Carey, Richard
May 05, 2011The death has taken place of Richard Carey, 5 Ballgologue Road, Listowel. Richard was the eldest of thirten children born to Jackie and Katty Carey of Rathea, Listowel.
He was predeceased by his brothers Patrick and Vincent. His is survived by his wife Teresa, his sons Sean, Patrick and Aidan and his daughter Nicola, daughters-in-law Kathleen, Catherina, Lesha and son-in-law Noel. He was a very proud granddad to Jamie, Erika, Andrea, Shauna and Aideen.
He will be missed by his brothers John Joe, Dan, Tom, Noel and Jeremiah and sisters Joan, Noreen, Kathleen, Marian and Anne, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncle, nephews, nieces and many friends.
Richard was born in February 1939 and went to Rathea national school. As was customary at the time his education finished there but this did not deter Richard from achieving success in his lifetime.
He worked with Bord na Mona for a period of time and also travelled to England for seasonal work farming beet. He was never known for his love of travelling too far from home and indeed only travelled to England once more in his lifetime on another work related journey.
Richard started working with the ESB in Listowel in 1959. He remained with this company until he retired in 2002.
He became a linesman with the ESB and was very popular with his colleagues and made many lasting friendships during this time. He was later joined by three of his brothers in the company.
Music and dance featured largely in his life. He played the melodeon from a young age, loved traditional songs and would be persuaded under much duress to sing at family gatherings and social occasions.
For many years he and his wife Teresa frequented the Railway Bar in Abbeyfeale every weekend for nights of music and dancing. He was very obliging to family and friends and could be called on in any crisis be it small or large.
Following the death of his parents he assumed a leading role in the family and his opinion and help was sought and given without hesitation. It is incomprehensible to think that only eight months ago he was the person in charge at his brother Vincent's funeral.
Richard was above all a family man happily married for forty-six years to Teresa who came from Behins a very shot distances from Rathea.
A testament to the strength of this union came from Teresa's vigil at Richard's bedside for the last couple of months. Indeed it could be said that if faith and hope could keep Richard alive then the strength of Teresa's faith would have done so, unfortunatley it was not to be.
Gaelic football figured strongly in his life, both as a player and supporter in later years. He played with Finuge football clun and was holder of the North Kerry Championship medal which he won in 1967.
Earlier in 1965 he won a Munster medal with Shannon Rangers. He was also very involved in the Listowel Pitch and Putt club both as a player and in later years as green keeper.
Friendship was very important to Richard and he had many close friends and acquaintances. Many of these lasting friendships came about through work, socialising, and his weekly dance sessions. This was clearly evident from the huge crowds who attended his removal and funeral.
Removal took place on Tuesday 26th April from Lyon's Funeral Home, Listowel to St Mary's Church, Listowel. Burial took place on Wednesday 27th April in St John Paul II graveyard, Ballybunion Road, Listowel.
May he rest in peace.
Courtesy of the Kerry's Eye
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