Kelliher, Michael (Mikey)
September 15, 20101913-2010
With the death of Michael (Mikey) Kelliher, Lohercannon and Tralee had lost one of its oldest and dearly loved residents. Aged 96, Mickey had lived through two World Wars, more great depressions than he'd care to remember, changes in his town and country, but he never lost the love of his place, parish, GAA and his beloved St. Pat's of which he was honourary president.
Mikey, as he was known by all, had great love of nature and the outdoors and shared this love with the children and grandchildren. He liked nothing better than walking back to the White Wall and Elaine, Ais and Niamh when they were children, picking blackberries and looking for rabbits.
He also spent many of happy days at the White Wall with all his friends discussing football and hopping balls, pardon the pun. Most of the pals were Strand Road men, but being a St. Pat's man he didn't hold that against them. By all accounts he was a great footballer himself in his day, He was exceptionally proud of St Pat's GAA club over 30 years.
He instilled in his children a love of GAA, taking them to all the local matches and in later years they took him. He was particularly delighted when they went to Valentia Island on one occasion and he met his hero Mick O'Connell.
Mikey's house was not for the faint hearted All-Ireland day. He was always the quietest fan in the house but had to have a drop of whiskey at half time to calm his nerves.
Also a follower of the hurl and sliotar, Mickey particularly admired the skills of the Kilkenny greats. Sadly he passed away a few days after Kilkenny failed in their bid for five-in-a row.
Mikey hailed from the townland of Tonevane and Annagh, son of Patrick and Nonie Kelliher (nee Hanlon). Nonie ran a small grocery shop beside the house where Mickey and his brothers Donal, Nedeen and Johnny and his adopted sister Noreen were to be found.
As a young man Mickey went to England in search of employment. But the call of home was great and he came back to Tralee where he married the love of his life Lily Dillane, from Clahane in 1952. Mikey was happiest in the comfort of his own home with his wife and children by his side.
For the next 58 years Mickey and Lily were the heart and soul of Lohercannon and happiness abounded in their household. Mickey's motto in life was "Once ye're happy, I'm happy!" Their years of married life were cherished times and family occasions were great cause of celebration.
On the anniversary of their Golden Wedding Jubilee, they got a great surprise when Ronnie Drew showed up to offer his congratulations. Mickey's brother Nedeen and Ronnie were great buddies and when Ronnie sang McAlpine's Fusiliers on the night, it lifted the spirits of all and brought back many happy memories.
There was many an occasion when the miracle of the loaves and fishes was re-created in the Kelliher kitchen. Whatever number of people arrived there never went home hungry.
Mikey enjoyed a long, happy and healthy life. Although his health may have deteriorated in the last few month his mind was as sharp as a pin. His recall of games, incidents and occasions was uncanny.
Mikey was lovingly cared for at home by his wife Lily and son Michael. Other members of the family were always close at hand to offer their help and support. Looking after Mikey was not difficult he never complained and always said thank you.
Donal, his remaining brother, called every day without fail. Mikey looked forward to their excursions to Fenit and their pints of Guinness.
The greatness sadness in my Mikey's life was losing his beloved daughter Noreen. Noreen was his first born and they had a very special bond. They shared many a happy and carefree Sunday night together in his local Quanes in Blennerville.
Mikey's remains reposed at his residence on Wednesday, September 8, prior to removal to St. Brendan's Church, Curraheen. The funeral cortege was flanked by a guard of honour from St Pat's Club as they escorted it through Blennerville village.
Requiem Mass was offered for the happy repose of his soul on Thursday morning, followed by burial in Annagh Cemetery St. Pat's provided a guard of honour from the church to the graveyard as a mark of respect to their beloved president.
Mickey is mourned by his living wife Lily, sons John and Michael, daughters Martina and Mary, grandchildren, brother Donal, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, family and friends.
Suaimhneas siorrai da anam uasal.
Courtesy of The Kerryman
September 15th 2010 Tweet
