Obituary - Mr. Patrick Halloran

12 July 1949 The Tumut and Adelong Times 

Brief mention was made in a recent issue of the death of Mr. Patrick Halloran, of East Blowering, which occurred at the District Hospital in the early hours of July 4, 1949.

Yet another of the old school passed on, leaving behind, as in this instance, memories of a good father and brother, an esteemed friend and a kindly neighbour.

Patrick Halloran, who would have been 84 had he lived till October of this year, was born at Tumut Plains. 

His parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Halloran, were married ere they left Ireland for the new land and to add to the discomforts of the trip in those early days their boat was shipwrecked on the Western Australian coast.

However, in due course they reached the Tumut district, where they and their dependants after them carved a niche in the life and progress of the community. 

The subject of this notice was one of eleven children, two brothers - (Thomas and Frances) and two sisters, Miss Margaret Halloran (of the Education Department) and Mrs. Tim Quilty (Bridget) predeceasing him.

The surviving members are Ellen (Mrs. Hayes, Sydney), Teresa (Sister Jane Francis, of the Sisters of St. Joseph, North Sydney), Annie (Mrs. R. L. Blakeney, Tumut), Mary (Mrs. R. Hayden, Tumut), and Catherine (Mrs. W. Kell, Lacmalac) and  Mr. John Halloran, of East Blowering. Mr. Halloran married Miss Helena McGuire, who was at that time teaching at the Convent of Mercy, Tumut, and the young couple made their home at East Blowering, where tobacco growing and general farming was carried on.

In the sporting world of the district Mr. Halloran was a keen cricketer - bowling his forte, the several trophies in his possession being tangible proof of his skill in that direction.

He was included in a representative team to play against an English team at Wagga on one occasion and retained an interest in the game to the last. 

Of their seven children one daughter, Teresa, died in infancy and the three sons and three daughters are Alphonsus (Sydney), John (O'Connell), Angela (Mrs. Alan Guthrie, Blowering), Margaret (Mrs. E. L. Groves, Blowering), Bernard (Blowering) and Bridget (Mrs. D. White, Maitland). Mrs. Halloran died in 1925, when her eldest daughter assumed charge of the household, assisted by the eldest son and second daughter.

One son and one daughter entered the Department of Education and the youngest son joined the services in   World War II.

Some three years ago Mr. Halloran had to enter the District Hospital for treatment, going later to Lewisham, where he underwent an operation - a severe ordeal for a man of his years.

After some time convalescing with his son Jack at O'Connell he returned to Blowering and continued his usual work at the farm.

Even up to a few days before his death he was riding about his property.

He was brought into the hospital on the Sunday evening, but little hope was held out for his recovery from the outset. 

Always a practical and devout member of his church, Mr. Halloran received the last rites administered by Rev. Fr. Casey and passed away at 1.30 a.m. on the Monday. Requiem Mass was celebrated by Mon- signor Sharkey on Tuesday morning and the funeral left the Catholic church for the new cemetery at 2.30 p.m.

The pallbearers were Messrs. A. J. and B. Halloran (sons), E. L. Groves (son-in-law), J. Blakeney (nephew) and F. Bourke, and Rev. Fr. Casey read the prayers at the church and the graveside.

Messrs. W. Beavan & Son had charge of the arrangements. Floral tributes were noted from Brother Jack and family; Frank and Lucy Bourke; Norman, Kate and family; M. E. Oddy; Joan and Reg. Beavan; Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Oddy; Tim and Bill; Mr. and. Mrs. G. Symons and family; Owen and Kate Dunn; Mr. and Mrs. C. Bennett and family; Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Groves, and family; Mr. and Mrs. D. L. Herlihy and family.