Kinsella, Paddy
July 06, 2010The community was saddened to learn of the sudden death of Paddy Kinsella at his home on Saturday 1 May.
The Kinsellas originated from Curranree, Corries, Bagnenalstown. Paddy was born in Clonraer, Portlaoise on the 15 December 1921, where his father Thomas was a farm steward for Mr Jessop. The family moved to Carrigmore, Garryhill in 1931 when Paddy was nine years old. He completed his schooling in Garryhill NS.
As a young man, Paddy worked on the family farm in Carrigmore. He supplemented his income by snaring and shooting rabbits which, for a period, were in great demand and fetched a good price. He was regarded as having a very good shot.
At that time, card playing (25s and 30s) was very popular and Paddy enjoyed the card drives which often went on into the night. Another favourite was pitch and toss. Paddy often spoke of the large crowds gathered at Carrig cross roads on a long summer evening.
Due to a period of ill health as a young man Paddy became an avid reader and began to build up a store of knowledge on a wide range of subjects.
He was also involved with the Booldurragh tug of war team, whose exploits won fame through out the land. During the 'emergency' (1939-1945) Paddy, along with may of his friends served in the LDF.
On 18 December 1953 Paddy married Kitty Byrne of Currane, Borris. Having lived for a short period in London, they set up home in Currane, where they shared a long, happy life together, raising nine children. Paddy worked and lived on the land all his life and had a close affinity to it. He was regarded as an excellent stock man and skilled in all aspects of farming. He held great respect for the wisdom of nature and incorporated aspects of it into his farming methods. He attributed his innate ability to produce good crops with working closely invariably forecast the weather drawing from nature's clues.
Paddy was one of the best-known characters in the general area and was considered great company. He had knowledge and an opinion on everything and didn't always take the conventional line. His many interests, sharp mind, quick wit and ability to spin a good yarn (pipe in hand), in his own inimitable way meant the interaction was never dull.
He was very proud to be on the Kilcumney 1998 bicentenary committee and immersed himself in all the activities. On the main commemoration day laying a wreath at the gravestone of his ancestors, the Myron brothers in Ballyellen graveyard - who were casualties of the '98 rebellion was a special honour for him.
As a lifelong member of the Fine Gael party, he and Kitty received a lifetime award from deputy Phil Hogan in May 2008. Paddy and Kitty celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2003 in the Lord Bagenal Hotel.
Paddy's popularity in the local community was clearly reflected in the very large crowds that assembled to pay their respects at his funeral.
Guard of honour was provided by Ballinkillen hurling club and Fenagh football club.
Paddy is predeceased by his brothers Lar and Tom and sisters Mary and Kitty. He is survived by his beloved wife Kitty, sisters Peggy and Biddy and his nine children, Judy Doyle , Tom, Kilcumney, Mike, Kilcumney, Lar, Currane, Mary Prendergast, The Rower, Kathy Frydry, Tipperary, Breda Maher, Tipperary, Margaret Murphy, Newtown, Dunleckney and Pat, Sallins, 25 grandchildren and three great grand children.
The Kinsella family would like to express their sincere appreciation to all who attended the funeral, gave Mass cards and offered support. A special thanks to Dr Michael Byrne, Fr Pierce Murphy and carers Angela Murphy and Liz Freeman.
Ar dheis De go raibh a ainm
Courtesy of the Carlow Nationalist
July 6th 2010 Tweet
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