Cricklewood, London and formerly of Castlemarket in the Parish of Ballyragget, County Kilkenny. 

Michael John, Mora Road, Cricklewood was formerly of Castlemarket, Attanagh, Portlaoise, County Laois and Lowhill, Attanagh, Kilkenny, his beloved home place.

A loving husband, dad, grandad, brother, son, uncle and dear friend, he died peacefully on November 17, 2024. 

He was predeceased by his parents John and Ellen (née Nolan) Cummins, brother Laurence, sisters Mary Kane, Ballinalacken, Ballyragget, Eileen Conway, Kilwarden, Kill and Julia Manning, Knocknew, Ballyfoyle. 

His nephews were Martin Kane, Ballinalacken, Ballyragget and Gerard Cummins, London and his niece was Frances McGuinness Hennessy, Friary Street, Kilkenny City and The Commons, Gowran. 

It was always a joy to be in John’s company.  A great Kilkenny man he loved all things hurling, music, family and friends. Happiness was his main aim and motto of life. 

One of 11 children of which he was the sixth, the third child to be born in Lowhill on September 1, 1938 following the family’s return to Ireland from New York in July of 1934. 

 The family moved to Castlemarket just before Easter in 1941.

John was affectionately known as Jack to his family and Jackie to locals. 

His primary education was in Ballyouskill National School followed by the Christian Brothers Secondary School in Abbleyleix. 

John then moved on from school to begin an apprenticeship in what was then the Creamery in Ballyragget.  

He loved music and was a great accordion player. The Cummins children music self-education began with John’s eldest brother Laurence making music on a comb with a piece of paper. 

The next year it was the mouth organ. Kieran and John played accordion. Kieran was first to learn to play, John was next, both were self-taught. 

John Cummins was given an old melodeon by a gentleman called Martin Bergin who he worked with Ballyragget Creamery. 

It was a battered old musical instrument held together with sellotape. 

Jack Fogarty, a neighbour, on a visit to Castlemarket commented, on seeing the musical instrument, “the melodeon could do with an over coat there are so many holes in it”. 

John was not to be dissuaded. He persevered. The boys asked their mother Ellen Cummins to buy them an accordion, but not convinced that this would be money well spent, she declined.  

John decided to invest and purchased a button accordion from Cotts of Kilcotts. It cost 12 Irish punt, bought on the never, never. He paid it off at half a crown a week. 

The accordion still survives to this day. He invested in a new accordion and gave his first accordion to Mrs Holohan as a gift. 

Mrs Holohan was the lady he boarded with in Tullamore, where he worked from 1958 to 1960. 

 She bequeathed the accordion to her niece Mary Cassin, who still has it.  After emigrating to London he and his brother Kieran played their accordions doing gigs in the pubs of London.   

John emigrated to London in 1960 where he worked in the construction industry for most of his working life.

London was where he met and married his magnificent wife and friend for life May Ward, a native of Mohill, County Leitrim, on March 11th 1967. 

Together they had their two wonderful children Colette and David and their six grandchildren: Hayley, Jordan, Ethan, Kyle, Brogan and Shai. 

 John and May loved dancing and together were a sight to behold on the dance floor.  

John is sadly missed by his loving wife May, daughter Colette, son David and grandchildren Hayley, Jordan, Shea, Ethan, Brogan and Kyle.

He is also survived by daughter-in-law, Karen Cummins and son-in-law Philip Bergin.  He leaves behind brothers: Kieran and Joe, London and sisters Teresa McGuinness, Kilkenny City, Kathleen Gallagher, Ann O’Connor and Cecilia O’Donnell, all London. 

 He was loved too by brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family and many friends from Ireland and the UK, particularly his lifelong friend Jimmy Willis from Cork. 

John’s wake will be held on Monday, December 9, 10am-4pm, at John Nodes Funeral Directors in Cricklewood. 

Requiem Mass will be on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at the Catholic Church of St Agnes, 35 Cricklewood Lane, London NW2 1HR, UK at 11am followed by burial at Hendon Cemetery. 

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. Inár gcroíthe go deo.

The post Son of Kilkenny dies in London appeared first on Kilkenny Press.

To mark the occasion John Scally’s new book Extraordinary GAA People celebrates exceptional GAA people. 

A case in point is Brian Cody. Scally writes:

I thought for a fuller picture of Brian Cody I needed a perspective from an adversary, Anthony Daly, on an evening when sweet scents rose from the flowers in the heavy humid air:

‘My first real memory of the inter-county game from the late 1970s was when Clare won two league titles in succession and I have a slight memory of the 1978 All-Ireland final when Cork beat Kilkenny to win the three-in-a-row.

‘That was my first time seeing Brian Cody who played full-forward that afternoon. 

I have a clearer memory of him from the early 1980s when Kilkenny won successive All-Irelands with Cody captaining the 1982 team. 

You nearly always remember the captain. And then, the next time I really saw or heard about Cody was when he took over Kilkenny at the end of 1998.

‘A year later, I spoke to him properly for the first time during the All-Stars trip to Boston in October 1999. We spent a long part of that evening after the match chatting in Kitty O’Shea’s Bar when most of the questions were coming from Brian. 

Cody was dying to know what kind of stunts Loughnane was up to. Were the stories true? Were our training matches as intense as he had heard? Did Loughnane ever blow for frees?

‘When we played Kilkenny in a challenge game in Kilkenny the following May, I witnessed the real Cody for the first time. Kilkenny absolutely hammered us.

Clare had a name as the big aggressors in hurling at that time but Kilkenny bullied us off the field. The whole tone was set by Cody. All you could hear all evening was his big voice. It was like watching, and

listening, to another version of Loughnane.

‘I remember going home in the car with Seánie McMahon and Jamesie O’Connor afterwards and we were all taken aback by Kilkenny and Cody. The work-rate of their forwards was savage. 

All over the pitch, they hit anything that moved. We had seen shades of that stuff in the 1999 All-Ireland semi-final but this was a whole new level again. And this was just a challenge match!

‘I saw myself first-hand how powerful Cody could be in a dressing-room after Dublin beat Kilkenny in 2013. The Dubs were gone crazy after finally beating Kilkenny. 

I said to Richie Stakelum that that we were in danger of losing the run of ourselves with Galway coming down the tracks in eight days-time. 

Then Cody walked in the door and effectively gave our pre-match speech before the Leinster final. It was full of respect and sincerity, but the beauty was its simplicity.

‘I had plenty of run-ins with the great man over the years. I hit him a dunt in the chest during the 2004 drawn All-Ireland quarter-final, when I told Cody he may have bullied Galway in their previous game but that he wasn’t going to bully Clare and me.

‘Cody was probably taken aback by my cheek that day but when we had another set-to during a league game in Croke Park in 2011, he didn’t take it lying down. 

Yet we were laughing about it afterwards. Anything that happened on the line stayed there.

‘I always had incredible respect for the man. I’ve often had great craic with Cody too over the years. We had a couple of great nights together at the All-Stars, when a few glasses of wine loosened Cody’s tongue, and he spun some great yarns.

‘I felt there was a good empathy between us. We were at a PR event in Dublin one day when we spoke about some personal stuff. Brian’s brother had died young with a heart attack. I lost my father and my

brother to the same disease. We chatted about having check-ups, and the importance of looking after ourselves. It showed another side to Cody that nobody ever sees.

‘There have been some great managers but there will only ever be one Cody.’

Excerpt from John Scally’s new book Extraordinary GAA People which is available in all good bookshops.

The post The Life of Brian Cody appeared first on Kilkenny Press.

The collection titled Pictures and Poetry is by Daithi Holohan and Jim Murray, both of whom havebattled mental illness for decades while pursuing their creative dreams.

After completing his studies at the National College of Art and Design Daithi went on to enchant the city and county with his drawings. 

He excels as a portraitist but regardless of medium, theme or subject he succeeds in plumbing the depths of his own sub-consciousness and capturing the essence of whoever he’s drawing.

When he taught Life Drawing in Liberties Vocational School pupils felt they’d got a teacher who could relate to their own struggles and ‘take’ on the challenge of modern Ireland.

Daithi’s drawings are displayed in pubs and clubs around Kilkenny and his exhibitions have drawn throngs of admirers. Critical acclaim has inevitably followed him wherever his work appeared.

He’s also a poet. The drawings and poetic reveries included in the book offer an insight into a long artistic journey and a dizzying range of life experiences.

Aside from art, Daithi is known locally as a lifelong Republican and fluent Irish speaker. He has a special devotion to the legacies of Pearse and Connolly, to preserving all aspects of Gaelic culture, and is a passionate advocate of a United Ireland, “free from sea to sea.”

He contested the 2015 Carlow Kilkenny by-election and famously appeared on TV3’s Tonight with Vincent Browne programme. 

People still recall his virtuoso performance as he tackled the other candidates and put forward his own vision of an Ireland “of equals”, with the border gone and all wealth distributed fairly among the people.

Daithi spoke his mind fearlessly.

Throughout his career Daithi has managed to keep the ravages of bipolar disorder at bay, never letting it detract from his calling as an artist.

He has known poet Jim Murray for years and is delighted at the prospect of a book that weaves together drawing and poetry.

Jim Murray has survived one of the worst illnesses to afflict the human mind: Schizophrenia, and like Daithi he has stubbornly refused to capitulate to what he sees as a sustained attack on his existence. 

He believes that writing as a therapy has helped him as much in his fight for wellness as any medication or stint in a psychiatric hospital. 

Some of his poems reflect or hint at his long incarceration in that ‘Gulag of the Sou’ from which the pen has mercifully and magically granted him relief.

His poetry explores every conceivable theme… life, love, death, war, nature, marriage, the medical profession, the solar system, the afterlife, and the multitude of alternative scenarios offered by religions of all kinds. 

He’s at his lyrical best when he sets forth the depths to which humans can sink in betrayal of their own kind.

Jim has hundreds of notebooks full of poetry and ideas for composition. He could be sitting in a café sipping a cup of tea when inspiration strikes. 

He jots down the words immediately before they vanish like a wisp of smoke.

Or he might get an idea in a dream and then record it on awakening. Not a day passes without him gifting a poem to the world via Facebook, Thousands follow his poetic meanderings online.

His previous works Orchestra of Poems and his short story collection Digging a  Hole on the River which  received popular and critical acclaim, hailed the triumph of compassion over darkness in his own life and the world in general. These are still on sale locally.Poetry and Pictures will be launched at the Butts Hall at 7pm on July 3.  Everyone welcome.

The post A terrific tandem of talent  appeared first on Kilkenny Press.

Sale includes collections from The Nelson Bell Collection – The Bell Gallery, Belfast; The McDowell-Mahon Family, by direct descent;
The Russell Family, Seafield, County Waterford; The Burke Family, Clonmel, County Tipperary; Selection of items from the Estate of Peter Cavan, Belfast; Collection of pub memorabilia and mirrors from Clancys Bar, Cork City; and  Property from other executors and private clients

Viewing is available this week – contact Brigid 056-4441229.

Viewing: Sunday May 26: 1pm – 5pm; Monday May 27: 10am – 5.30pm.

Enquiries about the sale: George Fonsie Mealy – info@fonsiemealy.ie | 056-4446200; Fonsie Mealy – info@fonsiemealy.ie | 056-4446200

Live bidding and online Bids: easylivauction.com | the-saleroom.com

Absentee and telephone bidding at 056- 4441229 info@fonsiemealy.ie

Printed Catalogue Now Available: €20. View the catalogue online at www.fonsiemealy.ie

The post CHATSWORTH SUMMER FINE ART SALE appeared first on Kilkenny Press.

William Nolan was the author of the truly local offering: Fassadinin: Land, Settlement and Society in Southeast Ireland 1600 – 1850. 

Rare and Antiquarian Books will include the residue from the Library of the Late Dr Philip Murray, Sligo and select items from other private clients.

Nolan’s book has illustrations throughout and also up for grabs will be Kilkenny History and Society (Geography Publications).

The first item is a presentation copy to local academic and historian, Tom Lyng, with many of his notes used for compiling ‘Castlecomer Connections.

The Boer War (1890 – 1902) medals should attract countrywide interest. 

There is a set of four miniature Army-issued medals with original bars for Transvaal, South Africa 1901 and 1902 and ribbons, joined, as a set.

A rare Three Candles Publication from Fishguard and Rosslare Railways and Harbours is a souvenir programme for a visit of the directors… for inspection of the Irish portion of their undertaking from May 28 to 31, 1938.

There are illustrations throughout of Irish scenes and a mock up copy of same with original pencil sketches.

For those with a particular interest in photography there is a collection of over 120 large pictures of Ireland, some original, some modern copies of Lawrence, some aerial views, Armagh, Antrim, Donegal, Dublin, Wicklow, Galway, Limerick, Cork, Cavan and Sligo.

There are many press samples, including one album as a collection.

The sale is live for bidding up until 11am on Wednesday, April 24. There will be approximately 700 lots on offer.

Included are modern English and Irish First Editions, Signed and limited copies, periodicals, history, travel, science, science, pamphlets, ephemera, maps and boxed lots.

The auction rooms are in Chatsworth Street in the North Kilkenny town and in-person viewing is available.

The post Rare books and war medals appeared first on Kilkenny Press.

The spectacular event is in aid of Mental Health Ireland. There will be a Complimentary Welcome Drink for all, finger food and bumper raffle.

The organisers guarantee a great night of singing and dancing. Tickets are available at the Hotel Reception for €25 a ticket with all proceeds going directly to Mental Health Ireland. 

Mental Health Ireland is the longest established Mental Health charity in Ireland. Throughout its history, Mental Health Ireland and the Mental Health Associations have played a central role in reshaping how people understand, protect, improve and maintain good mental health. 

All work with individuals, families and communities to increase knowledge and reduce stigma of mental health challenges.

The post Good health to a great night appeared first on Kilkenny Press.

Boast is that the pair will combine their transport offerings with the aim of delivering an enhanced service in the region.

The proud owners say that the partnership between Sevens Taxis and FREENOW will result in the largest taxi fleet available in County Kilkenny with a combined driver base of over 100 men and women. 

Existing Sevens Taxis passengers will now have the option of booking a taxi directly via the FREENOW app, in addition to the Sevens Taxis ‘phone line. 

Through the app passengers will have access to a range of services including pre-bookings via the ‘pre-book’ option, 6/7/8-seater van taxis, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, EV vehicles and can pay via Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Debit Card or cash.

Sevens Taxis was established in 2007 by Eddie and Emer Fenlon.

Eddie Fenlon, co-owner of Sevens Taxis told Kilkenny Press:“From humble beginnings as a family-run enterprise, we have grown into a high-performing taxi operator with an excellent fleet of drivers.

“This partnership will benefit our regular and future passengers with greater vehicle access and new booking options, especially during peak hours. 

“We are excited about joining forces with national and innovative taxi provider FREENOW that is committed to delivering quality passenger and driver experiences, and we look forward to delivering an even better service together.”

Charlie Gleeson, General Manager FREENOW Ireland said the partnership marked an important milestone for FREENOW, as it combined its existing app technology, mobility offering and driver partners with the quality service and excellent driver fleet established by Sevens Taxis.

The post The Magnificent Sevens appeared first on Kilkenny Press.

The 36 teams will travel from Cork, Kerry, Clare, Mayo, Dublin, Offaly, Carlow, Cavan, Limerick, Laois, Wexford, Waterford and Kilkenny will also be I action.
The teams from England are from Yorkshire, Bristol, Hull and Birmingham.

There will be over 400 players in the battle for honours and the equally important social night out is in Paris Texas on the Saturday evening.
It all goes to goes the importance of well-being and health and fitness for adults who wish to continue playing sport into their ‘forties and ‘fifties.

The action gets under way in O’Loughlin Gaels this Friday (March 1) from 7.20pm, with the Kilkenny ladies 40s team of Marble City Mayfairs taking on Cork Cougars for the Seamus Walsh Cup.

And straight after are the Kilkenny men’s 40s team up against WEBBA from the UK, with new recruits James Butler and David Keane added to the local line-up.

The Lar Murphy Memorial Cup is at stake for the eventual winners in this category.
There will also be underage boys and girls Kilkenny Star teams playing beforehand.

The bulk of the games are on Saturday, spread across O’Loughlin Gaels, Loreto and St Kieran’s College halls from 9am to 5pm.

The finals then take place in the same venues on Sunday
You can check out their website and Facebook page for more details, www.kilkennymasters.ie
Entry is free and all are encouraged to go along and enjoy the action.
In addition, there will be a Wheelchair Exhibition game between the players of the South East Swifts basketball team in St Kieran’s hall at 12.50pm on Sunday.
Swifts were narrowly beaten in the IWA National Cup Final played in the National Basketball Arena, Dublin. Have a look at how Pat O’Neill and his team manage to weave their way round a court on wheels.

Marble City Hawks Ladies National League team will provide a catering service at each venue to help fundraise for the club.

Sponsors are Paris Texas Bar, Pembroke Hotel, Clune Tech, Langtons Hotel, House Of Stoves, Sport Ireland (Age & Opportunity), Basketball Ireland, St Canice’s Credit Union, Pat Carroll’s Bar, Hennessy Sports, TJ Reid Health & Fitness, Infocus Opticians, DJSolutions.ie, moonbehindthehill.ie and drawinginc.ie

The post Paris Texas hosts basketball festival appeared first on Kilkenny Press.

On their way across the Atlantic are talented singers from the United States, courtesy of the International Music Exchange

The  youngsters are pupils from the Sacred Heart High School, Connecticut.

The visit is part of the school’s ‘American Celebration of Music Concert Series in Ireland’.

Yet more good news is that the concert which promises to be a lunchtime delight is absolutely free to lovers of music and song.

The Upper School Chorus and Madrigal groups will sing a range of sacred and secular music from traditional to pop.

The post Kilkenny welcomes US singers appeared first on Kilkenny Press.

By the Bog of Cats centres around the character of Hester Swane, an Irish traveller.

Tormented by the memory of a mother who deserted her at the age of seven, Hester is now being abandoned by Carthage Kilbride, the father of her child.

He wants her to leave the Bog of Cats, a place she loves and refuses to leave, because he is about to marry a girl fom a well off farming background and start a new life.

On the brink of despair she embarks on a terrible journey of vengeance
as the secrets of her tangled history are revealed.

By the Bog of Cats premiered at the Abbey Theatre, Dublin, in 1998.Set in the mysterious bogs of rural Ireland. Marina Carr has the brilliant ability to move between the mythic and the real.

Cast: Jackie Kennedy plays the main role of Hester Swane with great strength and confidence and is seldom off the stage.

Others are Bobby Murray, Stephen Gilmore, Gerry Carroll, Willie Kearney, Biddy Hawe and Caroline Doran who excels as `Catwoman’.

Making their debut, Shrughawadda Players are delighted to welcome new members Sophie Gilmore who very ably plays the part of Josie Kilbride, Jake Butler, Emily Freaney, Aisling Bryan,and Thomas Deegan. All play their parts to perfection.

The Bog of Cats is once again directed by Alycia Kearney; Backstage and front of house Jackie Kenneally, Marie Kelly; Art and Design Stephen Gilmore; Carpenter William Kearney; Set Builder Willie Kearney; Costumes/props Alycia Kearney. Lighting Ciaran Moore, Music/sound effects Aobha Moore.

Tickets can be bought in Pete`s Shop,Kilmoganny,051-648637 or can be booked and pay at door.

Contacts Alycia 087-6757490, Jackie 087-9953532. Tickets also online facebook.com/shrughawaddaplayers. https://www.gr8events.ieshrughawaddaplayers24

The post By the Bog of Cats appeared first on Kilkenny Press.