The Late Patsy Herilihy The sudden death of Patsy Herlihy of Ballinahulla, Ballydesmond on Tuesday May 5th left a profound sense of shock amongst his many friends and neighbours. He was known far and wide for his kindness and good nature. Patsy was born on July 27th, 1943 to Tom and Mary Herlihy, and his sister Eileen completed the family. When Eileen emigrated to London in the 1950s, Patsy took over the role of carer for both parents. He devoted his working life to their care and welfare and continued this role for over forty three years. Sadly his father died some years ago but his mother Mary celebrated her 90th birthday recently. He was a lifelong member of the local GAA and Comhaltas Branch and his pastimes were devoted to both organisations. He loved to attend the local ceilis and travelled to Knocknagoshel on Wednesday nights and to his local Bob's in Ballydesmond on Sunday nights to pick up on all the local news and meet his many friends. He was devoted to his local church, St Patrick's and collected the offertory collection at the Saturday evening Mass for the past forty years. Patsy was also a lifelong member of the Labour Party. The Kerry football team was also close to his heart and on the day of any Munster final or All-Ireland, he proudly displayed his flag on the roadside near his home. He was a lover of nature and loved his farm animal, from kittens to cattle. Patsy also liked to read and keep abreast of current affairs and travelled into Ballydesmond to read his newspaper every morning. He was, above all, a friend to both young and old and will be sadly missed. He is survived by his sorrowful mother Mary, sister Eileen, nephew Michael and nieces Christine and Claire. His huge funeral was proof of his popularity and friends from as far as Donegal came to pay their respects to his family. Removal took place from Tarrant's Funeral Home to St Patrick's Church, Ballydesmond. His Requiem Mass with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Courtesy of the Kerry's Eye 14th May 2009 Tweet

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