The news of the sudden death of Johnny Donnelly, aged 54, shocked the community of Ardfert/Kilmoyley - his adopted home for the past 32 years. Johnny was originally from Co. Clare and was extremely proud of his native county. He wore his county colours with pride when Clare beat Kerry to become the Munster Senior Football Champions in 1992 and when they won the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship in 1995 and again in 1997. Johnny was a devoted husband to his wife Joan and a loving father to his son, Wayne and daughter, Tracey. They were his first priority and he always ensured they had when they needed. His three grandchildren, Erin, Shayne and Holly were his pride and joy. Every night he went to their house to say goodnight to them and tragically, was on his nightly visit when he met his untimely death on 8th October, 2008. He had a keen interest in sport, especially when Clare were involved. He enjoyed running and will be sadly missed from Banna Strand on Sunday mornings. Johnny liked country music and traditional music. Gardening was more than a hobby. His rose garden was a joy to behold and he was ably assisted by Erin to whom he happily imparted his considerable knowledge. Both also tended the vegetable garden, which produced many a tasty crop. Johnny valued his family and his faith and while people may say he led a simple life, he knew what was important in life. Material things did not buy the happiness that his family provided. His colleagues at Amann, where he worked for the past nine years, respected his quiet efficiency and he will be sadly missed by them. The esteem in which Johnny was held was evident by the huge crowds who attended his removal from the Gleasure Funeral Home, Tralee to the Sacred Heart Church, Kilmoyley. Several hundred people attended the Requiem Mass and he was buried in the New Cemetery, Ardfert. Johnny will be sadly missed by his wife Joan, his daughter Tracey, son Wayne, grandchildren Erin, Shayne and Holly, his son-in-law Billy; his family in Clare, neighbours, colleagues and friends. May he rest in the peace he deserves - Kerry's Eye, 30th October 2008 Tweet

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