Enright, Pat Joe
July 14, 2010
A man held in high esteem by all who knew him
The Late Pat Joe Enright
North Kerry was deeply saddened at the news of the death of Pat Joe Enright of O'Callaghan's Cross, Lislaughlin after a long and bravely borne illness.
A member of a very well known and highly respected local family Pat Joe was known far and wide and was held in the highest esteem by everyone that knew him.
After completing national school Pat Joe attended St Ita's College in Tarbert and later worked at Paddy McElliott's Forge in Ballylongford and progressed to be am excellent blacksmith and welder.
In the pre-tractor times Pat Joe was kept busy shoeing horses repairing agricultural machinery and welding.
A proficient young footballer he played with the local minor team alongside such players as the late Paddy O'Neill of Tullahinell and Tom Sheehy of Clounamon.
Then he got itchy feet and like many of his era when work got scarce headed across the Irish sea to London where conditions were also difficult.
While times were tough in the early years Pat Joe was prepared to work at anything to make a living and consequently he alays found something to suit him.
Eventually he secured employment from British Rail and he spent 37 years with the Network, excelling at his job and was later promoted to the rank of inspector.
He worked at the very busy commuter stations at Paddington and Kings Cross in central London where he was very popular with working colleagues.
He was well known on the social front in the English capital and he went to most of the big Irish dance halls and it was here that he met his wife Lil and they had 56 very happy years together raising two children both of whom have gone on to do very well for themselves.
Over the years he always kept closely in touch with home reading The Kerryman with great interest every week and tuning in to the Asdee notes.
During his four decades in London Pat Joe was a regular visitor home and enjoyed meeting up with family neighbours and friends during his regular holidays.
While Pat Joe got on well and was contented enough in London he always had that yearning to return home permanently after he retired from work.
This he accomplished 20 years ago when he moved back to his native parish and renovated the house his wife inherited at O'Callaghan's Cross.
Before long he manicured a beautiful front garden which won much admiration from neighbours and passers by.
He also kept a very nice garden which provided plenty of potatoes and vegetables for the dining table.
Being back in his native parish meant a lot of him and he enjoyed going out for a few drinks with his friends on an occasional basis and he religiously followed the fortunes of the Kerry team and the local teams and enjoyed the match banter afterwards.
During the spring and summer he enjoyed Keeping himself busy with his organic garden and maintaining his lawn and house surroundings.
He did not lose his links with the UK either as he frequently made visits back to London to visit his daughter and son and his five grandchildren.
Unfortunately Pat Joe's health declined a while back and he fought very bravely to battle with his illness but sadly eventually it overcame him.
During this period he always had a very positive outlook in life and never bothered anyone with his deteriorating health even though he had to undergo a lot of unpleasant treatment.
His family, neighbours and friends were a huge help to him during this period and he had a very warm welcome for anyone that called to see him.
Throughout his long and fulfilled lifetime his faith played a pivotal role in his everyday life and during his final illness he derived great strength and peace of mind from the monthly calls to his house by local PP Fr Philip O'Connell with Holy Communion.
Pat Joe's sad passing is a huge loss to his family and friends and also to the local community where he made a huge contribution.
Thankfully he has left a huge legacy of fond and cherished memories behind which will be a source of consolation to all those that bereave him.
The esteem in which Pat Joe and his family are held locally was reflected in the very large and widely representative congregations that turned out for the removal of his remains on Thursday evening from Lynch's Funeral Home in Ballylongford assisted by Fr Joseph Tarrant cc Asdee, Fr Daniel Broderick PP Tarbert Fr. Stephen Kennelly, and Fr. John Kennelly
In his home Fr O'Connell said that Pat Joe was a great family man that worked hard all his life.
He said he was always impressed with his lawn and flower arrangements at his home and the great faith he showed through his final illness.
A Large crowd accompanied the cortege for the internment that took place to Lislaughlin Cemetery.
Deepest sympathy is extended to his wife Lil daughter Marie, son Patrick brothers Michael Rusheen, Ballylongford, Bob Ballylongford, sisters Lil England, Mary, Australia, Cathy, Pulleen, Tarbert, Hannah May, Ballyduff
Courtesy of the Kerryman
July 14th, 2010
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