The sudden death at his residence on Thursday 12 May of Sean Redmond, 25 Highfield, Carlow came as profound shock to his family, neighbours and many friends.
Aged 81, Sean had overcome a number of health setbacks over recent years but his death was totally unexpected.
Following Sean's sudden passing, his wife Nancy took ill and was hospitalised in St Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny and The Beacon in Dublin.
A native of Graiguecullen Sean played Gaelic football with the Carlow border club, winning Laois MFC medals at full forward in 1946,'47 and '48, captaining the wearers of the red and green in the latter two years and playing county minor for Laois in 1948. He played junior for the club in 1947, then graduated to the senior team and won a Laois SFC medal in 1949.
The same year, Sean was selected for the Laois senior footballers and into the early '50s played both National Football League and Leinster Senior Championship with the O'Moore County. Sean also held the proud distinction of playing minor and senior championship football for Graiguecullen on the same day.
Late last year, Sean was honoured by the Graiguecullen club when he was awarded a hall of fame award at the club's annual dinner dance in the Seven Oaks Hotel.
Sean worked with Lipton's of Tullow Street, Carlow and then, for the bulk of his working life, with the local sugar factory, from which he retired due to ill health.
In 1958 Sean married Nancy Kenna from Moone, Co. Kildare and their union could hardly have been happier. Sean and Nancy were to be seen everywhere together, and his passing creates a huge void in Nancy's life.
There was a big family celebration when the couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 2008.
Sean had a passion for golf and was a long time member of Carlow Golf Club. He played off a handicap of 16, winning numerous prizes down the years. His best golfing friend was the late Jack Fleming, Strawhall. Sean and Nancy formed many lasting friendships through their circle of friends at the Deerpark club. Sean played golf right up to his final days.
His remains were removed from his home on Friday evening to the Church of the Holy Family, Askea, where they were received by Fr Tom Little, PP, Askea-Bennekerry.
Fr Little celebrated the funeral Mass on Saturday morning, paying full tribute to the life of Sean Redmond in a eulogy.
At the end of Mass, his son-in-law, John McGuinness, the Fianna Fail deputy for Carlow/ Kilkenny, paid tribute to Sean on behalf of the Redmond family.
He spoke of Sean love for Graiguecullen, particularly for the GAA, and expressed gratitude that club member formed a guard of honour at his funeral.
He went on refer to the deep, enduring friendship that existed between Sean and his brother Eamon, who was present at the funeral with his sister Frances. He said that Sean sisters Judy Sowerly (Britain) and Marjorie Gunning (Co Meath), were unable to attend the funeral, while he was predeceased by siblings Joe, Matt and Lily.
John McGuinness paid tribute to Sean as a family man, particularly his devotion to Nancy, commenting that the welfare of family was always his first priority.
The Graiguecullen and Laois colours were displayed on Sean's coffin.
He was laid to rest in St. Mary's Cemetery immediately following Mass.
Sean is survived by his wife, Nancy, children John (Dublin), Margaret McGuinness (Kilkenny), Ann Brennan (Chapelstown, Carlow) and Mary McInerney (Kilkenny), by his brother, sisters, nine grandchildren, sons-in-law John, Dylan and Kaylo, daughter-in-law Karen, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, other relatives and many many friends.

Courtesy of the Carlow Nationalist
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