©Photograph: John Reidy
Fadó, fadó when the world wasn’t as noisy or even noise filled as it is today, people used the sights and sounds of the countryside around them to determine the time of day – or night.
As a child I remember my grandmother telling a neighbour of how early she woke one particular morning. “I heard Jerry Mac’s motorbike going in to Nelligan’s this morning,” she said.
The Jerry Mac in question is today the late Jerome McEllistrim. My grandmother being a Ballymac woman would have known him well.
He spent all his working life as a baker at Nelligan’s Bakery on the Limerick Road here in Castleisland – and nearly as much time if not more as a devoted servant of his local GAA club.
His involvement in the GAA affairs of his parish was an unavoidable consequence of a youth spent in a house which overlooked the old Ballymac pitch on the main Tralee to Castleisland road. But there was more to it than that as present club Chairman, Tom Herlihy explained today.
“I would estimate that Jerome has given 65 of his 79 years in one capacity or another in the service of the club. His father, Jack before him was one of the people who revived the fortunes of the club in the 1940s,” said Tom.
“I’ve never know him to miss a game in either the old or the new pitches – it was pure dedication with him. He was a great man to get things going, he’d sing a song and do whatever he could.
“But if he got an idea into his head or something he wanted to do, God nor man wouldn’t stop him. It was fitting that he ended his days as President of the club he loved and did so much for. Men like him are scarce and we’ll miss him,” said Mr. Herlihy.
Funeral Arrangements
The death has occurred of Jerome McEllistrim ‘Rockvilla’, Ballydwyer, Ballymacelligott.
Jerome McEllistrim ‘Rockvilla’, Ballydwyer, Ballymacelligott, Tralee Co Kerry , October 30th 2015, peacefully after a short illness. Sadly missed by his loving wife Mary, daughters Martina and Catherine , son J.D , sons-in-law John and Dave, his adored 4 grandchildren, sister Jo, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends. May
He Rest in Peace.
Reposing at Tangney’s funeral home, Castleisland on Sunday evening from 5pm to 8pm. Private removal from his residence on Monday morning arriving to St. Brendan’s church, Clogher, Ballymacelligott for requiem mass at 11.30am. Burial afterwards in Clogher cemetery. Family flowers only, please. Donations, if desired, to the Friends of Kerry General Hospital. House strictly private, please.
Date Published: Friday 30th October 2015 Date of Death: Friday 30th October 2015
