John Quealy – An Appreciation
The late John Quealy
The death has occurred of John Quealy of Corville, Roscrea, at the age of 86. John was a native of Tullabrack, Cooraclare, Co. Clare.
He arrived in Roscrea in November 1948 to take up the position of Principal Teacher in Knock National School. Through his great interest in greyhounds, he became acquainted with the Maher family of Corville and fell in love with their youngest daughter Joan, whom he married in 1952. John and Joan had seven children, Kathleen, Joan, Peadar, Geri, Sean, Maureen and Michael. They were all around him when he died in Villa Marie Nursing Home in the early hours of Sunday January 6th. The huge crowds who visited the family home where his remains reposed on Monday January 7th and attended his funeral Mass on Tuesday January 8th, were eloquent testimony to his popularity.
John contracted polio at the age of two. His life hung in the balance for several days and, though he recovered well, he was left with a permanent limp for the rest of his life. He never let that misfortune cause any bitterness in his approach to life. He had a great sense of humour. John was deeply devoted to Joan and his children and grandchildren. He took a great interest in all their activities. He was very proud when his son Peadar played Senior hurling for Tipperary in the late 70’s and early 80’s. He was very attached to his native County Clare, and was trilled when Clare won Munster football and Munster and All-Ireland Hurling titles in the 90’s. John always supported Tipperary except when they were playing Clare. One one such occasion in the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick in 1979, John was, as usual, cheering for Clare, eventhough Peadar was on the Tipperary Panel. During the course of the game Peadar was introduced as a sub and without batting an eyelid, John changed sides and cheered for Tipperary for the rest of the game which they won!
Full appreciation in this week’s Tipperary Star.
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Weather for Tipperary
Sunday 26 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 6 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South west
