Passing of community man in Moneygall

Stephen Costello, Busherstown, Moneygall, died shortly before Christmas following a couple of years of ill health. He was pre-deceased by his wife Mary in 2000 and his sister Mary a few short months before him.
Stephen was a very well respected member of the community of Moneygall and Dunkerrin.
He and his sisters were born in Ballinakill, Cloughjordan, but the family moved to Busherstown when they were young. Stephen and his wife Mary farmed in Busherstown very much in the old-fashioned way. The hay was cut using horse and mowing machine, trammed with forks and brought into the farmyard with horse and cart.
 This was before the tractor and baler became the norm. Each summer, Stephen saved the turf in Jimmy Hogan’s bog in Brownstown. It was back-breaking work but the tea and sandwiches were always welcome during the day.
When Stephen’s wife Mary passed away in 2000, Stephen continued on farming on his own and in his own way. He kept himself busy and was always willing to help his neighbours. He helped out with farmwork in Hastings in Gurteen and also helped Undertaker Pat Coonan at times of funerals. It was his nature to be busy and he loved the company and the chat.
He took great pride in his work as caretaker in St Joseph’s National School, Moneygall. He commenced this work along with his wife Mary and continued on for many years after she died.
The staff in the school really appreciated his dedication to his duties. Each week he had regular visits to the school, never missing a week, and he always made sure the school was in the best condition for the children and staff.
He regularly visited his sister Mary in Roscrea in the evenings when his day’s work was done.
He had a keen interest in western movies and Fair City on television and when Roscrea Cinema was open, he was a regular visitor on Saturday nights, cycling into town. He also loved his visits to the seaside in Salthill or Tramore with his daughter Anne Marie.
They also were regular visitors to Tullamore Show and the Ploughing Championships where he was especially interested in the horse ploughing and the vintage machinery on display.
Stephen also travelled further afield to visit his son John in London on a number of occasions.
 He really loved the aeroplane trip and marvelled at the views of the farmland from the air. However, after the buzz of London, he was always glad to return home.
When he suffered ill health, he spent the last few years of his life in Villa Marie Nursing Home but always enjoyed his brief day trips to his home in Busherstown. Stephen is sadly missed by his family and all who knew him. He was indeed, a kind, gentle man.                                      
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.