The death has taken place very peacefully of former well known Shannon Rangers and Kerry footballer Ned Lyons at Lystoll Lodge Nursing Home, Listowel on Sunday, June 8 Ned was born in Coolaneelig Duagh in 1915 into a family of twelve. His parents were Maurice Lyons and Margaret Walsh of Rylane, Duagh. The only surviving member of the original family is his brother, Pat, who now resides with his wife Hannah in St Ita's Day Care Centre in Abbeyfeale. As a young boy, Ned attended Dromtrasna National School and while there, developed and enduring love of Gaelic football, having captained the school team on many occasions. The greatest achievement of the Dromtrasna team occurred in 1930 when Ned and his fellow team-mates succeeded in beating all the surrounding Abbeyfeale school teams. One of the most prominent members of that famous side was Tim Cotter, who later became Bishop of Maiduguri in Nigeria. Ned's passion for football and to a lesser extent hurling, continued right through his long life, having watched the Cork versus Tipperary match on the day he died. Prior to emigrating to the USA in 1947, Ned played club football with Shannon Rangers, going on to in a county championship football medal with them in 1945. The period leading up to the 1945 final has been described as the golden age of county championship football in Kerry. The campaign of that year was along and arduous one, culminating in the final between Shannon Rangers and legion of Killarney. The only surviving members of the victorious Rangers side are Mick Finnucane, Gus Cremins and Eddie Dowling. Ned, who played a prominent part in the victory of 1945, played senior football for Kerry before emigrating to the United States. In 1946 he won a Munster Junior medal playing at centre half back for his beloved Kerry against Cork. During his playing days he established many enduring friendship being a life long friend of the late Eddie Walsh of Knocknagoshel. Ned also played with the New York team against Kerry when they visited Ireland in the late 40's and early 50's. Two of Ned's often spoken about team-mates on that occasion were Bill Carlos of Roscommon and Pat McAndrew of Mayo. Ned was also a member of the victorious 1950 New York championship team. Ned emigrated to America in 1946 and remained three for approximately 54 years. During his time in New York, he worked for a bus transport company, His spare time was devoted to football, to his local church and to looking after his widowed sister Peig and his unmarried sister Katie in their years of retirement. He returned to Abbeyfeale in the year 2000 and resided in St Ita's Day Centre and sheltered housing. While there, he received every care and attention from a truly dedicated staff. He spent the final three years of life in Lystoll Lodge Nursing Home,where once again he received every possible care. Ned was a man of deep religious commitment, a daily communicant and his rosary beads rarely left his bedside. He was also a man of very Jovial disposition, had a great sense of humour and made many enduring friendships during his long life. His remains were removed from Harnett's Funeral Home, Abbeyfeale to Duagh Parish Church on Monday evening, June 9. A guard of honour consisting of present and former footballers was formed as a mark of respect when the funeral cortege was passing through Duagh village. During the course of his homily, Fr Tom McMahon, now living in retirement in Knockanure, recalled having watched Ned playing on many occasions. Apparently his swiftness of foot and enthusiasm evoked the catch cry "Glory Lyons come on the Mall(Duagh)". After concelebrated Mass on Tuesday, June 10 in St Brigid's Church, Duagh, Ned was laid to rest in Springmount Cemetery. Go Ndearna Dia trocaire ar anam. Courtesy of The Kerryman 9th July, 2008 Tweet

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