Hennessy, Bernard (Ber)
July 05, 2011"God save all here' was the trademark salutation of Bernard (Ber) Hennessy, 11 Woodgrove, Carlow, who sadly passed away in St Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny on Saturday 18th June, following a brief illness.He was aged 70.
A sincere, happy, jovial person, Ber was always in good form and had time for everyone, he doted on his wife Lena and her on him. They had 29 years of happy marriage together and enjoyed their togetherness weather at home, going on holidays or meeting up with friends and relatives.
He was proud of his children, Katherine, Raymond and Jane and grandchildren Rachel, Megan, India and Kieran. Although his children all lived away from Carlow, they were always in his thoughts.
Ber was born in St Fiacc's Terrace, Graiguecullen, the son of Martin (Tossie) and Margaret Hennessy. He played on the first Eire Og football team, along with his brother Tom, after the family moved to JKL Avenue.
Ber was a fine sportsman, playing soccer for Hearts, St Clare's and Barrow Rovers, rugby for Carlow Football Club and even tried his hand at tennis. His interest in sport continued when he moved to England in the early 1960s, where he played with St Ann's Gaelic football team.
He served his apprenticeship in the original Leveret & Fry, Dublin st, Carlow before moving to the UK, where he worked in management in the retail/supermarket business, before returning to Ireland in the 1970s. As a young man, Ber played double bass with the Mick Hennessy Orchestra, which gave him a great love of music. With his children having the gift of music, he formed his own ban The Exiles and many a good night was had following the band to different venues.
Ber was trilled when his daughter Jane was selected for the finals of Song For Ireland to represent her country in the Eurovision Song Contest and devastated when Jane was beaten in a tie-break vote. He handled the situation by throwing a party for the extended family and life moved on.
He introduced a number of people to the entertainment business, some of whom were very successful and are still in the business.
He loved his extended family and dropping in on Mary, Tom and Catherine and to No 21 Pacelli Avenue, Graiguecullen when his parents Martin and Margaret were alive. Ber had a great bond with his parents and missed them dearly when they passed away.
A former employee of Sloan's of Carlow, he continued the business in his own name. Ber's clients were also a family, some being customers for over 25 years. He was renowned for calling to them on time and they would think something was wrong if he didn't call or was late.
Ber was an Arsenal football supporter and went to see The Gunners a couple of times a year. He attended three finals in the last few years with son Raymond. His last time to see Arsenal play was at Wembley on 21 February this year, when they lost to Birmingham City in the Carling Cup final.
Ber was a great neighbour and friend to everyone, as well as a great communicator a man who would give advice to those who needed it but also knew when to take a back seat.
His illness was brief and he received wonderful care from all the staff at the intensive care unit at St Luk's Hospital, Kilkenny.
Ber will be missed by all his family, extended family, neighbours, friends, clients and all who knew him. But he leaves behind a host of happy memories.
His remains were received in Askea Church by Fr Tom Little, PP, Akea-Bennekerry. Ber's cousins Bernard Heennessy and Claire Cashin provided the music and the reading was by his nephew Walter Lacey.
Funeral Mass was on Tuesday 21 June, with the celebrant Fr Liam Morgan, CC, Askea-Bennekerry recalling Ber's life in his homily. His cousin Ollie Hennessy and nephew Paul Hennessy provided the music and song. Readings were by Ber's son Raymond and nephews Brendan and Thos Hennessy. Prayers of the Faithful were read by grandchildren India, Megan and Rachel, together with nieces, Julie and Mandy and brother-in-law Michael.
The offertory gifts were brought to the altar by the O'Rouke family, Ber's next door neighbours and great friends of many years.
Ber is surived by his beloved wife Lena, children Raymond and Katherine (England), Jane (Portugal),brothers Tom (Graiguecullen) and Dermot (England), sisters Mary Lacey, Catherine Nulty (Graiguecullen) and Joan Judge (England) grandchildren Rachel, Megan, India and Kieran, uncle Mickey Hennessy, brothers and sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
Interment took place in St Mary's Cemetery Carlow.
In your own words, Ber, 'God be with you'.
Couresty of the Carlow Nationalist
5th July 2011 Tweet
