Casey, John
March 21, 2013JOHN CASEY 1950-2013
On the road out west out of Beauty's Home, there is a signpost for the Gap of Dunloe; by following that signpost it will lead to another which reads, 'The Black Valley.'
It was here that this noble son of Kerry, John Casey, first saw daylight on June 8, 1950, the only child born to Jack and Sheila Casey.
He remained there all through his young years and, when his education was complete, he pursued a career in An Garda Siochana. He was initially stationed in Wicklow and from there he came to Boherbue in 1972, and he lived in the region ever since.
He adopted Boherbue as his home, and I think it is fair to say that Boherbue adopted him. He became a very valuable member of the GAA and was an outstanding selector for a few years.
In 1998, the junior Boherbue team won the championship and John was part of that particular selection committee. In a few weeks, that very team is being honoured in Killarney and I am sure a fitting tribute will be paid to John on the night.
Further postings to Kanturk and finally to Millstreet saw him finish his career in the force when he retired early through ill health in 1999.
While living in our house in the early 1970s, John threw his eye on our cousin, Noreen. They started going out and got married in 1976. They were blessed with three beautiful daughters, Sheila, Claire, and Elaine.
It is fair to say that John was the most popular person that came from outside this parish that settled here. He was a friend to many and helped many a person during his time amongst us here.
He was first and foremost a great family man and adored his wife and three daughters. In recent years, he had two more additions to his family; first of all, Damien became his son-in-law when he married Claire and when they were blessed with a beautiful son, Jack, John was the proudest grandfather on earth.
John's great sporting passions in life were football and fishing. Being from Kerry, he adored the green and gold and followed their fortunes with passion. I'm sure that
many Cork supporters in these parts will miss the banter they used to have with him around Munster Final days especially.
He loved his fishing also, and spent many years on the banks of the Blackwater, the Peale and, in latter years, on the Killarney lakes. And he made many friends through fishing.
John Casey loved where he came from. He was proud to be a Valley man and over the years he regaled us with many stories about life there when he was growing up. During his recent illness he loved nothing better than to wander back to times past in the Valley; it was like he wanted to go home again.
Well, now, John's wish has been granted.
As we took John to his final resting place, we thought of another town that was dear to him - Kenmare. The song that was written about that town contained these last four lines: 'Won't you remember, won't you remember, won't you remember me". John Casey, my friend, we will never forget you. Slan abhaile.
Courtesy of The Corkman. Tweet
