Rory Kilduff - One of the last Traditional Saddlers in the west of Ireland

Rory Kilduff passed away on 24th February at the age of 94 years.  Damian Mac Con Uladh gave a wonderful message in honour of Rory.

'' Rory Kilduff, one of the last traditional saddlers in the west of Ireland if not in the country, died yesterday, in his 94th year. He was such a lovely man and a true Ballinasloe character. You could never pass by his shop on Main Street - and him working at his bench and looking out from his window to the world - without dropping in for an auld chat. Or get your leather schoolbag patched up. It was like stepping back into another century, which is no wonder considering the shop was about 200 years old (or so he said) and his own father started working there in 1889. Rory kept it going until his retirement in 1994. In that shop you'd be entertained by his repertoire of town lore, jokes and commentary or be quizzed about some of the more recent local events and controversies. He loved travelling too, and went on a fair few bus tours of the continent and further afield. He'd come back then and tell all and sundry about events like the WW2 battle of Remagen and how the Americans took the bridge from the Nazis: all relayed with dollops of humour and in the best Ballinasloe accent and way. He played bridge and sipped whiskey with my grandmother for many years so hopefully they can now resume where they left off, almost 30 years ago. My deepest sympathies to his lovely wife Maura.
Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann.''
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We offer his family and friends our deepest sympathies. May he rest in peace.