Saturday, August 21, 2021

COONEY, NICHOLAS AND PATRICK

Cooney's hotel, 1870-75
Source: Mitchell Library, SLNSW
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Cooney's hotel, detail, 1870-75
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Cooney's Hotel cnr Herbert & Bayly Streets next to J.T. Moran's Royal Horse Bazaar. 
Licensees: 
  • Nicholas Cooney from 1871-2 (details below); 
  • Patrick Cooney 1873 (details below); 
  • George M. Winter 1874-5
Source: Information supplied by Baldwin & Davis, Research Gulgong (July 2006)


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Patrick Cooney was born about 1838 to Ann and Nicholas Cooney. He was the older brother of Nicholas (below).
He married Margaret Steward.
Their children included:
  • Patrick John Cooney, infant son aged 19 months, died of "tabes mesenterica" on 13 February 1875 in Gulgong.
Patrick Cooney worked as a labourer. He died in Wellington on 7 March 1918 aged 80.
Margaret Cooney nee Steward died in xxxx.
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Nicholas Cooney was born about 1839, the son of Ann and Nicholas Cooney.
He married and Elizabeth Connell in Mudgee in 1871.
Their children included:
  • Nicholas William John (Born 1872 in Gulgong; a priest; Died 1931 in Gulgong) 
  • William Morgan (Born 1874 in Gulgong)
  • Patrick Christopher  (Born 1876; Died in Condobolin in 1936.
  • Ann Mary (Born 1878) Canowindra? Died 1957, buried in Wellington.
  • John Joseph  (Born 1879) Condobolin?
  • Eliza Agnes  (Born 1881) married J J Ryan, Goolma
  • Mary J (Born 1884)
  • Julia M (Born 1888) Nurse, Coogee
  • Thomas L (Born 1890) Doctor, Ipswich QLD married Kathleen Caples of Randwick at St Mary's Cathedral, 22 October 1919.
  • James M (Born 1891) PP Board, Condobolin/Lieut Jas M Cooney 13th Battalion married Mary Hughes in Mosman in 1919.
While their first child was born in Gulgong, all others are listed as born in Wellington.
Nicholas Cooney kept an hotel at Gulgong before he settled at Mitchells Creek.

Cooney family
Back row: Jim, Tom, Paddy, William Cooney.
Front row: Jack, Elizabeth Ellen Cooney (mother) and the Rev. Nicholas Cooney.
Source: Len Cooney

Nicholas William John Cooney, 1839-1899
Source: Len Cooney

Nicholas died in 1899 in Wellington. His wife, Elizabeth Cooney nee Connell, died in 1924.

Nicholas Cooney is buried in Wellington with his wife, Elizabeth, and his brother, Patrick.
Source:  Austcemindex
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NEWS ITEMS

1874 - [GULGONG BURIAL GROUND]
Department of Lands, Sydney, 7th July, 1874.
IT is hereby notified for public information, that His Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council, has been pleased to approve of the appointment of the undermentioned gentlemen as Trustees of land at Gulgong, set apart for a Roman Catholic Burial Ground, viz.:—
The Right Reverend Matthew Quinn, D.D., 
Messrs. Cornelius Driscoll,
Nicholas Cooney,
Michael Downey, and
James Redmond.
JAMES S. FARNELL.

1876 - [MINING]
Department of Mines, Sydney, 7th December, 1876.
NOTICE TO APPLICANTS FOR GOLD-MINING LEASES.
NOTICE is Hereby given, that the undermentioned Leases, not having been executed by the Lessees, have been returned to this Department for cancellation, and unto the Lessees execute and take delivery thereof within thirty days from this date, they will be finally cancelled...

Nicholas Cooney and others...Between Home Rule Lead and Cooyal Creek
Source: New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900) Fri 8 Dec 1876 [Issue No.434] Page 4957

1877 - [HORSE THEFT]
The horse No. 12-in this week’s list, the property of Nicholas Cooney, Mitchell’s Creek [near Wellington], is supposed to have been stolen by William Taylor, 21 years of age, 5 feet 8 or 9 inches high, medium build, fair hair and complexion, little beard and whiskers, some teeth deficient in upper jaw. Supposed to have gone to the Lachlan. No warrant issued.
Source: New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 - 1930) Wed 4 Apr 1877 [Issue No.14] Page 107

1889 - THE MITCHELL'S CREEK MINE
The preparations for crushing and treating the large body of tailings which accumulated at the old Mitchell's Creek Company's mine during the years the old quartz, battery was at work, are fast approaching completion, but it will be six or seven weeks yet before work will be commenced...
The whole of the work is under the management of Mr. Nicholas Cooney, a well-known resident of this district. The engineer in charge is Mr. Thomas W. Bowie, of Arbroath, Scotland. Neither expense nor trouble, is being spared by the enterprising owners of the mine to make it a success, and every man in the district of Wellington wishes them the success their enterprise deserves.
Source: Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal (NSW : 1851 - 1904) Tue 5 Nov 1889 Page 3

1897 - Sudden Death. — The Wellington "Times" says : It is with great regret we have to chronicle the death of Mr. C. Adelman, of Daviesville, which took place at Mr. Nicholas Cooney's, of Lincoln, on Wednesday. Mr. Adelman was spending the evening at Mr. Cooney's, and was singing to Mr. W. Cooney's accompaniment on the piano the song entitled, " The Fatal Wedding." Mr. Adelman sang two verses, and Mr. Cooney on playing the music for the third, turned round to see why the singer did not start, when he saw Mr. Adelman standing with his hand to his head and almost immediately fell dead.
MR. JAMES STOCKMAN died of pneumonia at Gulgong last week, aged 58. He has been resident there for 26 years, and was at Gundagai in the sixties having come from "Lambing Flat" (now Young). He left there for Gulgong in '72 when the Kirkpatricks, Belchers, Bill Wilson Nicholas Cooney, and other Lambing Flat men came over. They had all come from Victoria to the "Flat," and then to the Gundagai rush, from, whence they went to Eurongilly and from there to the "Lachlan" and the Flat.
Source: The Bligh Watchman and Coonabarabran Gazette (NSW : 1898 - 1910) Wed 9 Nov 1898 Page 2

1899 - DISTRICT INTELLIGENCE. WELLINGTON. (FROM THE GAZETTE.)
The many friends of Mr. Nicholas Cooney will be sorry to hear of his death which took place on Saturday morning at Mr. R. Grimson's, Wellington, he having come to town on Saturday last for medical attention. Deceased was in his 60th year; he was one of our oldest and most respected residents, and was identified with the progress of the Mitchell's Creek mine when Mr. Phillip Davies was manager.
Deceased had accumulated a fine property near Lincoln. The cause of death was inflammation and bronchitis. He leaves a widow and a grown-up family. The bell of the Catholic Church was tolled as a mark of respect for deceased.
Source: Dubbo Dispatch and Wellington Independent (NSW : 1887 - 1932) Fri 26 May 1899 Page 3

1899 - Obituary.
It is with feelings of regret, in which we believe the residents of this district will share generally, that we have to record the demise of Mr. Nicholas Cooney senr., of Kaiser. The sad event occurred this morning at the residence of Mr. R. Grimson.
Deceased, who had been well and favorably known in Wellington for the last thirty years, was naturally of a strong and robust constitution, but only as late as Friday last he contracted inflammation of the lungs. Drs. O. and M. Rygate were called in, but notwithstanding their able ministrations, the 'grim angle death ' stepped in and Mr. Cooney passed peacefully away at 6 a.m. Deceased, who was sixty years of age, was well known in the early days of Mitchell's Creek mines some 25 years ago. After following mining pursuits for some time, he bought a farm near Kaiser, where he settled down, and by means of perseverance and the assistance of his sons, he came to possess one of the best farms in the west. Mr. Cooney leaves a widow and large family to mourn their loss. Most of the family are grown up. One of them, Mr. N. Cooney junr., who has been studying for the priesthood, was to have sailed for Ireland on Saturday, to enter an ecclesiastical seminary.
The remains will be interred to-morrow (Tuesday) in the old cemetery, Curra Creek.
Source: Wellington Times (NSW : 1899 - 1954) Mon 22 May 1899 Page 3

1899 - Bodangora.
The funeral of the late Mr. N. Cooney was one of the largest ever seen in Wellington. Archdeacon D'Arcy officiated at the grave, and Father Gill was also present. The Archdeacon paid a high tribute to the memory of the deceased, whom he said he had known for over 20 years, and he had always found him to be an honest and upright men. He had came in contact with men who had known him for a lifetime, and he had never heard one hard word said against him. The late Mr. Cooney in his early days followed up mining at Lambing Flat and several other large mining centres. His latest connection with mining was when he held the temporary position of underground manager of the Mitchell's Creek Freehold Gold Estate.
Later on he was acting general manager during the temporary absence of the late Mr. Phil Davis, giving every satisfaction to employers and employees. Some few years ago he relinquished mining to follow farming pursuits, in which he has been very successful. One hears it on all sides that poor Nicholas Cooney will be missed on account of his charitable disposition. His sons are steady, industrious young men, who bid fair to follow in their good old father's footsteps. He leaves a wife, five sons and four daughters to mourn their loss, and who have the sincere sympathy of all who knew them. May his soul rest in peace.

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF NEW SOUTH WALES. —PROBATE JURISDICTION. In the Will of NICHOLAS COONEY late of Lincoln near Wellington in the colony of New South Wales Farmer deceased. Application will be made after fourteen days from the publication hereof that Probate of the last Will of the abovenamed deceased may be granted to NICHOLAS WILLIAM JOHN COONEY and WILLIAM MORGAN COONEY the Executors named in the said Will.
JOHN THOMAS PRICHARD BASSETT Proctor for the Executors Percy-street Wellington. By LEE COLQUHOUN and BASSETT his Agents Pitt-street Sydney.
Source: The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930) Mon 12 Jun 1899 Page 2

1900 - [ROME]
A letter was received on Saturday morning, from Capetown, from Mr. Nicholas Cooney, son. of the late Mr. Cooney of Lincoln, who has gone to Rome to study for the priesthood.
Source: Wellington Times (NSW : 1899 - 1954) Mon 16 Jul 1900 Page 2

1903 - Rev. Father Cooney.
I met the Rev. Father N. Cooney on Monday. He was born in Gulgong, and is the son [sic] of Mr. Denis Cooney, who once kept the hotel (now owned by Mr. J. Paradise) in Herbert street, but who is at present a prosperous farmer at Bodangora. Father Cooney went to Ireland some years ago to study for the priesthood, and was ordained last June. He has been appointed curate at Dubbo, to which place he departed on Monday last. The rev. gentleman preached at the R.C. church here on Sunday night, and is a fluent speaker. Gulgong does not produce many priests, so it is just as well to let the public know of the one I had the pleasure of meeting a few days ago.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 26 Nov 1903 Page 14

1905 - MARRIAGE. RYAN— COONEY.
Yesterday, at St. Patrick's Church, Wellington, were united in the holy bonds of matrimony representatives of two of the best known and most deservedly popular and respected families in the district. The contracting parties were Mr. John Joseph Ryan, eldest son of Mrs. C. M. Ryan, of Goolma, and Miss Eliza Cooney, second daughter of the late Mr. Nicholas Cooney, of Mitchell's Creek. The interesting ceremony was celebrated by the Rev. Father Cooney, of Dubbo, brother of the bride, assisted by Rev. Father Dunne, Wellington, and Rev. Father O'Donnell, Gulgong. The bride, who was given away by her brother, Mr. P. C. Cooney, was charmingly dressed in white silk, the bodice trimmed with Paris lace and satin ribbon, and the skirt with dainty frills edged with satin ribbon and lace. She wore the customary wreath, veil, and orange blossoms, and carried a beautiful shower bouquet, the gift of the bridegroom, as also were the handsome gold watch and chain which she wore. Amongst other gifts which the bride wore were a gold star pendant: set with pearls, given her by her brother, Rev. Father Cooney, and a gold bracelet, the gift of Mrs. Ryan.
The wedding and travelling dresses were the creations of Miss Ward, Gisborne-street and in every way deserved the warm commendations showered on them by everyone present. Miss Ward is an artiste in her work. The bridesmaid was Miss Mary Cooney, sister of the bride, who wore a particularly nice dress of blue voile guipure and lace and ruchings of blue silk, and black picture hat, besides a gold heart brooch, the gift of the bridegroom. The best man was Mr. James Ryan.
The short but impressive service being over, an adjournment was made to the Royal Hotel, where the wedding breakfast had been prepared by Mr. Ray in the way which has made his name so favorably known as a caterer throughout this and adjoining districts.
Rev. Father Dunne occupied the chair and proposed the toast of the bride and bridegroom. He said that Mr. and Mrs. Ryan were well-known in every part of the district. They were looked upon as worthy young people and good members of the community. He would not dwell on their good qualities, for they were well known to everyone present, and any thing he might say could not help them to a better appreciation of the character of the young couple than they already entertained. One thing he must say, and that was that the Bodangora parish was losing one of its very best workers. Mrs. Ryan, as Miss Cooney, had taken part in all charitable efforts at Bodangora, and it would be hard to fill her place. He congratulated Goolma on the acquisition of a resident who would do credit to any place graced by her presence, and he warmly congratulated Mr. Ryan on the choice he had made.
He had the greatest pleasure in asking those present to join him in drinking health and prosperity to Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Ryan. Mr. J. J. Ryan, in response, said he thanked Father Dunne sincerely for the kind things he had said and his friends for the warm-hearted way in which they had received the toast of the bride and bridegroom. He was pleased to see so many friends present and to receive so many expressions of friendship towards his bride and himself. He hoped they would always have the good fortune to retain their friendship and good wishes.
Miss M. Cooney, the bridesmaid, then cut the wedding cake (a particularly fine 'three-decker,' made by Mr. R. Kimbell). Rev. Father O'Donnell then proposed the toast of the parents of the bride and bridegroom. In this he had very great pleasure, as Mrs. Cooney and Mrs. Ryan were well and favorably known to him. The name of Mrs. Cooney was a synonym throughout the district for every kind and good action. He could say the same of Mrs. Ryan, who was known from Wellington to Gulgong as a woman of very rare qualities and virtues, which secured for her the admiration not only of her own Catholic people but of all creeds and classes.
Rev. Father Cooney, in response to the toast, said that Father O'Donnell had spoken in terms of praise of the parents of that day's couple. He had to respond for his mother and for Mrs. Ryan, and it was perhaps not for him to accept all that had been said, yet he could say that they had been the best of mothers to their children. The Ryan and Cooney families had been connected 36 to 40 years, and had known each other intimately over that period. He could say of his own knowledge that no one had had a better mother than he. He again thanked them for their honoring of the toast.
Rev. Father Cooney proposed a very hearty vote of thanks to Father Dunne for presiding that afternoon. He spoke of Father Dunne as an old college chum. The greatest friendship existed between them, which he hoped and believed would always continue. Rev. Father Duune having responded, the bridal party and guests (of whom there were 40 to 50, all relatives or immediate, friends) adjourned, the principals to make preparations for their departure, and the guests to prepare a suitable demonstration of au revoir.
Mr. and Mrs. Ryan left by last evening's mail en route to Sydney and Melbourne, breaking their journey at Orange. They will be absent on their wedding tour about a month. The bride's travelling dress was grey flaked voile, trimmed with guipure lace, knife pleated frills and medallions; grey beaver hat, trimmed with white satin ribbon and grey feather. A very large number of friends saw them off at the railway station, and they were sent on their journey with the heartiest and kindest wishes as accompaniment. The proprietors of the 'Times' wish to join in the general expression of good wishes and feelings. A worthier couple than Mr. and Mrs. Ryan never embarked on the sea of matrimony, and
we in sincerity wish them a fair voyage and safe haven.

1906 - [BEST MAN]
Mr. T. Connell, eldest son of the late Mr. W M Connell, was married in the R.C. Church, Bodangora, on the 9th inst to Miss Teresa Sullivan, fourth daughter of Mr. James Sullivan, of 'Lincoln,' by the Rev. D. Cooney. 
The bride was attired in white silk, the bodice tastefully trimmed with insertion and chiffon. Miss Kate Dowd (the bride's cousin) was the bridesmaid, and she wore ciel-blue silk voile with champagne-coloured insertion, and a pretty gold brooch, the bridegroom's gift. Mr. Sullivan gave his daughter away and her cousin. Mr. Denis Cooney acted as best man. Grey crepeline was worn by the bride as her going away dress, and the honeymoon is being spent in New Zealand.

1924 - [MRS NICHOLAS COONEY]
On Tuesday, 25th ult., Mrs. Elizabeth Cooney, relict of  the late Mr. Nicholas Cooney, and mother of Very Rev. Father Cooney, died at the presbytery, Gulgong, at the advanced age of 74 years. She had experienced indifferent health during the past 12 months. The funeral took place to the Curra Creek Cemetery, after a Requiem Mass at St. Patrick's Church, Wellington, to which the body had been taken.

The celebrant was the Rev. Father. Brosnan, of Portland, who was assisted by the Rev. Father Templeton, of St. Stanislaus' College, Bathurst, and Rev. Father Eviston, of Dunedoo. The Very Rev. Father J. F. Norton, B.A., Adm., of Bathurst, was master of ceremonies, and the chanters were Rev. Fathers Dowd and Curran. Other priests in the sanctuary included the Very Rev. Father Cooney (son of the deceased), the Right Rev. Monsignor Long (Wellington), the Ven. Archdeacon Doran (Canowindra), the Very Rev. Dean O 'Kennedy (Cowra), the Very Rev. Father Flanagan (Mudgee), Rev. Fathers Lawler Molong), O'Donnell (Dubbo), Loneragan (Coonabarabran), McKeon (Rockley), Searson (Canowindra), and Rev. Dr. Gummer (Dubbo).

A large congregation was also present. At the conclusion of Mass Chopin's 'Funeral March' was played by Mr. Charles Murphy, organist, of St. Patrick's. The chief mourners included Father Cooney, Messrs. William (Goolma), Patrick (Trundle), John (Sydney), and James (Condobolin), sons of the deceased, and Mrs. F. J. Ryan, Mr. P. Ryan and Miss Cooney (daughter). Dr. Thomas Cooney, another son, who resides in Queensland, was unable to arrive in time for the last sad rites. The prayers at the graveside were conducted by the Right Rev. Monsignor Long. — R.I. P.
Source: The Catholic Press (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1942) Thu 4 Dec 1924 Page 37

1924 - Obituary.
Another of Wellington's old and respected residents has crossed the big Divide in the person of Mrs. Cooney, relict of the late Nicholas Cooney, of Bodangbora. The name of Cooney is one of the oldest and most respected in the West. The late Mrs. Cooney and her husband settled in Bodangora many years ago, going in for farming. They were some of the earliest pioneers, and had seen this district grow and expand in wealth. She had seen Bodangora grow and flourish as one of the wealthy mining towns in the State, and had seen, with regret, the town go down again when the mining days were over. She had reared a large family of sons and daughters, who were a credit to the State.
However, as the family grew up they scattered, but Mrs. Cooney remained at Bodangora until about two years ago. Her health beginning to fail some 12 months ago, she went to the Randwick hospital, where she was operated on, afterwards going to Gulgong, where one of her sons (Rev. Father Cooney) is parish priest. It was at this place she passed peacefully away on Tuesday afternoon, fortified by the rites of her church, at the age of 74 years. Her husband predeceased her about 20 odd years ago. In addition to the Rev. Father N. Cooney, nine other children survive her, viz., Messrs P. Cooney (Condobolin), W. Cooney (Goolma), Jack Cooney (Ryde), Dr. Tom Cooney (Ipswich, Queensland), James Cooney (Ootha), Mrs. A. Ryan (Goolma), Mrs. J. Ryan (Goolma) , and the Misses Julia and Annie Cooney (Gulgong). The body, which was encased in a beautiful oak casket, was brought over to Wellington yesterday morning, and after the Requiem Mass at St. Patrick's, was laid to rest in the Curra Creek cemetery, besides those of her late husband.
The funeral cortege , was a very large and representative one, the hearse being preceded by a large number of priests who had come to take part in the services here, while a number of the children from the Convent schools also attended, besides visitors from various parts of the West. The services at the grave side, which were of an impressive nature, were conducted by the Rev. Mon. Long. Messrs Thompson and Son, in conjunction with Messrs McGowan and Bayliss, of Gulgong, conducted the funeral arrangements

REQUIEM MASS.
The body was brought to St. Patrick's Church yesterday morning, where a solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated at 9 o'clock, there being a very large congregation present, which was representative of Wellington and district, while friends and relatives from other towns were also present. The Rev. Father Brosnan (Portland) was the celebrant and Rev. Fathers Templeton, C.M., St. Stanislaus College, Bathurst; Rev. Father Eviston (Dunedoo), Deacons. The service was a most impressive one, and at the conclusion of the Mass when the body was leaying the church, the 'Dead March in Saul' was played by the organist (Mr. C. Murphy). The Priests who were present at the Mass were Rev. Mon. Long and Father Curran (Wellington), Father Loneragan (Coonabarabran), Father Eviston (Dunedoo), Father Cooney (Gulgong), a son of the deceased lady, Father Flanagan (Mudgee), Father Brosnan (Portland), Father Norton (Bathurst), Father McKeon (Rockley), Father O'Kennedy (Cowra), Fathers Doran and Searson (Canowindra), Fathers O'Donnell and Gummer (Dubbo), Father Lawler (Molong.)

1936 - LOOKING BACK
[Nicholas] Cooney was a very fine farmer, one of the best ever in the district. His untimely death came very simply. A stout man, he caught a slight cold, and took little notice of it, when it suddenly turned to pneumonia, and he died in a few hours.
'His death was a great loss to both the mining and farming community. One son, Mr. W. M. Cooney, still resides at Goolma.'
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 27 Feb 1936 Page 16

1936 - OBITUARY - PATRICK CHRISTOPHER COONEY.
Every death brings its train of grief, some much greater than others, some mostly affecting immediate relatives, some of such wide extension as to affect a whole district community and to an extent even beyond that limit. The latter is clearly the case with the subject of this notice, whose friends extended into many districts and whose character connoted manliness to the same degree at water connotes liquid. And the term manliness in its full sense takes in the whole scope of all that is good in humanity. Big in stature, big in vision, big in toleration of others and in kindness to all, "Paddy" Cooney was one of God's best. Who could look but a short time back in that magnificently built man muscularly strong as a horse, the picture of robust health, without being impressed with the uncertainty of life and the fact that we know not the hour of the day when the last call shall come. Though not in the best of health for a short time, he be came very ill a few months ago, and despite the best of attention death came on Monday night, of the 4th May.
Born near Wellington (N.S.W.) in 1876, the son of Nicholas Cooney (one time manager of the Mitchell Creek mine), he spent many years farming near Bodangora. Selling out there, he came to Condobolin district and settled at Ootha in 1909. There he proved a successful farmer, but mainly for better provision for the education of his children, he disposed of that farm and came into town and went into the stock and station agency business as one of the firm of Cooney, Lane and Cooney.
Deceased had been a very good public man. For two terms he had been an alderman of the municipality, had been a longstanding member of the show society and jockey club, had been on the hospital board, and one of the trustees of the S.R.A. ground since the dedication of the reserve.
On all his sound advice was ever useful. Briefly, his public services will be much missed.
About 24 years ago he married Miss Ellen Packham, of Parkes, the ceremony taking place at Bathurst. Brothers are W. M.Cooney, Gulgong; T.L. (doctor), Ipswich, Queensland; J. J., Fairholme; J. M., Condobolin; sisters are Mrs. J. J. Ryan, Orange; Mrs A. B. Ryan, Condobolin; Miss J. Cooney (nurse), Coogee, Miss A. M. Cooney, Condobolin.
A widow and family of five daughters (Mary, Eileen, Helen, Moira, Rosalien) and three sons (Nick, Jim and Francis) are left to mourn their great loss.
The funeral, which took place on Tuesday, 5th inst, was one of the largest ever seen in Condobolin and the number of wreaths extraordinary. Rev. Father O'Brien officiated and Robert Marlin carried out the funeral arrangements in his usual first-class manner. To the bereaved ones we extend our fullest sympathy.
MUNICIPAL EULOGY
At the meeting of the Municipal Council last Thursday night, the Deputy Mayor, Ald Condon, in moving the motion of sympathy with the Cooney families, paid very high tribute to the late ex-Alderman Cooney. Among other things he said: Honesty is the greatest of all human qualities. The late P. C. Cooney possessed that outstanding quality to the full 100 per cent degree. As an alderman he had been a tower of strength, never afraid to speak out in accordance with his convictions. And though we may not at times agree with his views, all respected him for his honesty of intention. In all other public movements he had shown the same commendable characteristics.
Looking back but a short time on that wonderfully well-built and powerful man, his death at the comparatively young age of 60 for a man of his physique, should serve as a salutary lesson to remind us of the brevity of human life and of the limitations of human achievement. Apart from his public movements, there was something still greater —the rearing of a splendid family of eight, all a credit to their parents and one a respected and valuable member of the council staff, Miss Eileen.
Every alderman present followed the Deputy Mayor in adding their quota of praise, Ald. Schneider making particular reference to the fine qualities of Mr. Cooney as a neighbour.

Lieutenant (Lt) James Matthew Cooney, 13th Battalion, from Bodangora, NSW
Australian Prisoner Of War (POW) Officers at Crefeld [Krefeld] POW camp in Germany. 

1954 - POPULAR GOOLMA RESIDENT - 80th Birthday Celebration
A cake with 80 candles on it was the highlight of a birthday party at 'Cromer,' the Goolma property of Mr. Will Cooney, last week-end, when 75 relatives gathered to celebrate his birthday. They included his eight children, 24 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Mr. Cooney is the brother of Mrs. A. B. Ryan, former licensee of the Oxford Hotel, Bathurst.
The guest-of-honor was the recipient of a large number of appropriate gifts, including a writing desk from his family.
Mr. Cooney, a pioneer of the Gulgong district, was born at Gulgong. He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Cooney, of Avondale, who were well known throughout the Far Western Districts in the first half of this century.
In his youth, Mr. Will Cooney farmed on his parents' property. At one time he was employed as an engine driver on the Bodangra Gold Mines at Mitchell's Creek, when that now tiny settlement was a scene of hustle and bustle.
About 30 years ago, the octogenerian bought his 'Cromer' property, where his wife (nee Esther Mary Kelly) and he reared their five sons and three daughters. His wife died in 1942.
Through the years 'Cromer' has won a wide reputation in the district for its hospitality, and for the magnificent home garden, both fruit and vegetable, the work of Mr. Cooney.
At the birthday party, references to the life and work of Mr. Will Cooney were made by his brother, Mr. J. M. Cooney, secretary of the Condobolin P. P. Board. He read apologies from his brother, Dr. Tom Cooney, of Ipswich (Q.). and his sister, Nurse Julia Cooney, one of the pioneer members of the well-known Brown Nurses of Coogee.
Guests included: Mr. and Mrs. Len Cooney and family, Mr. and Mrs. Vince Cooney (Goolma), Mr. and Mrs. Stan Cooney and family (Condobolin, Mr. and Mrs. Jock Conn and family (Goolma), Mr. and Mrs. Tom Medcalfe and family (Goolma). Mrs. W. Dawe and family, (Sydney), Mrs. Jim Ryan and family (Sydney) and Mr. and Mrs. R. K. L'Estrange and family (Condobolin), who were sons, daughters and sons and daughters-in-law. Mr. and Mrs. Ken L'Estrange (Condobolin) brought their baby son, who was the fourth generation of the family.
Mrs. A. E. Ryan, Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Ryan and Miss A. M. Cooney, all of Orange), Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Cooney (Condobolin) and. Mrs. E. Cooney (Condobolin) were sisters, brother and brother and sister-in-law.
Other guests were Mr. Francis Cooney (Condobolin), Mr. and Mrs. Harry Kelly (Queensland), Mrs. Whiteman and family (Queensland), Mr. Doug Kelly (Queensland), Mr. and Mrs. West Brown and family (Goolma), Mr. and Mrs. Jack Whales (Goolma), Mr. Jim Ryan (Goolma), Mr. Bob Doherty (Goolma), Mr. and Mrs. Don Anderson (Goolma), Miss Marie L'Estrange (Condobolin), Mr.
and Mrs. Hugh Kelly (Rylstone) and Master Tim Murray (Balgowlah).
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