Roley Collier:THE PASSING of retired Fás official Roley Collier of Thomastown, Co Kilkenny on March 6th, has evoked vivid memories of his honourable and dedicated service to communities countywide. For in addition to being a source of great strength to his wife Phyllis and family, Roley was a man who made a huge difference to the lives of people and to the socio-economic wellbeing of entire districts.
Born in 1944, he began his career with Fás as a welding instructor at the Waterford training centre, and went on to hold several influential positions with the agency. Since his retirement, he devoted more time to his lifelong interest in the bloodstock industry, helping to train a number of race horses. When he retired four years ago, he was one of the longest serving Fás officials in Ireland.
In his role as Fás senior placement officer for Co Kilkenny, and in the other positions he held in the course of his career, he was a man of the people in every sense. He was forever on the move, not given to being cocooned in an ivory tower with paperwork.
His office at Irishtown, Kilkenny, was as open to a CE participant with a grievance as to any high ranking Fás manager, scheme sponsor, Fás supervisor, or political dignitary. He was visibly and vocally more on the side of the CE participant than on that of officialdom, having a healthy distaste for bureaucratic red tape.
He was a gracious host, whether receiving visitors at his office or when calling to project venues, and he never failed to bring humour or a deftly related anecdote to bear on even the most routine or seemingly humdrum meeting or exchange of views.
Naturally, Roley took pride in the fact that Fás CE schemes in Co Kilkenny had a significant impact on the social landscape.
He drew solace from the fact that hundreds of people on the various schemes played a vital role in valuable and meticulously managed projects that added charm to towns and villages throughout the county. And he welcomed the benefits the initiative brought to schools, sports clubs, and community services such as meals on wheels and Care for the Elderly.
Apart from the obvious practical benefits of the CE projects to communities, Roley was careful to emphasise the even greater importance of the work experience and special training opportunities these afforded to scheme participants.
Roley Collier will be remembered by those whose lives he helped to transform. And he continues to be present in our midst: wherever in the county you find a monument or building or cemetery that has been restored under a CE scheme, or where a vibrant community centre or sports venue thrives thanks to Fás backing.
He is present too in a scenic beauty spot like the Woodstock Gardens at Inistioge, whose award-winning restoration was largely the work of CE participants. On a visit to Woodstock, I am told, Roley said he felt for a moment or two that he was “in Heaven” as he beheld the walled garden, the visually stunning flower terraces, and the mystical woodland walks with their assortment of rare and exotic trees. It was a cloudless midsummer’s day. Birdsong filled the air and water sprinkled from an elegant 19th-century fountain. Though not Heaven itself, the Fás official opined, this might be as close as one could get to it on earth. He will be missed. I have a feeling, though, that there may be an office somewhere “up there” with an open door, a welcome on the mat, and a true gentleman inside waiting to offer help and advice.
Roley Collier is survived by his wife Phyllis, daughters Alicia, Katherine and Siobhán, sons Jimmy and John. He is also survived by his brother Jimmy and sisters Kathleen, Mary, Isey and Alice.
– JOHN FITZGERALD