The late Martin Harte A lifetime of memorable and good humoured moments were affectionately recalled recently as the people of Graigueculllen laid to rest one of their own - the late Martin Harte, Killeshin Road, Graiguecullen, Carlow. Martin (60) died suddenly at his home on September 10, causing a deep sense of shock among his family and the wide circle of friends who knew him. Martin was a familiar face right around the county through his work with Ray Whelan Refuse. Martin had worked for Ray Whelan's for the past 15 years and was widely known for his friendly chat and word for everyone. Prior to working for Ray Whelan's, Martin worked for Leix Dairy, a job that once again took him around the region meeting people and becoming a familiar face to all. First and foremost however Martin was a proud Laois man and took a huge interest in the GAA and of course the fortunes of Laois in the championship. In his later years, Martin took a keen interest in gardening and each summer his garden was filled with many beautiful flowers - a testament to his green fingers. Martin loved nothing more than to be outside in the garden sowing flowers and he spent many an hour enjoying this. Martin was also a good friend to the nearby Poor Clare sisters and over the years dug the graves for the Sisters who'd passed on, while also made himself available for any jobs or messages they needed. While Martin underwent a minor operation in St. James Hospital Dublin and had a short stay in St. Luke's hospital, Kilkenny prior to his death, his untimely passing at his home was a huge shock to all, none more so than his family. The large attendance at his funeral to St. Clare's Church Graiguecullen was a reflection of the high esteem in which Martin was held. Everyone had a story to tell about Martin, his good humour and the many amusing incidents from his life. His teammates from the famous 1965 Graiguecullen team formed a guard of honour, while the Graiguecullen Men's Choir sang at the Requiem Mass. Also there to pay their final respects were members of the Poor Clare's community who also sang at the mass. Martin was buried in Killeshin Cemetery alongside his late wife Kathleen (nee Clifford) who died 14 years previously. The couple's wish had always been to be buried in Killeshin where they could always look down on their children and loved ones. Predeceased by his brother, Eddie and sister, Mary, Martin is survived by his sons Paul (London), Martin (Dublin), Thomas (Killeshin Road), grandchildren Jade, Oisín, David, Jane, Emily, Bryan and Liam, brothers Seán and Denis, other relatives and a wide circle of friends. Courtesy of the Carlow Nationalist October 2004 Tweet

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