Johnny O’Toole

 

Obituary – Johnny O’Toole

Johnny’s months mind mass will be celebrated in St Patrick’s Church, Lecanvey on Sunday the 11^th of June at 11.30am also remembering his wife Sal’s 12^th Anniversary on this day.

The death has taken place in his home, of Johnny O’Toole in the loving care of his family at the foot of Croagh Patrick in Thornhill, Murrisk, on the 30^th of April 2017.

Johnny was born on the 16^th of November 1934 to Michael and May (nee O’Boyle) O’Toole where he was happily raised with his sister, Mary Jo Ball.

He emigrated to Southport, England in the early 50s, where he worked on numerous projects. Johnny often mentioned how his father, Michael would travel across the water to work during harvest.

After meeting Sally and marrying the love of his life in St Maries Church in Southport they returned home to live in Ireland, where they raised their three sons and daughter, Michael, Christina, John and Laurence.

Johnny invested in agricultural machinery and went out on hire to support his family. Later developing a garage where he carried out repairs for other farmers and contractors, bought and sold machinery throughout Ireland and became very well-known especially in Tipperary, home of his late wife Sal.

Johnny was a regular church goer where he arrived thirty minutes ahead of mass so he could meet the usual neighbours, to have the craic and a laugh.

Johnny was very proud of his family. He had a special bond with his eight grandchildren. His favourite time of the year was Christmas where he would watch the joy on his grandchildren’s faces as they awaited the arrival of Santa Claus, he often threaten to hijack Mr Claus and confiscate all the toys which often created a bit of devilment which Johnny loved. Johnny was blessed that his four children settled near home. He was spoilt for choice where a door was always open when he called for a visit and chat. As a father he was one of the best. The family are left with beautiful memories of a dad, constantly happy and upbeat with an infectious laugh which he never lost even in his final weeks.

Johnny loved family and was very lucky to be a part of two families, his own, and his sister Mary Jo’s family. He visited his sister on a regular basis and lived for Sunday evenings for the burger and especially the shrub (dessert).

His daily routine always included a trip to Murrisk Graveyard to spend a few minutes by his wife’s Sals grave.

When Johnny locked his doors at night, his only company was his two loyal dogs, except on Wednesday and Sunday nights where he enjoyed special company through the airwaves of his good friend Michael Commins, on Midwest Radio.

Johnny’s funeral took place on the 2^nd of May from his home to Lecanvey Church, carried shoulder high by his neighbours and close friends where he was received by Fr Jim Walsh and Father Paddy Gill. The high esteem in which Johnny was held was evident by the massive crowd that attended the funeral mass. The lovely eulogy by Fr Jim Walsh and the participation of family through readings, bringing up of the gifts and the beautiful choir, made for a very moving mass.

Following the funeral mass, on a beautiful sunny May Day, Johnny was laid to rest beside his best friend, his late wife Sal in Murrisk Abbey.

Johnny, who is predeceased by his wife Sal, is deeply mourned by his three sons, Michael, John and Laurence, his daughter Christina O’Malley; his grandchildren Marian and Michael O’Toole; Austin and Lorraine O’Malley; Aoife, Aíne, Sean and Lucy O’Toole; his daughters in law, Margaret, Annette and Karen; his son in law, John F O’Malley; his sister Mary Jo Ball. He is also deeply mourned by his niece Caroline Ball, nephews Edward, Michael  John, Aiden Ball and their families; his brother in law John Power and family. He will be sadly missed by his very close neighbours, who were his very dear friends.

The O’Toole relatives in America sent us this message on hearing the passing of Johnny,

“Today we are left with the image; of a gracious and sweet soul, now dancing above us, with the wind at his back, while gently humming a cheerful tune.” 

May his Gentle Jolly Soul Rest In Eternal Peace.

Acknowledgements

We the family of the late Johnny O’Toole wish to thank most sincerely all those who sympathised with us on our recent sad bereavement.

We wish to thank everyone who called personally to our home, attended the removal, requiem mass and funeral. Thank you to all who travelled long distances to be with us, who sent cards, enrolments, letters of sympathy and to all who very kindly donated to the Palliative Care Night Nurses.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr Rossa Horgan, who was his doctor and friend for many years. Thank you to Dr Paddy O’Toole.

Thank you to all the local nurses who kindly offered their help. Thank you to Elaine Mc Carron and the Palliative of Care Team. A special word of thanks must be given to the Palliative Care Night Nurses- Peggy Butler and Bernie Byrne who watched over Johnny with such great care.

Words cannot describe our gratitude to our wonderful neighbours. Once the news broke of Johnny’s passing, they took over, food and drink filled the house, the glasses were being washed, cakes and tarts were baked, roads were manned and parking provided. We can never thank you enough.

Thank you to Fr Jimmy Walsh a friend of the family for his lovely eulogy. A special word of thanks to Fr Paddy Gill for his regular visits, prayers and words of comfort. To Fr Charlie McDonnell for his wonderful help to the family and his soulful rendition of Queen of the May.

Thank you to Pauline, Marie, Meave, Mona and the Lecanvey Choir for the beautiful music.

Ciara Mai Ball for her wonderful rendition of Be Not Afraid and Johnny’s two grandchildren, Austin who sang Danny Boy (Johnny Boy) at the funeral mass and Mikey who sang Johnny’s favourite song, Any Tipperary Town, at his graveside reviving many happy family memories.

Thank you to Ger and Theresa at Stauntons Pub for the refreshments on the evening of the removal. Thank you to Ruth, Myles and staff of the Tavern for the beautiful food after the burial.

A sincere word of thanks to the gravediggers, our neighbours, who took great pride in preparing Johnny’s final resting place.

To his right hand man Paddy Cummins who shadowed him since knee high thank you for your loyalty and friendship.

Thank you to the Funeral Director Michael Kilcoyne for his professionalism and continued supported to us and also for all he did for Johnny throughout the years.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, we trust that this acknowledgement will be excepted by all a token of our very sincere appreciation and gratitude.