Kenny, John
July 21, 2010The late John Kenny
1928-2010
John Kenny, Maharees, Castlegregory passed away peacefully on Saturday morning July 10, while sitting at home in his favourite chair. He was 82 of age.
Born on March 1, 1928 to Michael Kenny and his wife Katie (nee Lynch), John was one of a family of nine, seven boys and two girls.
He received his primary education at Maharees national school and secondary at Pallaskenry, Co Limerick. John abandoned his studied due to the ill health of his father and emigrated to Chicago in 1949.
He worked a variety of jobs in the city and also spent a year working in a ranch in Montana. He loved to tell of his time working there, roping and branding cattle and the various tasks at the ranch.
Back in Chicago he met Peggy Murphy from Ballybunion and they were married in Chicago in October, 1954. Two children Mary and Mike were born while in Chicago and the family returned to Ireland in May of 1958 to settle in Maharees.
Two more children followed, Eileen and Kathy. For the next twenty years or so John worked his own machinery hiring both himself and his machines to whoever needed him. Known locally by the affectionate nickname "Cadu", his work included ploughing, mowing, bringing in hay, bringing sand and gravel to local contractors and bringing produce to the local co-op.
In the early 80s he got a job with the Board of Works. Such was his application to the task at hand that he was made a supervisor and thus spent the next few years working with various communities around the south and west coast extending piers and slipways.
In the early 90s he took up work with the local golf club and spent many happy days in the clubhouse performing his administrative tasks with such enthusiasm that he was given the honour of being named club president. He always said the greatest part of this honour was in making so many friends.
Outside of his working life John was a man of tremendous faith. Even in his younger days he was the one helping with the canopy on Holy Thursday and during processions. In later years he was proud to serve as a Eucharistic Minister. He attended daily mass until a few weeks before his death.
He was also a great community man being involved in lots of voluntary groups like the GAA, the Pioneer Association and the community council.
John had a tremendous sense of humour and loved to tell stories of his experiences and loved to tell a joke. He was never afraid to recall when the joke was on him, such as being an innocent abroad or greenhorn when he first arrived in the States.
He was a member of the Pioneer Association all his life but never frowned on the man who enjoyed a drink, often enjoying pub banter and related stories. He was however very proud of his golden pen when 50 years a pioneer.
His great sporting passion was his love of the GAA, the local Castle club and of course following the Kerry team all over Ireland. He and his wife and children have many happy memories of trips to the four corners of the country attending matches.
Prior to going to the States he played with Maharees and Castle and while in the States won a Chicago championship with St Brendan's. Many local people recall fondly that he was the man who introduced them to football as young lads and took quite a few on their first trip to Croke Park.
In later years he loved to travel with the Kerry supporters club again cherishing many new friends. When he could no longer get to Croke Park he took consolation in putting out his Kerry flags and loved the company of those who joined him to shout at the TV.
He would have seen it as right that Castlegregory were crowned All-Ireland junior champions a few months before he died and he attended all of the homecoming celebrations.
John had a great love of people and being blessed with the ability to drive right up to his death loved to visit friends and neighbours particularly in their time of need.
His greatest love of course was reserved for his wife of almost 56 years, his children, grand children and extended family.
One of the happiest nights of his life was when celebrating 50
years of marriage to Peggy at a golden jubilee party with neighbours and friends in October, 2004.
John was a hardworking honest man, a man of great faith, who knew the value of a loving family and many friends and enjoyed every second of the long and fun filled life he was given.
Up Castle, up Kerry and may his gentle soul rest in peace.
John was laid to rest at Killiney Cemetery, Castlegregory on Monday, July 12, following Requiem Mass at St. Mary's Church, Castlegregory, following his repose at his residence which was attended by a large number of friends and relations.
Guards of honour were formed by the local golf and GAA clubs.
John is survived by his wife Peggy, children Mary, Mike, Eileen, and Kathy, his brother Joe (Chicago), grandchildren, nieces, nephews, daughter-in-law, sons-in-law relatives and many friends.
Courtesy of The Kerryman
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