The Late Jim Power The death occurred at St Luke's Hospital, Killkenny of Jim Power, Kilgreaney. He was 82 year of age and the youngest of 12 children, eight brothers and three sisters, born to Patrick and Anne Power. As a young boy he served on the altar in Ballinkillen Church when Mass and hymns were in Latin. On leaving school Jim worked on local farms before taking up employment in Ballyellen Limeworkers. He later moved onto Connolly's Red Mills, Goresbridge, where he stayed until his retirement in 18 years ago. Jim met his future wife, Annie, (nee O'Dwyer, St Bridgid's crescent) in the Astor Cinema and they were married in 1947 in Bagenalstown. They shared a deep and caring relationship and would have been married for 58 years on November 26. Jim lived his retirement to the full and he was passionate about the community in which he lived. He was a member of the committee that raised funds for a grotto in the grounds of Ballinkillen Church and, with the help of local chaplain, Mrs Patsy Murphy, he painted the walls around the grotto and through the years he looked after it with loving care. Jim had a lifetime love of sport and was hugely involved in Ballinkillen Hurling Club and a member of the committee for years, winning a medal with Bagenalstown in 1940. He was a member of Ballinkillen Pioneer Association. Jim loved gardening and took great pride in his dahlias. His talent and love of gardening was inherited from his late father who was a gardener in Thropes of Kilgreaney House. Jim was an exceptionally talented man, an expert on local history and a brilliant harmonica player and singer. He was a truly selfless person and was always there when people were in trouble to lend a helping hand. Jim had been in failing health for nearly two years but he never complained and faced each day with complete trust in the Lord. As one mourner said, "Jim was the cornerstone of Ballinkillen and will never be replaced", a sentiment shared by the whole community and the huge crowds who attended his funeral. His is survived by his wife Annie; sons Patrick (Ballyellen) and Seamus (Ballinkillen); daughters Mary (Drunmore East); daughters-in-law Marie and Kathleen and son-in-law, Anthony; grandchildren Dolores, Olivia, SEamus, Davis, Barry, Rosemary, Angela; great grandchildren Louise and Katie; nieces , nephews, special friend Michael Doran, neighbours and friends. Removal was to St Andrew's Parish Church. After funeral Mass, burial was in Ballinkillen Cemetery. 26th February 2006 Tweet

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