The late John Greene The parish of Askea/ Bennekerry and the wider Carlow community was in sadness following the recent passing of John Greene (61) Brownshill Avenue, Carlow. John passed away peacefully at his home following a long illness, which was borne with great strength and dignity and a most positive attitude. A native of Dublin, John's parents owned a grocery shop in Cabra and it was John's work for AIB that brought him first to Wexford in 1977, and later to the Carlow branch where he worked until 1983. John then transferred to Baltinglass, where once again he became very popular among customers and colleagues alike, working in the West Wicklow town until 1989. John with his wife, Bernie, and family first lived, in Oakpark before setting up a new home in Baltinglass. Upon his return to Carlow for the second time in 1989, John and Bernie set up their currant family home on Brownshill Avenue. John worked in the Athy branch between 1991 and 1993 before, once again, returning to Carlow in 1993, where he worked until his retirement in 2004. In total, John spent 19 years in AIB Carlow where be gained the respect of both the customers he looked after and the colleagues he worked with. At the same time showing a tremendous capacity to change with the many developments and advancements he encountered during his banking life. John's style - in terms of his professionalism, his deep understanding of customers' needs and the service he delivered - was rooted in the old school of banking. This was a characteristic that endeared him to so many throughout his career. Outside of his career as a banker John pursued a most active life, which did not diminish, despite his mobility being reduced in 1999. His early sporting interests included schools rugby in Dublin and AIB where he played as a loose head prop. St. Vincent's in Glasnevin cultivated his Gaelic interests and he represented Rathmines College on many occasions. In lining out with AIB he played with many greats, including the legendary Eddie Keher. When working in New Ross, John played badminton at the CYMS Hall and was a committee member of New Ross Golf Club. There were very few sports John did not peruse but perhaps his greatest pleasure and success was his love of flying. He was a very regular sight in the air as he buzzed over Co. Carlow and beyond in his own plane. He was secretary of the Irish Microlite Association and a member of the AIB Flying Club, while he also represented Ireland at International level. When no longer able to fly himself he continued to pursue his interest in flying models and model car racing. Anyone fortunate enough to hear John sing were left with a memory of a most accomplished voice and he was a member of many church and local choirs in all the locations where he worked. His many renditions of classical and contemporary songs never failed to impress his audiences and will live forever with them. In his youth John performed in Clontarf Castle and a career in singing was an option John could have pursued such was his great talent. Music too was big in John's life and he enjoyed playing the piano and guitar. His great love of his fiddle brought John to play in Irish music sessions throughout Carlow and in many parts of the country. With his fellow musicians John was a regular performer in The Seven Oaks Hotel, Teach Dolmain and Lawler's Bagenalstown. He regularly went to Roscommon from where his father and wife Bernie came and joined in traditional sessions there. John did not just play music he was a perfectionist who practiced daily to achieve a high standard. He made many friends through all his activities, who all marvelled at his knowledge and dedication to whatever was his pursuit at the time. It was not just in his banking career that John provided solutions to so many who sought his help and advice. He was generous with his time to his friends, neighbours and fellow enthusiasts. Above everything else was the love he showed for his wife Bernie, sons Mark and John and daughter Rosemary. His greatness and presence in their lives makes his passing so hard to accept and believe. The large attendances at his home, removal, Requiem Mass and burial was a true testament to the high regard in which John was held by so many. Family, neighbours, friends former colleagues, and customers all came to say goodbye to John a man they held in the highest of regard. John was predeceased by his father Tom and mother Molly. The remains were received at Askea Parish Church by Fr Liam Morgan, with Requiem Mass celebrated the following day by Fr Tom Little, assisted by Fr Morgan and Fr John Fingleton. Fr Little paid a fitting tribute to John and recounted the great friendship John showed to him on his arrival in the parish, the wise counsel he provided and the deep faith he had sustained with him during his illness. Burial took place immediately afterwards to St Mary's Cemetery. John is survived by his wife Bernie, sons Mark and John, daughter Rosemary, sisters Eileen and Patsy, five grandchildren, family and friends. Courtesy of the Carlow Nationalist 17/11/06. Tweet

Most Read Stories