Ronan, William (Billy)
December 16, 2009The death has occurred of William (Billy) Ronan of St Brendan's Park, Tralee and formerly of New Ross, Co. Wexford.
Billy, as he was better known to everyone, died on Thursday December 3 at Our Lady of Fatima Home, Oakvilla, Tralee, where he had been a resident for a brief period.
Aged 87, Billy was a native of New Ross, but had spent over 50 years living in his adopted town of Tralee. Son of Andrew and Mary Ellen Ronan. Billy's working career started in the Tannery in New Ross, on completion of his education received at the Good Counsel School.
His life took a big turn when he was offered the position of foreman at the Southern Tanneries, Tralee. Their premises was situated off The Square where the Plaza Shopping Centre now stands.
Prior to coming to Tralee, Billy had married the love of his life Lila Roche also of New Ross in 1953. Their two eldest children Mary and Liam were born in New Ross.
Billy decided to come to Tralee in 1957 to see if he could settle in the capital of the Kingdom. When he was happy that his future was secure in the south west Lila and their children came to join him.
The family came to live in the new housing estate of St Brendan's Park in 1958 and their family was completed with the birth of daughters Martina and Ruth. Billy's tenure as foreman at the Tannery was a very happy time for him and he had great memories of times spent with colleagues there.
The Tannery was a big employer in Tralee at the time and it saddened Billy when it was closed down in the early 1970s.
Billy subsequently took up employment at the Kingdom Tubes Factory, Upper Rock Street. There also Billy was very popular with fellow employees and was happy working there until the factory ceased production in 1983. He took relief porter duties at the Department of Social Welfare and a number of banks in the town up until his retirement.
A loving husband and father, Billy's life revolved around his family. Of quiet, gentle and friendly nature, Billy was very well known in St Brendan's Park where his neighbours remember him with great fondness.
An ardent supporter of Kilkenny hurling teams, when they weren't playing his native Wexford, of course, Billy attended his first hurling All Ireland final in 1937. He attended all subsequent finals, with the exception of the Centenary Year 1984, when he couldn't get a ticket for love nor money! He had to forego further trips to Croke Park when his health curtailed his travel.
He supported the footballers of Austin Stacks and Kerry in many of their triumphs and rated neighbour's child Mikey Sheehy among the greats.
Billy's faith played a very important part in his life as did his membership of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association. He joined the St John's Choir shortly after arriving in Tralee and as parishioner of Our Lady and St Brendan offered his help in fundraising for the church. He strolled down Rock Street every day to attend the lunch time mass at Holy Cross Dominican Church.
Those daily trips down town put him in contact with many of his friends. He liked nothing better than to stop for a friendly chat while the traffic passed busily by.
The last surviving member of the own family, Billy's life partner Lila sadly passed away in May, 1994.
The removal of his remains took place from Hogan's Funeral Home to the Church of Our Lady and St Brendan on Friday December 4. Interment following requiem Mass.
Billy is mourned by his children Mary, Liam, Martina and Ruth, grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughter-in-law, relatives and friends.
Billy honourary Tralee man, will be remembered with great affection.
Suaimhneas siorrai da anam ridhilis.
Courtesy of The Kerryman
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