The recent sudden death of Johnny McEnery of Tubbertoureen, Carrueragh and Listowel sent shock waves through the whole of North Kerry.

Born in Tubbertoureen in 1943 Johnny was well known in GAA circles having played for Moyvane during their golden era of the sixties when they dominated North Kerry, winning four North Kerry Championships, and three North Kerry Leagues. In 1963 they had a clean sweep in North Kerry winning the Championship, League and Frank Sheeny Tournament. He also played with the divisional side, St. Vincents and was also a member of the Kerry panel. The service he gave to Moyvane and North Kerry, as full back, in a long football career was well recalled over the days of his funeral. He was remembered "thundering out with the ball" and one man, rubbing his arm, was heard to say 'Jeez I often got a shoulder from him and wondered it my arm was broken".

A big man, but also a gentle man, he enjoyed his football and gave great service to Moyvane football which was acknowledged by a guard of honour of players past and present at his funeral. The football fraternity of North Kerry turned out in numbers to show their respect at both his removal and funeral Mass in St. Mary's
Church, Ustowel and burial in John Paul 11 cemetery, Ustowel. Johnny is survived by his wife Helen (Godley), daughters Martha, Edel & Muireann and son Eoghan, his grandchildren, Lucy-Kate, Caoilfhionn and Isabella. He was brother of Pat Joe, Tubbertoureen and Mary, Ustowel and the late Denis. Sympathy is extended to his family. May he rest in peace.

Courtesy of The Kerryman Tweet

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