McKenna, Frank
October 22, 2010Ballinasloe lost one of its most respected and popular businessmen with the passing of Frank McKenna, Brackernagh, Ballinasloe, following a comparatively short illness.
A native of Borrisokane, Co.Tipperary, Frank came to Ballinasloe over fifty years ago and through his career as a livestock salesman quickly established himself with all sections of the community. His Jovial and witty personality endeared him to all classes and soon afterwards he branched into the auctioneering business.
Frank was one of those people you never forgot. He was most obliging in his profession, treating his customers and clients with respect, humanity and understanding he helped to acquire homes for many young couples starting off in life, with a touch of compassion that left an indelible mark.
A lover of all sports, Frank won an All-Ireland intermediate hurling medal with the Premier County in 19 and was a prominent member of his native Borrisokane team for many years. He joined the balinasloe Golf Club in 1962 and became one of its most popular members. He was the envy of many with his good humour, infectious laugh and sporting manner on the fairways and greens of golf courses all over the country.
He was a past captain of the Millennium Golf Society in Ballinasloe, whose members as well as those of the Seniors Committee, saluted his memory with guards of honour on the day of his funeral outside St Michael's Church.
Frank's love of his wife and family were always foremost in his thoughts. They came first in a home that was welcoming, warm and compassionate for anybody who entered. Everybody was received with open arms and they had to avail of the hospitality of himself and Bridie, and where the clock was never looked at. His genuine interest in the less well-off was treated with sensitivity and compassion while his support for many organisations was done unselfishly.
The large crowds who turned up to pay their respects as his remains reposed at his home and at the obsequies on the following day were testimony to a man who was loved and respected by all sections of the community. The Bishop of Clonfert, John Kirby, presided at the concelebrated funeral mass where Fr. Declan McInerney was the chief celebrant. The Taoiseach was represented by his Aide de camp while several priests from the surrounding parishes were on the altar.
The personality of Frank McKenna will long be remembered in his adopted town but in the course of his homily Fr. McInerney quoted a remark that surely typified the great man. He said that when Frank meets St Peter in that heaven in the sky, and if there is a plot of land to be sold, Frank will surely say "don't worry son-I'll look after you." That was only one of Frank's popular affectionate trademarks.
The late Frank McKenna is survived by his heart-broken wife Bridie, son Raymond, daughters Orla and Louise; brothers Ger, Mackey, Tony and Vincent; sisters Marguerite and Phil; sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, grandchildren nieces, nephews, relatives and a large circle of friends.
His internment took place in Creagh Cemetery following concelebrated mass in St Michael's Church.
Courtesy of The Connacht tribune 22/10/10 Tweet
