Sheehan, John
July 23, 2008The family and friends of John Sheehan were in shock when his sudden and untimely death occurred on June 29 in New York.
John was born in Tarmons. Tarbet, in 1943 into a family of nine to the John and Nora (nee Fennell) and he is predeceased by his brother Patrick and sister Nora.
He attended Tarmons National School and then worked on the family farm prior to emigrating to New York with some of his friends. There they remained loyal friends all their lives. They were always there for each other in good times and bad. John played his early football with his native Tarbert, where he developed his great love for the game. After arriving in New York, he played with the highbridge Harps and won many distinctions with them.
With some other north Kerry lads, he set up the New York Kerry juniors in 1962. They won the New York championship in 1965 and that year they came to Ireland and played in many Munster venues including Tarbert. They won again in 1966 and 1967, making it three in a row.
John married Ann Sheridan from Cavan in 1966 and they were blessed with two children. John was a wonderful husband and father.
Although he made his home in New York, He never forgot his native Tarmons and hoped to build a house on his site for his and Ann's retirement. He was a regular visitor and the highlight of his visits were the listowel races and Croke Park for the All-Ireland,if Kerry were in he final. He was a wonderful reciter and his favourite recitation was the greatest of the Gaels.
John worked hard in the construction all his life and set up his own company in the 1980's. Tarabert Construction was developed to the highest standard, which was well borne out at his funeral when so many paid tribute to him for giving them their first start.
He was also involved in the bar business for many years, notably the Hedgehog and was part owner in the three County's - both of them on Broadway.
There was a huge attendance at his wake where the New York Kerry Juniors had a guard of honour in his memory. Mass was in the Visitation Church, which was celebrated by his brother-in-law, Fr Tom Sheridan, who came in from Wyoming for the funeral. John was laid to rest in the gate of Heaven Cemetery, where many of his friends are also interred. Mass was also celebrated for John in his home town last week.
John is survived by wife Ann, daughter Breda, son John, daughter-in-law Linda, grand-daughter Grace, his brother David and sister Catherine in New York and his sisters Maureen, Ann, Margaret and brother Mile of Tarabert, sister's in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and large circle of friends. May his noble and gentle soul rest in peace.
Courtesy of the Kerryman Tweet
