BALLYMAHON

An appreciation of a dear Colleague.

Paddy Kenny 1929 - 2010

On July 5 last our esteemed clubman Paddy Kenny passed away after an illness borne with fortitude and patience surrounded by his loving family at his home in Quinagh, Carlow. Words fail to convey the extent of his loss to his immediate family, his loving wife Kathleen, daughters Irene, Deirdre and Geraldine, sons Pauric and Liam, sisters Mary Margaret and Anne, brother Luke, relatives and friends.

Paddy's life was for his adored family, but GAA matters came an important second, especially his beloved Ballymahon GAA club and Carlow GAA where his immediate family was involved. Paddy was also closely involved with community Games and various other organisations.

Paddy experienced varied fortunes with Ballymahon GAA down the years, ranging from the triumph of achievement at various levels, to the desolation of being barely able to field teams. Paddy Kenny, it has been said by Ballymahon mentors, kept the club alive in the lean years by working with the Dublin based players, organising training, transport and much more. Paddy was an eternal optimist as far as Ballymahon GAA was concerned, suffice to say Paddy's glass was always half full at all times and his indomitable spirit kept the ship afloat in the worst of times. He was a loyal and dependable friend and confidante, a shrewd advisor in times of strife and tension, but aimed to do the right thing at all times.

Paddy studied at Ballyhaise Agricultural College in 1952. He worked throughout his career with the Department of Agriculture, which brought him to Kilkee, Tuam, Sligo, Kildare and Carlow. He also made a significant contribution to the welfare of his fellow workers through his involvement with Impact union.
Also while based in Dublin he was an active member of the Longfordmen's Association and served as chairman.

A large contingent of mourners from all sections of society attended his wake, removal and burial in Carlow cemetery, a testament to the esteem in which Paddy was held by all. To all who travelled, to those whose privilege it was to form the guard of honour, Ballymahon GAA ,Longford County Board and Carlow hurling club among others thanks to one and all.

Paddy Kenny will be especially missed by those whose privilege it was to be associated with a great GAA man, a family man and a great friend
Ar dheis De do raibh a anam dilis
Comhairle na gCathaoirleach agus a Chomhleacaithe.

There will be a Club meeting this Thursday, 2nd September at 8.00pm in the Clubhouse, all members requested to attend. Congratulations to the Juniors, who are through to the County Junior Final with a tense win over Fr. Manning Gaels last weekend. We will face Carrickedmond in the Final. Team: James McCormack, Gareth Murtagh, Jamie Noonan, Ian Mulvihill, Eddie Noonan, Matthew Daly, Graham Forbes, Dan Carberry, Charlie Byrne, Thomas Mulvihill, Jamesie Farrell, Pedro Byrne, Paul Kelly, John Nevin, James Daly. Subs.: David Cooney, Gordon Cooney, Stephen Cooney, Simon Daly, Shane O'Neill, Niall Dowler, Willie Dowler, Ian Duncan, Pascal Fitzmaurice, Tommy Flynn, Andrew Gough, Jack Higgins, Adrian Nestor, Dean Reilly, Ciaran Ryan, Richard Walsh, Willie Doyle. There was no
winner of last weeks Draw held in Paddy's worth e6000. Congratulations to the e30 winners: Noddy, c/o Canal Turn; Seamus Molly, Abbeyshrule; Marian Mulcahy, Carrickboy and Des Keenan, Ballymahon. Last Monday's Draw was held in Kiernan's with the Jackpot worth e6100 and the Promoters Prize worth e610. Tickets
costing
€2 are available from the usual outlets, or you can buy three for €5.
If anyone wishes to
contact me, my
details are as follows:
Tommy
Flynn, Main St., Ballymahon, Co. Longford; [email protected]; (090)
6432148; (087) 7693381. Finally, it was great to see Paul Kelly back to his usual self at the Junior game last Sunday. Tweet

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