For over forty years John White was stalwart in shaping Cooley

For over sixty years, the late John White was a stalwart in the shaping of the Cooley that we know and love today.He was a much loved and admired man who never purposely sought the limelight but played a huge part in every facet of Peninsula life going back to the days when he was a member of the famous Cooley Agricultural Show and the early days of Macra. That was in the 1950s when he was also a committee member of the old St. Marys Hall. His association with Cooley Hall continued

His association with the hall brought him into contact with many people who found him pleasant to work with, jovial, always ready to help, very efficient, very approachable, and he dealt with people in such a friendly manner that they were always ready to co-operate with him.

John was seldom caught out but one occasion in February, 1996, he was completely taken aback. He had retired from the hall committee some time earlier and a presentation was organised for him. The Argus reported it thus; ‘Everyone in Cooley Parish knew there was a presentation dance in St. Mary’s Hall on Sunday night last. Even those receiving the presentations knew, but they only knew half the story. The new hall committee organised the event to pay tribute to the two Johns, Canon John McGrane on his election to the Chapter of Canons, and John White, who only recently retired as Chairman of the hall committee and caretaker of St. Mary’s Hall.

But the half truth was that, while John White thought he was there to make a presentation to Canon McGrane, the Canon was of the opinion that he was there to make a presentation to John White. John was completely taken aback with the presentation but was delighted to be the one to turn the tables on Canon McGrane.’

John was also involved with the Cooley Dramatic Society for many years. He was a lifelong member of the Pioneer Association and was also President. He was associated with the old Cooley Christmas Bazaar when crowds packed the hall every night for a week in December, hoping to win one of the top prizes, and he was a great favourite with bingo fans as he called out the numbers for many a year.

Along with his great friend, the late Gerard Murtagh, he founded the Cooley Bowling Club and was a very dedicated member until a few years ago. He also supported the Cooley Kickhams and even early in the week of his sudden death he collected for the Cooley Kickhams lotto draw.

Despite his involvement in every aspect of Cooley social life he was also a very dedicated farmer and was delighted to receive an award some years ago for his life long dedication to Cooley farming life.

Ar ndheis Dia go raibh a h-anam dilis.