Chicago was his home but his Kerry roots were never forgotten

There was considerable sadness in the community of Currow when news of the passing of Sean Shanahan filtered through on the 21st of January, following a short illness.
Sean was born the sixth of nine children to the late Johanna Murphy and Denis Shanahan on May 29th, 1926. He attended national school at Ranalough, Currow, and helped out on the family farm like the rest of the family. As a young adult, Sean emigrated to Chicago to begin a new life. He was later joined by his brothers Denis and Ned.

Sean served with the American Armed Forces in Vietnam and upon leaving he joined the railway service, where he continued to work until his retirement.
An avid lover of sport, he played football in Currow and Chicago and he continued to attend football games each year when he returned home for a few months at a time. A keen golfer, he enjoyed many games and continued to play on both sides of the Atlantic.
Sean will be remembered by all who knew him for his great sense of humour. He frequently travelled to card games of thirty-one during his summers in Currow and through cards he renewed many old friendships.
He was predeceased by his parents Johanna and Denis, his brothers Tom, Bertie, Denis and Ned, his sisters Rita, Kathleen and Elizabeth.

Requiem Mass followed by burial will take place today (Thursday) January 27th in Chicago. Sean will be greatly missed by his family. He is survived by his brother Paddy, nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, grand-nieces, sisters-in-law and a wide circle o friends both in Ireland and in Chicago.
A Mass of Remembrance of his life will take place at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Currow, on Friday, February 4th at 7.30pm.
May he rest in peace

Courtesy of Kerry's Eye 3/2/11 Tweet

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