PASSING OF NOTED FIGURE

Leinster Leader 4 June 1955

PASSING OF NOTED FIGURE

Mr. Cornelius Ua Buachalla, Kilcock

With the death of Mr. Cornelius Ua Buachalla, Kilcock, Kildare and the country as a whole has lost one of its outstanding patriots, who had been associated with the struggle for freedom for well over half a century.

The late Mr. Ua Buachalla, who had reached the patriarchal age of 94 years, was a brother of Mr. Donal Ua Buachalla, former An Seanschal. He died at the home of his son, Mr. Cathal Ua Buachalla, in Liverpool.

From his earliest years deceased with the other members of his family, were uncompromising opponents of British rule in Ireland. And on the other hand deceased left nothing undone to advance the cause of Ireland both politically and economically. He was in every movement that promised fulfilment of these aims and although the outlook was often dark and apparently hopeless he never wavered in the high ideals which he had set himself.

Interned on the Curragh during the War of Independence, he met many of the leader of that great Revolution, including Eamon de Valera, the President, Mr Sean T. O’Ceallaigh, and many others with whom he became personal friends for life. After the Truce he was one of those associated with the foundation of the Fianna Fail organisation, and became Chairman of the Comhairle Dail Ceantair. He was elected President of the Kilcock Fianna Fail Club, and was Director of Elections for the area. Incidentally, it will be remembered that his brother, Mr. Donal Ua Buachalla, led the courageous band of Maynooth men to Dublin for the 1916 Rebellion.

LANGUAGE ENTHUSIAST.

As befitting his strong National outlook, the late Mr. Ua Buachalla was an enthusiast in the promotion of the language, and he encouraged its use on every possible occasion. He began his business career with members of the family in Maynooth, and came to Kilcock more than seventy years ago. He built up extensive trade there and was noted for his integrity and scrupulous honesty in every part of North Kildare and in the County of Meath, where he enjoyed widespread popularity. In his earlier years he took an active part in public affairs, being a member of Kildare County Council and the old Board of Health. He was connected with the Catholic Young Men’s Society and other Catholic Societies, and he received the rare distinction of a gold emblem from the C.Y.M.S. for long and faithful service. A Catholic of deeply religious convictions, he attended Mass every day, and although a little abrupt in his manner, it was well-known that his generosity and kindness was characteristic of a truly noble nature. To his son, daughters, brother and other relatives, the deepest sympathy is extended on their great and irreparable loss.

THE FUNERAL

The remains were flown to Dublin Airport on Wednesday morning, and removed to Kilcock by road, where they were received by Very Rev. J. O’Meara, P.P., Kilcock. Requiem Mass was celebrated in the Parish Church by Father O’Meara, and the clergy present at the obsequies included Very Rev. O’Connor, P.P., Rathvilly; Very Rev. Dr. J. McCarthy, D.D., Maynooth College; Very Rev. Dr. Hamill, D.D., Maynooth College; Very Rev J. Monaghan, Maynooth College; Rev. J. Carter, C.C., Kilcock, and Rev. J. Cuneen, C.C., Maynooth.

The funeral to Laraghbryan Cemetery was the largest witnessed in the district for many years and included members of the Oireachtas, public representatives, professional men and all creeds and classes in the county. Rev. J. Carter, C.C., officiated at the graveside.

The chief mourners were – Mr. Cathal Ua Buachalla (son); Miss Sadbh Ní Buachalla, and Mrs. P. Byrne, Belfast (daughters); Mr. Donal Ua Buachalla (brother); Joseph Ua Buachalla, Maynooth; Kevin Ua Buachalla, Seadna Ua Buachalla, Dublin (nephews); Mrs. J. Gallagher, Miss Maureen Ní Buachalla; Mrs. S. O’Sullivan and Mrs. M. O’Neill, Clondalkin (nieces); Siobhan Ní Buachalla and Aidan and Fidelma Byrne (grand-children); William and P. Byrne (sons-in-law); Mrs. C. Ní Buachalla (daughter-in-law); Mr. and Mrs. L. McLoughlin (cousins); Maeve and Noreen O’Neill, Joseph Gallagher, John Cusack, Arthur Cross, Michael O’Neill, Seamus O’Sullivan, Mrs. W. Byrne, Mr. W. Jacob, Mrs. J. Ní Buachalla and Mrs. K. Ní Buachalla and Mrs. S. Ní Buachalla (relatives).

The President was represented by his A.D.C., Col. Sean O’Sullivan.  The attendance included – Mr. de Valera, Mr. T. Harris, T.D.; Mr. Hilliard, T.D.; Senator M. Prendergast, Comdt. M. McGrath (representing Kildare and Offaly, F.C.A.); Mr. J. McCormack, Secretary Kildare Fianna Fail Comhairle Ceanntair; Terry Boylan, Hugh Cosgrove and P. Frayne (Kildare County Council); Kevin O’Kennedy (Offaly Co. Council); Dr. J. Conlan, M.O.H.; Dr. A. Robinson, Dr. P. Osborne and Dr. G. O’Reilly.

All meetings of Fianna Fail in the area were cancelled as a mark of respect.

Re-typed by Jennifer O’Connell