Hurney, Denis
July 26, 2013There was shock and disbelief as well as profound sadness as the news spread of the untimely and unexpected passing of Denis Hurney of Lisheenavalla.
A member of the well known Hurney family in Cregmore, Denis was brought up by his grandparents, the Forde family in Lisheenavalla and lived in 'Lisheen' for the rest of his life.
Denis spent his young life divided between the Hurney and Forde families and could be found helping his late father Pakie in the well known blacksmiths forge beside the bridge in Cregmore or chasing livestock or standing in a gap with his adopted Forde family in Lisheenavalla.
Denis went to work with Galway Co. Council at a young age and for several years was in the motor taxation department. Indeed he was often called on to hold a special number for neighbours and friends who would be getting a new car in a particular year, before the system came in place that you could book your number in advance.
Denis worked in various departments in the council and was much loved everywhere by officials, councillors and the general public.
He had a distinguished hurling career and played for many years for Turloughmore from Under 14 to senior. And he was proud to be part of the 1985 County Championship success which saw Turloughmore take the senior title for the only time since the halcyon days of the sixties. Denis served as an officer of Turloughmore club holding the positions of Treasurer and Secretary on different occasions. Denis had also attended UCG and won a Fresher's hurling medal in UCG in 1975 and a prestigious Fitzgibbon Cup medal in 1977.
Denis served as presiding officer at Lackagh Polling Station in every election for several years. He had a word for everyone in the polling station and was hugely respected. His warm smile and good lively humour made him hugely popular and throughout the entire community he will be fondly remembered.
Above all Denis was a dedicated and loving family person. While he never forgot his two sibling families of Hurney's and Forde's, he devoted his life to his wife Geraldine and his sons Damien, Pat and Donnacha.
He was proud of his children's achievements and spoke fondly of them. He was adviser to many within the family circle and his wisdom was always much appreciated.
There was a huge turnout as the remains of Denis Hurney were reposing at Lackagh Mortuary Chapel before being removed to the Church of Our Lady of Knock, Lackagh. Lackagh Parish church was again full to capacity for the Funeral Mass where Fr Willie Cummins, PP Mervue was joined by Fr Gussie O'Brien, MSC, Fr
Johnny Dunleavy, SMA, Fr Joe O'Brien, PP Abbeyknockmoy, Fr lan O'Neill, PP Claregalway and Fr. John D Flannery.
Members of Turloughmore Hurling club formed a guard of honour and escorted the remains of Denis to his final resting place at Lackagh Cemetery.
Denis was predeceased by his father Pakie and brother Pat. He is survived by his wife Geraldine, sons Damien, Pat and Donnacha, his mother Nonie, brothers Michael John, Paul, Frank, Bosco, David, Declan, sisters Bemadette and Joan, the Forde family, Julia, Frank and Margaret Mary and their family Pat, Mary, John, Francis, Katie, Paula and Denis brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and a large circle of relatives, neighbours and friends.
Courtesy of the Connacht Tribune. Tweet
