays during a career that saw him rise to the top of his profession. Ballinasloe-born Joe lived most of his life in Dublin where he passed away after a long illness. He is survived by his wife, journalist Frances O’Rourke; daughters Catherine, Joanna and Molly; sisters Marie and Cepta as well many other relatives and friends. ​

A PROUD PORTUMNA MAN

A native of Portumna, John Joe Heagney arrived in Ballinasloe as a young man nearly eighty years ago to train as a Psychiatric Nurse in St. Brigid’s Hospital. He quickly endeared himself to his working colleagues and remained there until he retired as Night Superintendent. A real sports fanatic, John Joe was part of the Ballinasloe senior hurlers’ management team that won the Co. Title in 1951. He married Margaret Boyle, who was a sister of well-known hurler and referee, Tom Boyle, and they built their new home in Mackney where they raised a family of three sons and a daughter. A life-long pioneer, John Joe loved attending hurling games, particularly Portumna in later years, where his eldest son Joe was part of the medical team and his grandson Gareth, played corner back during its halcyon days. The sudden death of Joe, just over six week’s earlier, left John Joe broken-hearted but he battled on and coped with the tragedy before passing away in Creagh CNU in his 98th year. John Joe is survived by his daughter Anita, sons Gerry and Ambrose as well as sister Pauline and many other relatives, friends and nursing colleagues. ​

POPULAR BANKER AND GOLFER REMEMBERED

For more than forty years John F. Slattery played a pivotal role in the commercial, sporting and recreational life of his adopted town of Ballinasloe. Born in Emly, Co. Tipperary in 1934, he joined the Bank in 1952 and served in nine branches before coming to Ballinasloe in 1973. Having worked in Ballina, Newbridge, Dundalk, Edgeworthstown, Gorey, Ennistymon, Falls Road, Belfast (which was bombed shortly after he left); Mitchelstown, and Portumna before being appointed to the Management of the Main Street Branch of Ireland in Ballinasloe, the Tipp man was certainly acquainted with the geography of the country. Even though of a quiet disposition, John quickly became involved in the Chamber of Commerce, where he served as Treasurer and then, for nearly four decades was the Treasurer of the Fair and Festival Committee. He was meticulous in his work with both organisations and was easily approachable at all times to assist in a voluntary capacity. Joining the local Golf Club shortly after his arrival in the town John Slattery emerged as one of its greatest ambassadors. Playing off single figures, he represented the Club in home and away competitions, was honoured with the Presidency in 1988 and a few years later was Captain of the Seniors’ group. His prowess on the fairways saw him selected on many senior Irish international teams. In 1993 he was a member of the Irish side who beat the Americans in Tralee while three years later they successfully overcame Sweden, which was played in Stockholm. Retiring from the Bank of Ireland in 1993 left the genial John with more time to pursue his favourite pastime and his contribution to the local golf club was much appreciated. The late John F. Slattery is survived by his Clare-born wife Mary, sons Evan and Fergal, grandchildren, brother, sisters and many more relatives and friends.

POPULAR TEACHER AND SPORTSWOMAN

Over more than four decades the late Mary Uniacke, from Creagh, has played a pivotal role in the educational and sporting life of her adopted town. A native of Terenure in Dublin, Mary (nee Counihan), began teaching in Scoil Mhuire in 1980 where she was greatly admired and respected by her students. Having attended St. Anne’s Secondary School in Milltown, Dublin, Mary graduated with a Business Degree from UCD and returned to her former school as a teacher of Mathematics and Business. While there she graduated from Trinity College with a Masters’ Degree in Education. Coming to Scoil Mhuire in 1980 as a Maths and Accountancy teacher, Mary Uniacke proved to be an inspirational tutor. Many of her students have spoken of her insistence on a strong work ethic while creating an atmosphere of curiosity and enjoyment in her class. Some of her past students have gone on to study Maths and Accountancy at University and to forge careers in these fields. Mary was a keen sports woman. She played basketball for UCD in her student days and was an avid follower of Leinster and Ireland rugby teams. When she moved to Ballinasloe she, with her late husband Kevin, joined the local golf club where they both were prolific golfers and often represented their club in home and away competitions. But Mary’s contribution to the small ball game made the national headlines in 1993 when she became the first woman in Ireland to hold the office of Hon. Secretary of a golf club after the Ballinasloe Club opened its membership to men and women on an equal basis. She had fulfilled many roles in the club, as a committee member, team selector, handicap secretary and as Lady Captain during her years there. A very keen bridge player, she was a popular member of the local Bridge Club and even during the Covid lockdown she played online, often with friends overseas. Following her funeral mass in Creagh Church, past and present officers and members of the golf club formed a guard of honour to bid farewell to a passionate member while many of her past students also returned to offer their condolences on the passing of a beloved teacher. Mary Uniacke, who is predeceased by her husband Kevin, is survived by her son Brian and daughter Elaine, many other close relatives and friends, as well as former colleagues in the educational and sporting spheres

A HIGHLY RESPECTED TEACHER

Current and former staff of Gort and Mountbellew Vocational Schools as well as members of Mountbellew Golf Club formed guards of honour at the funeral of Geraldine Healy, Deerpark, Ballinasloe, who passed away after a long illness. A native of Caltra, Geraldine (nee Fitzgerald) had served as Deputy Principal in St. Jarlath’s Vocational School, Mountbellew, having previously worked in Gort and Glenamaddy VEC Schools. She was highly popular with the students and staff in each location and gave of her many talents selfishly during her working years. Geraldine was also a valued member and officer of Mountbellew Golf Club for many years. At her funeral mass family members participated in the readings, prayers of the faithful and the offertory procession while her son Francis delivered a moving eulogy on his mother’s life. The former teacher is survived by her husband Martin, son Francis, sister-in-law Helen Fitzgerald, brother-in-law Paddy Collins as well as many other relatives, former colleagues and friends.
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JIM MILLS RETURNS HOME

​For over twenty years Ballinasloe-born Jim Mills was presumed dead as his family failed to find him after he went AWOL from the Army. But when he eventually made contact in 1995 there was great rejoicing, his funeral mass in Clonfert Church was told. One of a family of eight, born to Tommy and Josie Mills in Mackney, in May 1943, Jim was always up to some kind of mischief, his granddaughter, Leanne, told the congregation. The family moved to the Clonfert area in 1948 where they all attended Clonfert NS with the restless Jim trying his hand at various chores before deciding to join the Army. “But he still wasn’t content so he went AWOL in 1964. He travelled to Scotland, leaving his family and friends heart-broken as they had no idea where he was or even if he was still alive. Moving around the country Jim met the love of his life, a Donegal girl called Annie O’Donnell from Rathmelton, and they settled down, had a family of five children. “Still mischievous, but full of fun, Jim turned out to be an amazing father and loved to sing and dance. Over the years he worked in construction, security, even on oil rigs in the North Sea but his favourite job was in a local whiskey factory where he often got to sample the products. Then in 1995 he made contact with his birth family back in Ireland and his life was complete once more” said Leanne. “Sadly, in 2000, Jim suffered a massive stroke while living in Donegal and never regained his mobility. He and Annie moved back to Scotland to be near their children and grandchildren. But Annie passed away the following year, leaving Jim absolutely heartbroken. His subsequent passing saw him leave behind a large family including eighteen grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren” she added. “Following his wishes and borrowing lines from one of his favourite songs, ‘The Green, Green, Grass of Home’ we bring Jim back to his ‘old hometown to meet his mama and papa, and yes we’ve all come to meet him” concluded Leanne. Following the funeral mass celebrated by Fr. Declan McInerney, Jim Mills’ ashes were buried with his late parents in Clonfert Cemetery. The “Mystery Man” was a nephew of the late Joe Mills, a founder member of the Aughrim Slopes Ceili Band. Apart from his family in Scotland, Jim is survived by his sister Lily (Galway), brothers Vincent, Liam and many other relatives and friends.