The late John 'Babe' Collins The farming community of the county lost one of its stalwart members with the death of John 'Babe' Collins, Cloon Glebe, Tralee Road, Ardfert, on Friday, February 10, 2006. John 'Babe' was born into a farming background in the family home where he was to spend his entire life. Born in August, 1935, John 'Babe' - a pseudonym which he inherited from a deceased family member of the year he was born - was very well known and respected in farming circles in Kerry and throughout the country. A leading member of the ICMSA, an organisation he joined when aged 16, he was president of the Kerry branch at the time of his death. He served as a committee member of the national body of the ICMSA and was their representative on the committee with Kerry Group. John's love of all things associated with farming and farm animals was every evident to all. The Kerry Friesian Breeder's Club, of which he was a founder member, saw him give unwavering service to the club in his life-time. He held office for many years, at county and national level of the association. He had an abiding interest in breeding friesian's and also had an interest in showing them in the parade ring at the Kingdom County Fair. As an active member he gave his time and energy in organising the event for many years and was vice-president of the show committee at the time of his passing. A keen ploughman, John partook in many competitions with the tractor in his youth. The sight of a well ploughed field was admired and in later years he gave encouragement to the younger generation when observing from the boundary line. John's love of all activities attached to his native parish of Ardfert, saw him playing hurling and football with his friends and neighbours. His proudest achievement on the field of play was as a member of minor football team of the St Brendan's Board which captured the county championship in 1953. Visitors to his home were always made welcome and were sure to be shown the photograph of the winning county minor team which hung proudly on the kitchen wall. How John would have rejoiced last Sunday when Ardfert were crowned All-Ireland junior club champions in Croke Park. The love of John's life was his wife Mary (nee Rooney), whom he had met at the Ballroom of Romance in the old CYMS in Denny Street. John was a devoted and loving husband whose 70th birthday and 40th wedding anniversary were celebrated at home last year. Though John never indulged in the fruits of the vine, he spent many happy hours in the company of friends in McElligott's Pub in Ardfert village. There he played cards - 41 and poker - and won the poker classic last year, despite being quite sick after coming home from hospital. If there was a bit of craic to he had in the hostelry, John was sure to give one of his renowned recitations. His continued pleasant good humour endeared him to all who shared a joke and a laugh with him. John was one of life's true gentlemen and his passing is mourned not alone by his family, but by all whose lives he touched even in the smallest demeanour, ever present smile and good humour will be fondly remembered by all. The removal of this remains took place from McElligott's Funeral Home on Saturday, February 11 to Ardfert Parish Church. Following Requiem Mass on Sunday morning internment took place in the New Cemetery, Ardfert. John 'Babe' is sadly missed by his loving wife Mary, children Teresa and Catherine, Standy and Shane, son-in-law Steve, daughter-in-law Seema, grandchildren Heather, Daragh and Eamon, sisters Kathleen and Phillie, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, relatives and friends. Suaimhneas siorrai da anam dilis. Courtesy of the Kerryman 23 February 2006 Tweet

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