Hynes, Peter
August 12, 2005The death of Peter Hynes of Cournellan, Borris, Co. Carlow, on June 27, 2005 caused deep and widespread regret in the community and outside the parish of Borris.
Peter passed away in the loving care of the staff of the District Hospital, Carlow after a long illness borne with great dignity. He was born in 1931 to the late Peter and Alice Hynes and came from a well-respected large family in the parish.
Peter was a man of deep religious beliefs and this was recognised when the late Fr Nicholas Moore, PP of Borris, made a special presentation to him in 2003 in recognition of his contribution to the church over the years. Peter was very saddened last year when Fr Moore passed away. The loss of his great friend created a huge void in Peter's life.
As a young boy Peter worked locally on farms in the Cournellan area. He then moved to Dublin where he attended St Patrick's College in Drumcondra for a short period of time. Homesickness brought him back to Cournellan again but he later joined his brother Billy in the Shannon Diamond factory in Limerick, where he worked as a fitter. He remained in Limerick for a number of years and during his time there he was a founder member of St Munchen's Youth Club, which is still thriving today.
The GAA was Peter's first love and he won two National Hurling League medals with Carlow and was also a selector for various county teams. He refereed both hurling and football games for a number of years. In 1948, he won a minor championship medal with Kilcloney and the same year he won the Junior championship with Cournellan. Over the years he went on to win various honours with Ballymurphy Borris, the Gaels and of course, his beloved Cournellan. Even though he was a member of the Pioneer total abstinence movement all his life, he enjoyed participating in a football pub tournament with The Beehive in Carlow, which was owned by his friend and neighbour, Tom Kennedy, winning the final in 1967. He also played with Treaty Sarsfields GAA Club during his time in Limerick.
Peter had a great interest in horses and bred and showed mares and foals, winning several prizes in the local shows. He supported the local hunt and regularly followed the meetings in the area. He had a huge interest in drama as well and was a founder member of the Emerald Players in Borris. He took part in a number of productions with the Rathanna Drama Group, all of which he thoroughly enjoyed.
Peter's love of Irish traditional music brought him to many venues around the country and he was closely associated with Pat Ryan and Richie Kelly of "Cupla".
His favourite venue was the Green Drake Inn, Borris, where he enjoyed many nights of music, dancing and craic. He developed a great friendship with the owner Liam O'Connor and all the customers. Through his love of traditional music and song Peter was a founder member of Scor Cheatharlach and helped in no small way to promote ceol, caint agus craic in the GAA.
A sociable man, there was nothing Peter enjoyed more than a ramble to the houses of his neighbours for a chat about old times. He was very generous with his time and always had a willingness to help others. His popularity was evident by the large attendance at his funeral and removal. When his remains were being removed from Joyce's Funeral Home to Borris Parish Church many of his friends and former playing colleagues as well as members of the local GAA Club formed a guard of honour. They were in turn joined by former player who played against Peter over the years but on this occasion they wanted to recognise the huge contribution he made to Gaelic games and his commitment to his parish as a young man.
His remains were received by Fr John O'Brien PP Borris, Fr Moling Lennon, PP Naas, Fr Tom Little PP Askea, Fr Phil O'Shea PP Myshall and Fr Sean Kelly, Stradbally. At his Requiem Mass Fr John O'Brien assisted by Fr Lennon and Fr Gerry Byrne PP Graignamanagh, paid a glowing tribute to Peter for his work to his church and his community over his 74 years.
He is mourned and deeply missed by his sister Kathleen, brothers, Michael, Pat, Joe, Martin, James, Christy, Frank, Eamonn, Kevin and Ollie, his extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends as well as by the community at large. Interment took place in Ballymurphy Cemetery, where he was buried alongside his parents. The funeral was attended by one of the largest gatherings seen there for many years.
Ar Dheis De go raibh anam Pheadar.
Courtesy of The Nationalist
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