The Late Bernard McKenna The death, which was sudden and unexpected took place at his home, at Cornakeouge, Kilnawley of Bernard McKenna. It evoked widespread genuine shock, regret and sadness. Benny was in his early 80's and was a son of the late Patrick and Susan McKenna, Swanlinbar. They farmed and he followed suit. In January, 1955 he married the former Rosealeen (Rose) Gilleece, from Cornakeouge in St Naile's Church, Kinawley. For a period, they resided at Drumlar before emigrating to England. However, they were intent on returning home and they settled finally in Cornakeouge to Rose's family home, resuming farming. The deceased was proud of his farm and his animals and combined farming with a job in the Drainage Division of the then Department of Agriculture. He was highly regarded employee. Their family life was a happy one. They had eight children, one of whom, Patrick died in infancy. Just over three months ago, the family organised a memorable golden wedding anniversary celebration to mark 50 years of married life. Outside of family, home and work. Benny was a lifelong member and supporter of the GAA, particularly Kinawley Brian Borus, having played the game with St Mary's GFC, Swanlinbar. He was regarded as a committed full-back, one of the most outstanding players in his day, a mantle presently carried by his grandson, Barry Owens. He was equally proud of his three sons, Paul, Damian and Raymond who represented Kilnawley and Fermanagh at various levels. He was a regular attender at Ulster and All-Ireland finals, and while he was disappointed at Fermanagh losing out last year, was made very proud when his grandson, Barry won his All-Star. He enjoyed conversing about the game's personalities and enjoyed company generally, visitors being made instantly welcome at his home. He was an avid player of 25 and 45, travelling distance in pursuit of both. But, it was from his family, not least his grandchildren, that he derived his greatest pleasure. He lived a simple and wholesome life and the many mourners who called at his late home and attended the removal and the con-celebrated funeral Mass bore testimony to his popularity. He was honoured with two guards of honour: at the removal of his remains to St Naile's Church on 7th April (members of the Brian Borus men's and women's teams, and club members) and following the funeral Mass the next morning (staff and students from St Fanchea's College where his daughter, Brenda is employed). The local Curate, Fr Gerry Comiskey was assisted in the celebration of the Mass by his parish priest, Fr Donald Hannon, Swanlinbar and by a former Curate, Canon Liam Gaffney, Canon Brian McNamara, PP, Killesher, Fr Maurice McMarrow, CC, Teemore and Fr Tom McKiernan, PP, Bawnboy where the deceased's son, Damien and his wife Mary live. Fr Comiskey, on behalf of the priests and people of the parish extended sympathy to the McKenna family on the death of their father. The hymns and music were provided by Jackie Bannon, and the traditional music pieces by Leanne Frumm (concert flute). The burial was in the old cemetery next to the church. In addition to his parents, Benny was pre-deceased by his baby son, Patrick; by his brothers Tommy, John and Gerry, his sisters, Mary and Catherine and by his son-in-law, Seamus Maguire. He is survived by his wife, Rosaleen, sons Paul (Anna), Damian (Mary), Raymond (Frances), Patricia, Helen (Gabriel), Brenda (Sean) and Rosemary (John). By his grandchildren, by his sisters and brothers, Helen, England and Elizabeth, USA; Patsy, Dublin and Paul, USA, and by nieces and nephews and an extended family circles. Courtesy of the Fermanagh Herald 27th April 2005 Tweet

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