Delahunty, John
March 09, 2010The world of Waterford hurling remains the poorer following the death, on February 17 last, at Waterford Regional Hospital, of John Delahunty, Life Vice-President of Roanmore GAA club.
John was elected as a Vice-President for Life of Roanmore GAA Club in recognition of his years of service on various committees within the club.
However, his dedication to his family way outshone any allegiances he had to the GAA over the years. His family were what mattered to him at all times and though he really enjoyed his hurling, life still revolved around his family. John was a Kilkenny man who, in 1945, at the age of 22, came to the city to work in Waterford Ironfounders. He remained in that employment until his retirement in 1988.
Not one to take things easy in retirement he joined his son Kieran when he took over the Garden Shop in Delaney's, O'Connell Street.
He spent 15 happy years in the shop and he became well known to a whole host of new people over those years.
He had a great knowledge of gardening and he brought that with him when he started working with Kieran. Delaney's was the stop-off for many hurling people over the years - they might have come along to buy something for the garden but mostly they came for a chat about hurling and more often or not about Kilkenny hurling. His presence working in the shop drew many people from South-Kilkenny in there and Kieran said it definitely helped takings when his father was working there. As Kieran said at the funeral Mass, "There was only one boss in the shop, and it wasn't me."
John enjoyed following Kieran's displays for Roanmore and Waterford while he was a member of the senior hurling panel.
John was also the father of twins Brendan and Anthony, who played for Roanmore in their earlier years, and daughters, Teresa and Alma. His grandson Sam, son of Teresa, also played for the club, while Alma was a former Secretary of Roanmore GAA Club and served for many years on the Executive Committee of the club. Her son, Shane, played and won many juvenile trophies with Roanmore as well.
John's removal took place on Friday evening, February 19 from his residence at 17 Ashe Road to the Holy Family Church. He was buried in Ballygunner Cemetery on Saturday, February 20.
The funeral both on Friday night and Saturday morning was attended on both occasions by very large crowds and by many officials both past and present from the GAA.
Sincere sympathy is extended to his family, his wife Mary, sons Kieran, Brendan and Anthony, daughters Alma and Teresa, grandsons Shane, Sam, Kevin, Ollie, Luke, Ross and Dylan and his brothers and sisters.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm.
Courtesy of Waterford News & Star
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