K/K notes 18th January 2003
LATE FR. JOHN P. RUTTLEDGE
Fr. John Ruttledge died peacefully in Nazareth House, Middlesborough on Fri. morning, 3rd Jan. 2003. He was born into an Irish family in Ackworth, Yorkshire, his father Dr. Tom Ruttledge, a doctor from Knock, Co. Mayo and his mother, Margaret McRedmond, a nurse from Knockhill, Kilcormac, Co. Offaly. Fr. Ruttledge was educated at various schools in England before completing his BA degree in UCD and studying for the priesthood at All Hallows, Dublin, being ordained there on 23rd June 1946. His first appointment was as curate at St. Joseph's, Sheffield until 1952. This was followed by various appointments to Halifax, Pudsey and York. He became parish Priest at St. Peters, Leeds in July 1963 and remained there for the next 20 years. Between 1983 and his retirement in 1996 he spent short periods in Queensbury, Bradford, Barnoldswick, Heckmondwike and Huddersfield. Following an illness he convalesced in St. Gabriel's, Horsforth and in Ireland. He retired in 1996 to St. Maries, Halifax where he remained until three weeks before his death, when he went to Nazareth House.
Fr.Ruttledge spent most of his childhood holidays in Ireland, where he traveled to Kilcormac, with his late brother Gill, his late sister Mary and his surviving sister Anne. He and his siblings loved their trips to Ireland and the freedom they had running wild around the McRedmond farm at Knockhill. In later years, he continued with an almost annual visit to Kilcormac to visit his late brother Gill and his many other relations in the area.
Fr. Ruttledge is probably best remembered in Kilcormac for his animated sermons and his genuine kindness to all. He was a talented and patient 'repair man' and mended many clocks and other objects for those who knew of his talents. He had a special affinity to children and always seemed to instinctively know what would capture their imagination, this often consisted of flying gadgets, kites, mechanical construction toys and electronic gadgets which would be gathered between visits and never failed to please.
An intellectual, he was also famed for his debating prowess particularly in the areas of Scripture and the Bible
He had spent his later years in Halifax working with the homeless and drug addicts and had a particular concern for the fate of the many asylum seekers in his area. At his funeral in Halifax the people of the parish of St.Maries demonstrated a great love and affection for Fr.Ruttledge; Requiem Mass was celebrated by Rt.Rev.David Konstant, Bishop of Leeds with some 40 priests of the Diocese, including Mr. Michael Ingwell, Parish Priest of St. Maries, who looked after Fr. Ruttledge so well in later months as his health failed. He was fondly remembered by his classmate from All Hallows, Canon Denis Tangney, who returned from holiday in Kerry to remember his friend. Addressing the congregation, he recanted some vivid memories of their days together at All Hallows and their subsequent appointments to the Diocese. All who knew him will sadly miss Fr. John.
He is survived by his sister Anne (Laytown), sister-in-law Mary, Kilcormac, nieces, nephews and many cousins. May he Rest in Peace.
BIRTHDAY WISHES
Good wishes to Richard Daly, Cornagark, who celebrated a special Birthday on New Years Eve. Many Happy Returns Richard.
Good wishes also to Robert Dillon, Derrinboy, who recently celebrated his 21st Birthday.
BALLYBOY C.C.E.
Ballyboy CCE wish to announce the following events;
Junior Music and singing sessions in Dan & Mollys on Sun,. 19th Jan., from 4-6p.m. for all members.
Senior Session in Dan & Mollys on Fri. 31st Jan,. commencing at 9.30p.m. All welcome.
Nora's set dancing classes resume on this Wed. 15th in O'Sullivan, Kilcormac at 9.00p.m. and on Sun,. 19th in Dan & Mollys at 9.00p.m. All welcome, including beginners and improvers.
Sharon's music classes resume Mon. 13th Jan,. and Wed. 25th Jan.. Stella's class resume Sat. 18th Jan. Raphael's beginners class resumes Wed. 15th Jan.
All classes in Dan & Mollys, at the usual times.
The Branch would like to send best wishes to Amy Delaney who is representing Offaly in Solo Singing in Scor na nOg on Sat. next 18th Jan. in Ballinakill, Co. Laois.
CHIROPODIST
The Chiropodist will be in attendance at the Community Centre, Kilcormac on Tues. 21st Jan. for Senior Citizens, from 2.00p.m. to 5.00p.m.
KILCORMAC RAMBLERS
A reminder of the night out on this Fri. night 17th Jan. at Birr Rugby Club. Buffet commences at 9.00p.m.
The total amount of money collected as a result of the New Year's Day sponsored walk amounted to 1004 Euro., which will go to Offaly Hospice. The winner of the combined time of both walks was Tom Buckley, Tullamore Rd., with a correct guess of 7hrs.35 mins.
KILCORMAC C.C.E.
The adjourned Annual General Meeting of Kilcormac CCE will be held on this Thurs. night 16th Jan. at 9.00p.m. in The Fiesta Ballroom. New members are welcome and membership of the branch is now due for 2003.
Music classes resume in the Community Centre on this Wed. 15th Jan. at 7.00p.m. Beginners welcome – Adults and Juniors and all musical instruments taught.
SYMPATHY
Deepest sympathy to the Dooley family, Ballyroe on the recent death of Fr. Joe Dooley, P.P. Slane.
WEDDING BELLS
Congratulations to Sabrina Lowry, Mooney Tce., Kilcormac and Trevor Mahon, Clonaslee, who were married recently in Kilcormac and Patrick Murray St. Cormac's Park and Patricia Murphy, Middleton, who were married recently in Douglas, Co. Cork.
Every happiness to both young couples.
K.D.A. LOTTO
Winning Nos. this week were 6,7,11,17. There was no winner of the Jackpot. There were ten match 3 winners. Promoters prize Declan Lowry. Next weeks Jackpot is 9950Euro and the draw is in McCanns.
