Kennedy, Dan
August 30, 2013It was with a great sense of shock and sadness that the people of Kilrush-Askamore heard of the sudden death of one of their sporting legends Dan Kennedy. Dan died unexpectedly in Ballinaberney, Kilrush on 10 June while doing what he always loved, out tending his stock in the fields with his beloved dog. He had celebrated his 80th year last September with family and friends.
Dan was the stuff of legend among Gaelic games followers in the parish and throughout the county. Dan played at right half-forward for the Kilrush team which won the Gorey District junior football title for the first time in 1950. He sampled All-Ireland football final day atmosphere in September 1950 in front of an attendance of more than 76,000 fans. He was a member of the Wexford minor football panel which was beaten by Kerry in that year's decider. In 1969 he was left-corner-back on the Askamore team which won the Wexford junior hurling championship - the first hurling title for the club. He played hurling and football for the club in four different decades, from the '40s through to 1972, finishing as he was approaching his 40th birthday.
A man of humble beginnings on a small farm holding in Ballinaberney, Dan's determined hardworking attitude and ability made him a successful farmer of tillage and livestock. It was for his gifted ability to train a good sheepdog that he was particularly known. Often when asked to train a dog for someone else he would refuse due to his weakness for becoming too attached to the dog!
Dan was a man of deep religious faith, never known to miss Saturday night Mass or neglect any of his religious duties. He married Kit Boggan in 1971 and together they raised four daughters: Kay, Mary, Fran and Agg. A devout family man, his life was underpinned by the unconditional love he possessed for all those closest to him. Described as a man of great intelligence, wit and wisdom, Dan was respected by many people. He had a 'particular way' with young people and children. His mischievous personality meant he always highlighted the comic aspects of any fraught situation.
Admiration for Dan was highly evident at his funeral Mass in St Brigid's Church, Kilrush following his wake in the family home. The local Kilrush-Askamore GAA and camogie clubs formed a guard of honour throughout the funeral proceedings and a member of the gardai provided an escort during his removal. The church was packed to capacity with a congregation gathered from all parts of Ireland who wished to pay their respects to this legend of a man described in the eulogies as "a prince among men and a prince among players".
The Mass was celebrated by Fr Joe Power, PP, and assisted by Fr Phelim Byrne and Fr French. Dan was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery in Kilrush. He is survived by his wife Kit, his daughters' Kay Cahill (Bunclody), Mary Mac Sweeney, Fran Mahon and Agg Kennedy (Kilrush) along with his only remaining sibling, Andy Kennedy (Knockaree, Kilrush). Dan was predeceased by three other siblings within the past 16 months - his sisters Agnes McAllister (Glasgow, Scotland), Catherine Whitney (Luton, England) and Mary Anne Murphy (Chicago, USA). Deepest sympathy is extended to his family.
Courtesy of the Carlow Nationalist. Tweet
