Obituaries Australia

Michael Hannelly, n.d.

photo supplied by Michael Tuite

The death of Mr Michael Hannelly, late of "Briarwood", Euchareena, which took place in the Wellington Hospital on the evening of Good Friday, removes a fine Catholic whose sterling qualities and upright life were household words throughout the district. Born at "Warree", Stuart Town, nearly 86 years ago, Mr Hannelly’s association with the development of this part of the State takes us back to the beginning of settlement on this side of the Blue Mountains. Mr Hannelly, throughout his long life, retained a remarkable and sympathic understanding of youth. His keen sense of humour and his tales of the stirring times of the coaching and carrying days made him a delightful companion. For many years, he resided at "Briarwood", where he and his wife became widely known for their hospitality. Mr and Mrs Hannelly reared a family of seven sons and five daughters. Five sons and three daughters survive their parents. Mrs Hannelly died in 1909, and by a strange coincidence, Mr Hannelly died on the anniversary of her funeral. Four of the sons served during the Great War. One son, Leo, was severally wounded and died in Randwick Hospital in September last year. About five or six years ago, Mr Hannelly went to reside at Stuart Town. His health has been causing his friends great anxiety at times. He was attended to regularly by Father O’Donnell until his departure for Ireland, and latterly by Father Howard. On the 21st inst he was in great spirits and appeared quite well. Father Howard gave him holy communion at his home, but on the next day, it was deemed advisable to take him to Wellington Hospital. He passed away peacefully, fortified by rites of the Holy Church in the presence of most of his family and his devoted sister, Mrs O’Donnell of Orange. Mr Hubert Hannelly (Haberfield) and Mrs O’Donnell of Orange, are brother and sister. There are 27 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. The members of the family are: Mr T. Hannelly (Coonabarabran), Messrs J. E. Bede, Anselm, Arthur (Stuart Town), Cyril (Wellington), Patrick (Euchareena). Mrs Terence Brady (Orange) is a niece and Sister Charles (Brady) who died last year, was a life-long fried and a former schoolmate of Mr Hannelly. The funeral on Sun Mar 27 was largely attended by residents of all centres of the district. Rev Father Howard officiated at the church and at the graveside service.