Death of popular Templemore man

The death occurred on July 2 last of John Collier, Main Street, Templemore.

In his 93rd year, John died in the loving care of Fenor Hill Nursing Home, Urlingford, where he was a patient for the past 12 months.

Born and reared on the Main Street, John attended the local primary school and then went to secondary school in Castleknock in Dublin, after which he returned home to work in the family hardware business. He spent all his working life in the family business on the Main Street and continued to live there in his retirement years. He was well regarded by both the local and country customers, and would have went out of his way to find and source items or parts that he did not have on site to make sure all his customers were satisfied.

In his younger days John was competitive on the sporting fields - he played rugby with Rathdowney, and played tennis and badminton with local clubs. He also enjoyed golf and was a member of Thurles Golf Club for a number of years.

John, being interested in local affairs, was a member of the local historical society, and for many years was a member of Templemore Bridge Club.

He loved walking and will be remembered for the many miles he walked over his lifetime - many people remarking over his funeral days of meeting up with him in any part of the countryside. He loved to stop for a chat, and always with the newspaper under his arm. He was an avid reader and from his school days read the Irish Times every day and without fail, he always began with the Crosswords.

His health began to fail in recent years but he was able to continue living at home with the help the family received from the wonderful Home Help Care Team, who called to him daily. He is survived by his brother Billy, sister June, sister-in-law Kathleen, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends.

John's remains reposed at Grey's Funeral Home and his Funeral Mass took place in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Templemore, after which burial took place in Templeree Cemetery. May his gentle soul rest in peace.