Claras catch berry laid to rest

Popular musician and long-serving Civil Defence member Catch Berry was laid to rest in Clara the weekend.
Carthage (Catch) Berry, of Railway view passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, on Friday, October 31st. The 75-year-old had been battling Motor Neuron Disease. He was well known in the area, and beyond, particularly through music and civil defence.

Born in Clonshanny, just outside Clara, Catch spent most of his life living with his wife Anne and eight children at Railway view, Clara. His working life was spent at Bord na Mona, BOPA meats, VTOS Athlone and Home care links. Catch had a special interest in Offaly GAA, music and in all things medical.
Catch was a member of the Offaly civil defence for 40 years. His main role was that of first aid instructor, although he also took part in many other civil defence duties. He had only received a letter from the minister for defence on the week of his passing inviting him to receive his 40 year service medal in late November.

Music was Catch’s life. He was a talented drummer and singer and was also known as a great yodeller. He began as a member of the Ballinamere ceili band. Other bands included Colerado, Revada 5 and Moonlight. He will be best remembered as a member of the hugely successful Morinos during the 1970’s. The Morinos were one of the few local bands to record a LP record during the 70’s, when such a move was only being taken by the more well known acts.
In recent years Catch had used his many musical connections to organise large musical charity nights. Charities to benefit included the Clara Christmas lights and The men’s shed. His most recent charity night, which was organised by Catch during his illness, raised over 8000 euro for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Catch liked his bit of fun too. He was part of the Clara mimics group. This local mime group got together on occasions for comedy mime acts, which again raised money for local charities. Catch was also a regular participant in The Christmas and St Patrick’s day parades. His most recent outing was as part of the comedy “Shoot-out at the OK Coral”
A very spiritual man Catch was part of the choir at 11.30 Sunday mass in Clara, where he regularly took part in the Mass readings also.
Catch, predeceased recently by his wife Ann, is survived by his sons Ollie, Brendan and Adrian, His daughters Jacinta, Pauline, Sinead, Carmel and Sarah, His brother Tony and sisters Mona and Marion. He is also survived by a wide circle of family and friends.

Catch Berry was laid to rest in the Monastery cemetery, Clara on Sunday, November 2nd, following requiem mass in St Brigids Church. During the mass musical tributes were paid by many, including the Rabbette family, members of Catch’s own family and country singer John Hogan. He was accompanied on his final journey by a civil defence guard of honour.