McKenna, Edmond
June 07, 2011
Edmond (Doc) McKenna, 186 Colclough Avenue, Graiguecullen, who passed away at Carlow District Hospital on Saturday, 28th May, was a man of simple tastes who was dedicated to his family and extended family.
Aged 84, Edmond took ill some four months ago when he suffered renal failure and from there his health declined.
A native of 5 Granby Row, Carlow, he was one of a family of seven - four boys and three girls.
A baker by trade, Edmond served his time with McDonald's of Tullow Street, as did his late father, William.
Throughout his life, Edmond worked in various jobs up to his retirement in 1990.
In August 1955, he married Dymphna Clarke from Bagenalstown in St Andrew's Parish Church, Bagenalstown. The couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in the summer of 2005 with a party for family and friends in the Seven Oaks Hotel.
Edmond had a life-long interest and involvement in sport. He played Gaelic football with The O'Hanrahans and hurled with the Carlow town club of the day - his preference was for hurley and sliothar.
An accomplished golfer who was a member of Carlow Golf Club for many years, Edmond was a low handicapper at his peak and won a number of prizes down the years. He continued to play golf up to late last year.
Edmond was a greyhound enthusiast and over the years owned and trained many winners, both on the track and at coursing events.
He was a committee member during the establishment of St Pat's Boys Soccer Club in Graiguecullen. In a broader sense, Edmond raised funds for many local charities throughout his life.
A man generous of spirit, Edmond enjoyed immense popularity within the Graiguecullen community, where he lived for 53 years. He established many longterm friendships and these friends are deeply saddened at his passing.
The nickname 'Doc' came about when Edmond was compared to a Gaelic footballer of that name in the north of Ireland at the time when Edmond was playing for The O'Hanrahans. It stuck for the rest of his life.
He reposed at Healy's Funeral Home before his remains were removed on Monday 30 May to St Clare's Church, Graiguecullen, where they were received by Fr John Dunphy, PP.
Edmond's nine grand-children undertook the readings at Mass and brought the gifts to the altar.
At the end of Mass, Edmond's son Raymond paid tribute to the life and times of his late father.
Afterwards, Edmond was laid to rest in Sleaty New Cemetery, with Fr Dunphy reciting the final prayers at the graveside.
He is survived by his wife Dymphna, children William (Waterford), June Gael (Cloghna, Carlow), Catriona Larkin (Ballacolla, Co Laois) and Raymond (Idrone Park, Tullow Road, Carlow). Edmond is also mourned by his surviving siblings Minnie Regan (Church Street, Graiguecullen) and Gaby Grant (Killeshin Road, Graiguecullen) by his grandchildren Keith, Anthony, Nichola, Aedin, Daniel, Tracy, Edmond, Shane and Evan, great-grandchildren Sophia, Maeve and Kathlyn, sons-in-law Michael and Albert, daughters-in-law Colette and Jacinta, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and many friends.
Courtesy of the Carlow Nationalist, 7th June 2011
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