Noble George was a man amongst men
In mourning the passing of George Rice we also celebrate his 88 year journey through life.
George was a man big in stature, strong in limb but with a noble and gentle heart. He was a man amongst men.
Born in Knockawaddra on the March 31, 1921, he attended school in Dromtracker and CBS, The Green, Tralee. His parents came from Abbeydorney and he was one of 14 in the family. After leaving school he went straight into farming and always felt greatly rewarded in following a horse and plough.
He got married in 1941 after meeting the love of his life, Margaret Crowley from the Spa.
During those war years, times were tough and it was a struggle to survive.
In 1952 he took over the family farm and made no denial of the fact that it was an uphill struggle to build up the farm which had become run-down.
George and Margaret had four daughters in family, Eileen, Ciss, Delia and Phil. Together they all put their shoulder to the wheel and over time built up a modern progressive farm. George worked long hard hours, milking cows, ploughing, saving hay, cutting and saving turf, doing everything to a high standard and he was always proud of supplying quality milk to Lee Strand Creamery.
But above all they established a true home in Knockawaddra where there was a warm welcome for everyone. A home where there was music, song and dance, storytelling and laughter, games of cards and rings and for those fortunate enough to be around to witness the great ball nights when the house was packed to capacity. Entertainment at its very best.
Their home could be graded as a grade "A" Rambling House and nobody left without receiving the customary hospitality. As he so often rightly said "we had great nights".
For his brothers and sisters and their extended families and indeed other relatives there was always an open door when they regularly returned from abroad to Knockawaddra. Happy and joyful times were had and many a tear was shed when departing but they left with great memories and could not wait to return again.
He was the cornerstone of the family. Alas with so many of them now gone to their eternal reward and with the light now extinguished in this great home at Knockawaddra we have witnessed the end of an era.
His interest and knowledge in sport was immense. He loved football, hurling, horse racing, greyhound racing, coursing, handball and boxing and he was a mine of information on all these sports.
He was immensely proud that his uncles from Abbeydorney won five All-Ireland Senior football medals with Kerry and that his grandsons played football with distinction with St. Pat's, Ballymac and the Stacks, two of them going on to wear the Kerry Jersey.
George was a great neighbour. In times of crisis or whenever a problem arose in the Knockawaddra or surrounding area George was the man called on. His very presence alone reassured everyone concerned and he always solved the problem. Here he showed his true Christian spirit.
The truism 'Ni feicimid a leithead ann aris has often been used in paying tribute to people, it was never more true and apt than for George Rice because definitely his likes will not be seen again.
It is fair to say he was a happy man. His pleasant humour and often times roughish manner endeared him to everyone he met.
He was a devoted husband to his wife Margaret for all of 62 years. A caring and proud father to his four daughters and their families. He was always grateful for their love and support and especially since Margaret's death in 2002.
He had a wonderful and unique affinity way with all the younger generations and what was remarkable was the respect and high esteem in which they held him.
George Rice, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, farmer, storyteller, card and ring player, loveable rogue, singer and entertainer and friend to so many you are sadly missed.


Courtesy of Kerryman
September 2nd, 2009 Tweet

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