Obituary of Richard J. “Brown Dick” Woulfe (1915)

In this obituary, which appeared in the Liberator (Tralee, County Kerry) on June 15, 1915, Richard J. Woulfe is described “as the genial big hearted, and Sport loving ‘Brown Dick’ as he was popularly called.” He died in a Limerick hospital so that his nephew, Dr. Timothy Woulfe, was forced to transport the body back to Athea. It was an errand that led to a charge of libel and Dr Woulfe receiving a blistering reprimand from of a judge.

FUNERAL OF MR R J WOULFE, D.C., CRATLOE, ABBEYFEALE

Unusual Demonstration of Sympathy.

Abbeyfeale, Friday.

No death in recent years has caused such a painful sensation in West Limerick as that of Mr. Richard J. Woulfe, D.C., of Cratloe, Abbeyfeale, and which occurred on the 7th inst., at the Limerick County Infirmary, succeeding an operation after four days illness. Few men were more favourably known throughout Limerick and Kerry as the genial, big hearted, and Sport loving “Brown Dick” as he was popularly called. Dying in his 61st year, he represented his division on the Board of Guardians and District Council of Newcastle west for nearly forty years’ filling one of the vice chairs for most of that time. Few members commanded more respect amongst his fellow Councillors, although many of the reforms and privileges he espoused to brighten the lot oft he Workhouse inmates or secure a necessary public work, aroused strong and sometimes bitter opposition. At all times generous to the poor, no class have more keenly felt his death, and no greater demonstration of public affection has been shown, since the death of Father Casey than that which was witnessed at his funeral on Wednesday. The funeral procession extending almost four miles from the Cemetery constituted the largest funeral seen in West Limerick for forty years’. As a sportsman he raced “Blue Peter” “Knocknabowl,” and “Miss Anne,” the latter who still survives—a truly wonderful mare, was raced successfully in almost every County in Ireland. He was in addition a thorough nationalist an exemplary practical Catholic, a most affectionate father and husband and a friend and benefactor of the poor and public. It was these attractive qualities,—the absence of malice or retaliation, when provoked, and the honourable spirit which animated all he did, which no doubt, accounted for the exceptional feelings of pain and keen regret which were so universally felt when the sad news of his death became known.

The remains which were conveyed from Limerick on Monday night, were accompanied to the Abbeyfeale Parish Church by a very large number of sympathisers.

In the absence of the Parish Priest on retreat, the Clergy who officiated at teh graveside were Rev. Father Carr, C.C., Rev. Father Galivin, C.C., Rev. Father O’Shea, C.C.; Rev. M. Woulfe; Rev. Father Maher, C.C.

The Chief mourners were:—Mrs. Woulfe, (widow); Kathleen (daughter) Rev. Maurice Woulfe, John R. Woulfe, P. Woulfe, Manager Creamery Colmanswell, (sons); John Woulfe, Tournafulla, Patrick Woulfe, Athea, Maurice Woulfe, Widlow, (brothers); Mrs. Egan, Mrs. White. (Sisters) Jas. P. Woulfe Cratloe (brother-in-law) Mrs. Jas. P. Woulfe, Mrs. P. Maher, Trieneragh, Listowel, Mrs. John Maher, Dysert (sisters-in-law) Mrs. John M. Woulfe (aunt); Revd. P. Woulfe, C.C., Kilmallock Rev. P. Maher, C.C., Lixnaw, Dr. T. Woulfe, Tarbert Maurice J. Woulfe, Knockeen House, Castleisland, Jas Maher, Knockane House, Castleisland, Jas Maher, Knockane House, do. John J, James J. Woulfe, Cratloe, Jerh. Maher, Glin, Batt Maher, Trieneragh, John Maher ,Scrahane, John Michael, Patrick David Egan, Shanagolden, Daniel White. P. J. Maher, St. Patrick’s Carlow (nephews); Mr. R. B. Woulfe, L.P.S.I., [sic] Abbeyfeale, Mrs.. Martin Sheehan Mountcourtenay, Templeglantine Mrs. Maurice J. Curtin, Ballycommane House Mrs. Cors. Foley, Athea. Miss M. B. White, do. Mrs. Loyns, Mrs. John Tracy, Lixnaw, Miss K. Egan, (Nieces); M. P. Woulfe Inland Revenue, The Glen. M. Woulfe, Graigore, Jas. D. Harnett, Auctioneer, Abbeyfeale, E. J. Roche do., M. H. Woulfe, J.P., Newcastlewest; P. Magner, D.C., Ardagh, R. Magner, do. R. Woulfe, Dromlought (Cousins).

It would be impossible to give a lost of the general public present, as the funeral was the largest seen in the district for 40 years.

Nuremous [sic] wires of sympathy were received, and a large number of wreaths were placed on the grave.

Top of the page: Athea, St. Stephen’s Day, December 26, 1946, by Caoimhín Ó Danachair, National Folklore Collection.