O'Regan, Donal
February 20, 2008
The Late Donal O'Regan
Sports people throughout the county were left in deep shock when the news spread of the sudden and untimely death of former Kerry hurler and renowned greyhound trainer, Donal O'Regan.
A native of Banemore, Kilmoyley, the 66 year old was described as "a living legend" by his former teammate and close friend, Kilmoyley GAA Chairman Sean Murnane.
Friends for over 40 years, Sean recalls with fondness Mr O'Regan's exploits on the field in the green and gold of Kilmoyley.
"He won four county championship medals with Kilmoyley between the 1960s and early 1970s and was a keen hurler. He was an outstanding back and, even though he might not have been that big in stature, he had a huge heart and he'd never let his team down," Sean told The Kerryman. "He was a living legend in Kilmoyley and he will be sadly missed."
News of Donal's sudden death sent shockwaves through the village, but no one was more surprised to hear the news than Sean.
"I couldn't believe it. There are some people you think will never pass away and he was one of them," Sean said. "He was one of these people who was always in good spirits even when things were going against him. You couldn't have met a nicer man and he was a very good friend to me."
As well as his success on the hurling pitch
also playing for Kerry- Donal O'Regan was also regarded as one of the best greyhound trainers in the county, winning numerous prestigious titles, including the 1994 Irish Derby at Shelbourne Park with 'Joyful Tidings'.
In his earlier years, Mr O'Regan was also a keen ploughman, claiming an u21 All-Ireland title in 1962.
Mr O'Regan's remains were removed to the Sacred Heart Church, Kilmoyley and requiem mass with burial afterwards in the New Cemetery Kilmoyley.
He is survived by his wife, Noreen and six children Dominick, Norman, Padraig, Debra, Johnny and Carol.
Courtesy of the The Kerryman
20th February 2008
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