The death has occurred of Franko Moriarty, 23 St. Stephen’s Park, Castleisland, Co. Kerry.
Unexpectedly, at home, on Sunday, December 3rd 2023, in the presence of his wife and family.
Predeceased by his beloved son Michael. Sadly missed by his loving wife Joan, son Frank, daughters Tina, Joan and Elizabeth, sons-in-law Mike and Paul, grandchildren: John, Anthony, Noelie, Margaret, Shauna, Siobhán and Jack, his great-granddaughter Ava, sister Teresa, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.
May His Gentle Soul Rest In Peace.
Dwindling Club of Pound Roaders
The late Franko Moriarty (86) was a member of a dwindling club of locals who could seriously and truthfully claim that they were from the old Pound Road.
And even through rehousing in St. Stephen’s Park – which replaced the old houses on Pound Road – he remained true to his Cúleen roots.
Thought he worked in the mills at Horan’s, as well as at Rhyno Mills and in Browne’s, and a spell with builder, Mikey Broderick, Franko and Tangney’s undertakers enjoyed over a half century of association – with Franko in the role of grave digger.
In a tribute today, Bernard Tangney said that he was one of the most honest men he had ever encountered.
Honest as the Day is Long
“Franko was as honest and the day is long. He took over the grave digging, in my father’s time, from his father-in-law Johnny Michael O’Sullivan and Thady Ann Prendiville and he was at it, in spite of several attempts at retirement, up to a few years ago.
“Even in retirement, he kept up contact with my mother and he’d call to her three or four times a week. We kept his beloved tractor in the old workshop area backing onto St. Stephen’s Park and he’d always call up to us a Christmas,” said Berdard.
Franko became a minor celebrity in the early 1970s along with Paud Griffin and Tomo O’Connor when they were featured on Con Houlihan’s TV documentary Wheels of the World as they cut turf and drank tea in a scene shot in the bog outside around Dromada or Broughane.
As Certain as the Seasons
As certain as the seasons, the bog loomed large in Franko’s thoughts and the Ford Dexta tractor would be in fighting fit order, oiled and greased and ready for the road. Himself and the tractor were a regular sight against a backdrop of a well clamped trailer of turf as they made their way down Limerick Road around August or early September every year.
Later in September he’d have green and gold flags to attach to chimneys for family members and neighbours.
The journey to St. John’s Cemetery is one he could have made with his eyes closed. This Wednesday, on his final journey, he will. May God be good to him.
Franko’s Funeral Arrangements
Reposing at Tangney’s Funeral Home, Church Street, Castleisland, on Tuesday evening from 5pm to 7pm.
Removal from the funeral home on Wednesday morning at 10.30am arriving to Castleisland Parish Church, for Requiem Mass at 11am. Burial afterwards in St. John’s Cemetery Castleisland. The Mass will be live-streamed on: www.churchservices.tv/castleisland
Family flowers only. Donations to St. Mary’s of the Angels Beaufort.
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