Jim Hogan, Rathurles, Kilruane - an appreciation
When news broke in Kilruane that Jim Hogan had died unexpectedly, a neighbour who knew Jim well remarked: “This surely is a bad time to die.”
Someone else responded: “Sure, is there ever a good time to die?”
Ecclesiastes tells us: “There is a time for everything; a time to be born and a time to die.” And who are we to argue with that?
However, we all understand quite well what was meant by this neighbour's comment. It is the natural and the human reaction for neighbours and friends in the locality to reach out in every possible way to support a bereaved family. Bereaved families are normally surrounded by neighbours, friends and relatives from near and far when a loved one dies. With Covid restrictions, none of this could happen for Jim's funeral, and this is why the neighbour said “this surely is a bad time to die.”
PRIVATE FAMILY SERVICE
At the time of a funeral in the present climate, people struggle with trying to keep the Covid restrictions. And because Covid regulations on Level 5 are so restrictive, and only allow for a private family service with just 10 family members present, the local community could not reach out as we would have liked to, and, as we would naturally do in 'normal times', to celebrate Jim's life and give him the send-off that he truly deserved from his local community.
A private family funeral Mass took place on Sunday, January 10th, in Kilruane Church at 1pm, which, thanks to Seamus Costelloe was streamed live for those who could not be there. This was particularly appreciated by parishioners who could not be present in the church, and by the Hogan family, as Jim's siblings, Mikey, Mary, Kathleen and Tony live in London, Manchester and Sussex, and could not be present due to Covid at this time.
Fr Pat Greed, PP, assisted by Fr John Sheary, presided at Jim's funeral Mass, and neighbours and friends, while being mindful of social distancing, stood respectfully on the roadside, as Jim's funeral cortege approached the church from his home in Rathurles, and again as the funeral cortege left the church after Mass for burial in Lisboney.
In paying tribute to Jim's role as Sacristan for 38 years in Kilruane Church, Fr Pat referred to the Mass of Thanksgiving on February 23rd, 2019, which was celebrated in the church to mark the occasion of Jim's retirement, and where presentations were made to him on behalf of the people of the parish.
On that occasion Jim was complimented for his dedication and service to the community of Kilruane since 1980, when he took on the role of sacristan, occasionally assisted by his wife Pauline when necessary. In his 38 years as sacristan, it was calculated that Jim prepared the church for 2,500 Masses. He had opened and locked the church approximately 13,870 times. When these figures are added to the number of Masses, it meant that Jim had driven to and from the church far more than 30,240 times for various reasons.
PRESENTATION OF SYMBOLS
Small wonder then, that one of the symbols brought forward at the Presentation of Symbols representing Jim's life during the Mass, was his bundle of church keys. Jim was a wonderful timekeeper. Every morning before 8am his car could be seen driving down to open the church.
Before every Mass or ceremony, Jim could be found in the church for at least an hour beforehand. This was the case for Saturday evening Mass, Baptisms, Funerals , Weddings, First Fridays, School ceremonies or any ceremony.
Jim liked to get things ready without distraction. He was very focused and liked to work away quietly, then sit down and relax before the Mass or ceremony began. This was his secret to being an effective sacristan... to start in good time... not to be under pressure... and to check his ‘to do’ lists for every occasion. Nothing was left to chance when Jim was in charge.
One of the servers described him as being very ‘calm’ in the sacristy and this quality was very necessary, especially when the small sacristy became crowded for various occasions. Jim was totally reliable and went to all the rounds of the world to ensure that everything was carried out to the highest standards.
Jim was never one for the limelight. It is very difficult to find a photograph where he is clearly visible. In all his 38 years, Jim preferred to disappear into the sacristy if possible, or when this wasn't possible, he was found at the back of the church, and in most photographs hidden behind someone's head, or peeping in from the side or background.
Sacristans are very special people and play an incredible role in a Faith community. This role often goes unnoticed and can be taken for granted. Sacristans are essential to the smooth running of every liturgical community celebration. Good sacristans are very loyal and dependable, and are irreplaceable. Jim Hogan was one such sacristan. Jim was a special person and a great neighbour. He was always ready to help a neighbour or friend when called on. Sean Ward, Jim's son-in-law, in the eulogy, spoke about the hardworking Jim and the family man, who could compete with any able-bodied person in the bog and who loved his garden, his home, his family and his cup of tea. Sean also reminded us that Jim had no favourites, he treated everyone in the same way - regardless of rank or status. Jim served us, the people of Kilruane, as sacristan with devotion, commitment and loyalty.
If Jim had died in what we now call “normal times”, the church would be filled to capacity and overflow onto the adjoining grounds outside. A former parish priest who knew Jim well commented: “Jim regarded Kilruane Church as his second home”, or his home away from home, and gave it the same meticulous care and attention as he gave to his own home in Rathurles.
SYMPATHY AND THANKS
Thank you, Jim. Ní bheidh do leithéid ann arís. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Kilruane community extends sincere sympathy to Jim's wife Pauline, daughters Mary and Bridie, son John, sisters Mary and Kathleen, brothers Mikey and Tony, sons-in-law Sean and Johnny, daughter-in-law Carmel, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.