Farewell for master farrier

OVER decades he had used it to forge his reputation as one of the country’s leading farriers.

So it was only fitting Tipperary horse-shoeing expert Ted Channon should be waked by family and friends for two nights in the forge where he had equipped so many horses over the years, since he established the business in 1955.

And what better support for the master farrier’s coffin during the vigil than two sturdy anvils.

Mr Channon, who passed away last Friday, had become one of Clonmel’s best known and most recognisable figures, often giving displays of the craft for which he was so well regarded. He would even turn his skill to non-equine requests, fixing prams and bicycles and much more besides.

So it was unsurprising that, as he was carried on his final journey from his beloved forge in Anglesea Street in the town to Peter and Paul’s Church by horse-drawn hearse, much of the town came to a standstill.

Even at the church itself evidence of his handiwork will be there for generations to see, as it was he who created the holder for the chapel’s Advent wreath.

Yesterday, Fr Brendan Crowley, who celebrated his funeral Mass, quoted to the congregation from a poem called The Village Blacksmith, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: “Thanks, thanks to thee, my worthy friend, For the lesson thou hast taught! Thus at the flaming forge of life Our fortunes must be wrought; Thus on its sounding anvil shaped Each burning deed and thought.”