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 8th, 2008.Ned was born in Coolaneelig, Duagh. The only surviving member of his original family now 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. While there he developed an enduring love for Gaelic football, having captained the school team on many occasions. His passion for football and to a lesser extent hurling, continued all during long life, having even watched the Tipperary versus Cork match on the day of his death. Prior to emigrating to the USA, Ned played football with Shannon Rangers and went on to win a County Championship medal with them in 1945. In 1946 he won a Munster Junior medal playing at centre halfback for his beloved Kerry against Cork. During his playing days he established many enduring friendships, one of these was his life long friend, the late Eddie Walsh of Knocknagoshel. Ned emigrated to the USA in 1947 and remained there for approximately 54 years. During his time in New York he worked with a bus transport company. His spare time was devoted to football, the local church, looking after his widowed sister Peig and his unmarried sister Kate in their years of retirement. He returned to Abbeyfeale in the year 2002 and resided in St Ita's day Care Centre and Sheltered Housing where he received every care and attention from a truly dedicated staff. He spent the final three years of his life in Lystoll Lodge Nursing Home where once again he received great care from management and staff. Ned was a man of deep religious commitment. A daily communicant, his rosary 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 life. His remains were removed from Hartnett's Funeral Home, Abbeyfeale to Duagh parish church on Monday evening, the 9th of June. A guard of honour consisting of former and present footballers was formed as a mark of respect to the late Ned as his funeral passed through Duagh village. After concelebrated Mass on Tuesday, Juen 10th in St Bridget's Church, Duagh, Ned was laid to rest in Springmount Cemetery. Kerry's Eye, 19th June 2008 Tweet

Most Read Stories