John J Sheehan, Ahane, Brosna and formerly of Mountcollins passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife Kate, family and his brother Donal on November 21st. John was born in Mountcollins on 31st October 1939 to John and Nora Sheehan. He was the youngest of nine children and is predeceased by his siblings Michael, Norrie, Bridget, Patrick, Josie, Ita and Kit. He went to national school in Meenkilly and excelled in GAA as a youth and often transferred to the surrounding parishes if they needed a few extra players.
He left for England in his teens and worked for many years as a builder's labourer. As many of his family had settled in England during this time, he was very fortunate to have their support while he was there and had the privilege of getting to know his many nieces and nephews in England and Scotland.
He returned to Ireland in the late 1970s and settled in Mountcollins. in the early '80s he met Kate Roche from Ahane and they were married on July 7th 1984 in Knockaclaraig Church. John quickly established himself as the local 'taxi man' and has driven many people to their destinations at any hour of day or night. During this time he made many friends and acquaintances. He developed a keen interest in ceili dancing and became a member of West Limerick Set Dancing Club. He loved the music, the dancing and made many friends.
In his spare time at home he devoted some time and skill to building a grotto in the back yard. It was a great source of pride for him and he often called visitors from their seat to look out the kitchen window at his masterpiece. He loved his two grandchildren Brendan and Aine; he enjoyed taking them on nature walks and telling them far-fetched stories with great conviction.
John had suffered from ill health for the most of twenty years and bore his illness with great bravery and integrity, all the time with his wife Kate and children Nonie and Martin at his side. In the latter years he became increasingly dependent and Kate became his devoted carer, tirelessly tending to his every need.
The day before his passing, his beloved brother Donal and his nieces Bernadette and Patricia arrived from England to see him and this was a great comfort to him. One could nearly say he was waiting for them to return. He passed away peacefully at home on Thursday 21st November surrounded by his family.
John was laid to rest in his beloved Mountcollins. He is survived by his wife Kate, children Nonie and Martin, his brother Donal, his grandchildren Brendan and Aine and his daughter-in-law Siobhan.
The Months Mind Mass for John will be held on Sunday 22nd December in the Church of the Assumption, Mountcollins at 11am.
Ar Dheis De go raibh a anaim.

Kerry'e Eye, 12th December 2013 Tweet

Most Read Stories