The Late James (Jamesie) Hennessy Mr James (Jamesie) Hennessy, 56 O'Hanrahan Avenue, Carlow, who died at St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny on Tuesday December 3, was a founder member of Eire Og GFC and a lifelong Gael. Jamesie, as he was affectionately known to all, died just a matter of days short of his 83rd birthday. A native of Chapel Street, Graiguecullen, it was very much in the order of things that Jamesie would develop such a keen interest in Gaelic Games. After all his father, the legendary Barney Hennessy, was an outstanding footballer with Graiurcullen and Laois being a man who could kick a football a remarkable distance. Barney held the national record for kicking the old heavy, leather football a distance of 66 yards over the bar and was called up to the Irish International rugby squad only for the intervention of World War 1 to prevent his participation. Jamesie played at minor level for Graiguecullen and later with The Shamrocks club in Carlow Town. But it is for his association with Éire Óg that he will be best remembered. He was a founding father of the club in 1956 and down the years was deeply involved with the wearers of the red and white as a selector and committed supporter. Both Jamesie's sons Ber and John Joe played for Éire Óg. Jamesie's passion for the game is reflected in the fact that he travelled by bicycle from Carlow to Dan Fraher Field, Dungarvan in 1936 for the All-Ireland SFC semi-final between Laois and Kerry. A very devoted family man the loss of his beloved Aggie had an enormous effect on him and, as many people had said since his passing, more than a part of Jamesie died when he lost his wife. While Gaelic Games were the major sporting love of his life, he was also a keen follower of the Sport of Kings and enjoyed a flutter on the horses all his life. He also had an abiding interest in greyhounds and his dog, Serena Kate, had some great victories at Shelbourne Park in the late 1970s. Jamesie also love a game of cards while he also enjoyed a pint and a cigarette. Having worked for as short time in Walter Kehoe's poultry business at Pembroke, he was to spend to remainder of his working life in the employ of the Carlow sugar factory. He worked the annual beet campaigns and in the 1960s was made permanent, holding the position of chief hand in the filtering plant. Jamesie took early retirement after some 25 years with Irish Sugar, where he was a valued employee. A very decent, honourable and Christian man who was unfailing good humour, Jamesie's death is a grievous loss to the children, extended family, Éire Óg and his many friends. The remains were removed on Thursday December 5 from Healy's Funeral Home, Polleron to The Cathedral of the Assumption, where they were received by Fr. Ger Cushen, CC Carlow, assisted by Fr. John Byrne, PP, Portlaoise, former President of Éire ÓG. Fr Joe O'Neill, CC Portlaoise and former curate in Askea celebrated the Funeral Mass assisted by Fr. Ger Ahern, Adm., Carlow, Fr Tom Little, PP Bennekerry and Fr. John Fitzpatrick, Adm Askea. Fr O'Neill spoke of Jamesie Hennessys qualities in life, stressing his strong religious belief and belief in the power of prayer. The beautiful music during Mass was provided by soloist Bernard Hennessy, a nephew of Jamesie's, with Dale Hennessy, grandson on the organ and Pat Gorman, flautist. The coffin was draped in the Éire Óg jersey and the club formed guards of honour on both occasions. Burial took place immediately afterwards in St. Mary's Cemetery, with the final prayers at he graveside being recited by Fr. O'Neill. Jamesie is survived by his sons Ber (Beechwood Park), John Joe (Old Dublin Road), daughters Mrs Patsy Lawlor (The Willows) and Mrs Marie Hayden (Idrone Park) by his brother Michael (Mickey) (St Killians Crescent) his 18 grandchildren, two great grandchildren Louise and James, by his sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. Courtesy of the Carlow Nationalist December 2002 Tweet

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