The late Ned Roche The death has taken place in Cork of former Kerry footballer, Ned Roche, who was a member of the victorious All-Ireland teams of 1953 and 1955. A native of Knocknagoshel and a retired Irish Army lieutenant colonel, Ned Roche was recognised as a full back of exceptional ability. Indeed, one of his 1953 and 1955 teammates, Dr Sean Murphy, said this week that he never saw him beaten by any full-forward while he occupied the No. 3 position for Kerry. "Ned was a real stalwart, so steadfast, and a great man to have behind you," said Murphy. "He did his job so efficiently against Kevin Heffernan in the 1955 All-Ireland final against Dublin that he deserves to be rated as one of the really great Kerry full-backs. He followed Dr Eamon O'Sullivan's instructions that day to absolute perfection. "He never really got the praise he deserved, being very much underrated all his life. But he was always so very dependable and in the time I played with him I never saw him being beaten by any full-forward. I suppose that's the ultimate tribute to a full-back." The late Mr Roche died in Cork University Hospital and the remains were removed to St. Joseph's SMA Church, Wilton. He was buried in St. Finbarr's Cemetery following Requiem Mass. He lived in Green Park, Wilton Lawn, Cork, and he is survived by his wife, Chris (nee Carey), sister Maura Jennings, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, grandnieces, relatives and friends. Courtesy of the Kerryman October 2004 Tweet

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