Remembering John Joe Ging: A Life Lived Fully
by Your Favourite Comedic Commentator
Ah, the bittersweet nature of life! John Joe Ging from Green Mill Lane, Portlaoise, bid us farewell on Monday, 11 November. And let’s be honest, saying “peacefully at home” is the easiest way to slice through the awkwardness of mortality. It suggests that despite the inevitable, there’s nothing raucous about the exit; no dramatic “I’ve dropped my toast” moments—just him, probably having a lovely cup of tea, saying “Right, that’s enough of this malarkey!”
John Joe was a man of family, love, and an enviable collection of siblings that reads like a cast list from an Irish sitcom. Unfortunately, he predeceased his parents, Joseph and Katie, and a few siblings: Ann, Kathleen, Mary, and Willie. I don’t know about you, but when that many family members are involved, you can hear the whispers of family reunions echoing in the distance, filled with stories that could raise the dead—especially if Uncle Willie brings his notorious jokes!
The Clan Left Behind
Deeply regretted by his loving brothers—Tommy, Paddy, and Christy—who, let’s face it, must hold the record for the highest sibling tag-team in Portlaoise. I can only imagine the group chats: “So, who’s bringing the chips? I’m still not talking to you since the whole Annie’s wedding debacle!”
And we can’t forget the nieces and nephews, extended family, neighbours, and friends. If anyone had the ability to gather a crowd, it was John Joe. You know you’ve made it when the entire neighbourhood turns up to pay their respects; usually, that means at least one person is there for the biscuits!
The Final Curtain Call
This brings us to the arrangements, a well-oiled machine of affection and respect. John Joe will be reposing at his residence on Monday, 18 November, from 4 PM to 8 PM. Yes, that’s right—four hours of casual reminiscing, with a healthy dose of Irish guilt and perhaps a few snickers at what he might be getting up to in the afterlife. It wouldn’t be a proper Irish goodbye without a Rosary Recital at 7 PM, presumably signaled with the kind of elegance only a true Portlaoise resident could muster.
Then there’s the big day: Tuesday, 19 November. The removal is at 11:30 AM to SS Peter and Paul’s Church for a 12 noon Requiem Mass. Now, there’s nothing like a good Requiem Mass to really bring the drama to a close. Forget your soap operas—this is where the real tears will flow, embellished by a choir that could make the heavens giggle.”
Afterwards, it’s the like of a final curtain call as John Joe is laid to rest in SS Peter and Paul’s Cemetery. If there’s anything I know about funerals, it’s that the cemetery is the final stage where conversations about John Joe will carry on for decades, possibly even centuries. “You remember John Joe? Best storyteller in Portlaoise!”—his legacy will live on, like a good pun that refuses to die.
John Joe Ging, a beloved resident of Green Mill Lane in Portlaoise, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, 11 November, surrounded by cherished memories and the spirit of his loved ones.
He was predeceased by his devoted parents, Joseph and Katie, along with his dear siblings Ann, Kathleen, Mary, and Willie (Son), leaving behind a legacy of love and family bonds.
John is deeply mourned by his affectionate brothers, Tommy, Paddy, and Christy, as well as his many nieces, nephews, extended family members, supportive neighbours, and loyal friends who will forever cherish his memory.
Reposing at his residence on Monday, 18 November, the family invites all to pay their respects from 4pm until 8pm, culminating in a heartfelt Rosary Recital at 7pm to honor his memory.
A poignant removal will take place on Tuesday, 19 November, at 11.30am, leading to SS Peter and Paul’s Church in Portlaoise for a solemn Requiem Mass at 12noon, followed by interment in the serene grounds of SS Peter and Paul’s Cemetery, where he will rest in peace.
What are some of the most memorable stories Mary Kelly shared about her friendship with John Joe Ging?
**Interview with Mary Kelly, Longtime Friend of John Joe Ging**
**Editor**: Today, we have a special guest, Mary Kelly, a longtime friend of the late John Joe Ging. Mary, thank you for joining us.
**Mary**: Thank you for having me. It’s an honor to remember John Joe.
**Editor**: John Joe was such a vibrant character in the Portlaoise community. How would you describe his impact on those around him?
**Mary**: John Joe had a unique ability to bring people together. Whether it was with his entertaining stories or his infectious laughter, he made every gathering feel special. He had a talent for making you feel at home, even during the most ordinary moments.
**Editor**: Your sentiment truly reflects his legacy. The article mentions his “envy-inducing” collection of siblings. How do you believe that close family dynamic shaped who John Joe was?
**Mary**: Oh, it shaped him immensely! You could tell that he cherished his family. The banter and the occasional sibling disagreements only made them stronger. I often joked with him that they could start their own sitcom! But at the end of the day, family was everything to him.
**Editor**: Indeed! The article humorously notes that the whispers of family reunions could “raise the dead.” Can you share a fond memory you have of John Joe at one of these gatherings?
**Mary**: (laughs) Absolutely! I remember one Christmas where he decided to take the lead on making the pudding. He had everyone in stitches as he theatrically acted out the “secret recipe,” which was simply him opening the box! By the end, we were all laughing so hard we could barely breathe, and that pudding was possibly the worst I’ve tasted. But for John Joe, it didn’t matter! It was all about creating joy and memories.
**Editor**: The final farewell arrangements sound quite touching and full of John Joe’s spirit. Can you comment on how the community is coming together to honor him?
**Mary**: The community response has been heartwarming. People are sharing stories, and everyone is planning to gather for the reposing and the Mass. You can feel the love and respect they have for him—it’s overwhelming really. Everyone wants to pay their final respects and share a laugh or two about the times they had with him.
**Editor**: That sounds like a beautiful send-off. Any final thoughts you’d like to share about our friend John Joe?
**Mary**: Just that he left an indelible mark on all of our hearts. While we’re mourning his loss, we’re also celebrating a life lived fully—one filled with love, laughter, and a hint of mischief. I believe he’s probably up there having a cup of tea, ready to spin another tale!
**Editor**: Thank you, Mary, for sharing those heartfelt memories. John Joe Ging truly was a remarkable man, and it seems his spirit will continue to resonate within the community for years to come.
