Dennehy, Bernie
June 09, 2011It was with much shock and sadness that the Glenflesk community heard of the sudden passing of Bernie Dennehy, Artigallivan, Headford, in his home in London on February 21st.
Born in 1951, Bernie was the ninth born child to Con and Lena Dennehy and their eighth cherished son. He received his primary education in Knockanes national school before moving onto St. Brendan's College, Killarney, to complete his secondary schooling. Bernie also spent some time at All Hallows College, Dublin, prior to emigrating to London in the 1970s to take employment with Barclay's Bank where he remained for twenty-five years until his retirement.
It was in Bernie's early years in London that he met the love of his life, his beautiful Christina, at the Galtymore in Crickelwood, The young couple set up home in Kingsbury following their marriage and they lived happily in Kingsbury throughout their years together. Bernie and Christina were blessed with three beautiful children, Neil, Marie and Matthew, all of whom Bernie adored and with whom he shared a unique and special bond.
From a young age Bernie displayed great talent for sport and was clearly gifted with his athletic prowess throughout the years. He excelled in athletics, in which his most significant achievement was breaking the record or the two hundred yards at Santry Stadium in Dublin in 1970.
Bernie was also one of the famous stars of the 1969 St. Brendan's team which won the coveted Hogan Cup in 1969. Bernie went on to win the County Junior title with his beloved St. Agatha's Football Club in Glenflesk in 1970, alongside his best friend and lifelong friend Ned Spillane.
Bernie had a lifelong love of animals and of nature. His faithful dog Eddie was his constant companion in London and never left his side. His garden in London was a credit and a testimony to his hard work and love for and closeness to the earth and Mother Nature.
Bernie was a true character and gentleman with a great sense of humour and love for life and living. He was a loving husband, a hard-working father, a treasured brother, an adored uncle and a loyal and kind friend to many. Bernie lived his life the best way he could and always did the best by people. He never had enemies. He gave his unconditional love to those closet to him and always wanted nothing but the best for his family and those he loved.
He died in the same unobtrusive way in which he had lived. Bernie's body was brought home for his wake at the home of his brother Sean and sister-in-law Betty in Artigallivan where he was born, raised and nurtured for nineteen years of his life.
The mourners burst into applause as Bernie's arrived for his final homecoming where he was warmly welcomed once again by Sean and Betty and their family. Hundreds of people came to the Dennehy home over two nights to sincerely pay their respects to Christina and the family. Requiem Mass was celebrated in Barraduff church by his brother Father Donnac and seven con-celebrating priests. His body was later laid to rest in Killaha Cemetery beside his nephew Denis and his older brother Paddy.
Bernie is mourned by his loving wife Christina, his cherished daughter Marie, his sons Neil and Matthew, brothers Donnac, Dermot, Pete and Sean, sister Noreen, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces and nephews, cousins and friends both in Glenflesk and London.
Courtesy of The Kerry's Eye
9th June 2011 Tweet
