Mr Eugene Kearney, aged 64, passed away peacefully on 5 September 2012 at his lifelong family home in Drumboniff.

During the past 20 months since the onset of his illness he remained strong and positive throughout, until a few weeks before he died. Eugene, who was predeceased by his parents Dan and Mary Katherine, is survived by his wife Marie; sons Colm and Danny; daughters Karen Rice and Rita Brown; sisters Shelia Gribben and Delia McConville and brother Gerry; grandsons Bryan, Shaun and Conor. Eugene attended Kinghill Primary School and then St Malachy's, Castlewellan, from 1961-1963.

He played football for the school team and Clonduff GAC during the 60s and 70s as a strong defender. He travelled far and near to watch club and county matches and then became a comfortable armchair spectator for hurling/camogie and all football games. Eugene was not afraid of hard work on the family farm or to help his neighbours. He had great interest in all animals but mainly farmed sheep and cattle. He really enjoyed his lorry driving covering many miles, meeting a lot of people and always enjoyed a bit of banter. The very large crowds that attended both his wake and funeral reflected how well known he was and the high esteem in which he was held. Fr. Frank Kearney PP and Fr Jarleth Cushenan PP officiated at the funeral in St Mary's Cabra. Family flowers were placed on his grave. Donations in lieu of flowers for a cancer charity to the family.

Text courtesy of Mourne Observer 26/09/12 Tweet

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