The late Jack Lawlor If you want to get a job done, give it to a man who is always busy - such a man was the late Jack Lawlor, Caherslee, who died peacefully on Saturday, March 4, 2006. Jack passed away in his 86th year, having given of his time and energy for the improvement of Tralee, Kerry and society in general. Jack's involvement in the business life of Tralee stemmed from his maternal grandfather's shop - John Griffins in Rock Street. The business which Jack ran very successfully for over 40 years was one of the old style hardware shops. Practically everything from a needle to an anchor could be purchased therein. To a generation of people it was to John Griffins they came for the procurement of farm implements, seed potatoes, rope or grain. Canaries in their cages were there in view for purchase, as Jack was an avid bird fancier and breeder. In many organisations in which Jack was involved, it could be safely said that if there was a problem, it was to Jack they turned for advice and guidance. As a staunch member of the Fianna Fail party, Jack was elevated to Tralee UDC and Kerry County Council. He also had the onerous task as Director of Elections for Fianna Fail in North Kerry to maximise the vote during election time. His organisational ability was rewarded and he was duly elected on the National Executive of Fianna Fail. Sport also played a very important part in his life. Gaelic football and golf were but two in which he excelled. The hallowed halls of the 'Green' school was where Jack was educated and where he made an impression on the field of play. He captained the school team in 1937/1938 leading them to glory in the final of the Frewen Cup in '37. He took up the game of gold when 22 years old and adapted to the small ball at an alarming rate. He was hailed as the NBW - New Boy Wonder - by fellow golfers, attaining a low handicap of one in a short space of time. Other golf clubs saw the vast improvement in his game. Tralee Golf Club didn't have a scrath golf team at the time and Jack was invited to play with Muskerry in Cork. Their faith in picking him was rewarded when he was a member of the winning tram which captured the All-Ireland Senior Cup in 1953. Killarney and Ballybunion Golf Clubs welcomed Jack as a member. He played competitive team golf with Killarney for a number of years. With his good friend Dr Billy O'Sullivan he competed in many of the scratch cups around the country. The South of Ireland championships in Lahinch is one of the amateur majors and his ultra competitive spirit made him an opponent to be reckoned with. He was honoured with captaincy of Tralee Golf Club in Mounthawk in 1954. When the club moved to is present location in Barrow, Jack was bestowed with honourary life membership. But golf wasn't just about his own game and achievements. He gave encouragement and tips to many aspiring golfers whether he met them in the practise range or on the course. Jack's involvement in the changing face of Tralee took on many aspects. Tralee Credit Union where he was involved in the Board of Directors, grew and developed over the years. This was done in no small way by the time and effort Jack and other members gave on a voluntary basis. For close on 28 years, Jack was chairman of the Vocational Education Committee in Kerry. The education system changed at an alarming rate but Jack kept up to speed with the developments and steered a straight course through some rough waters. Bord na gCon was another of the national organisations to which Jack belonged. In his capacity as director he was instrumental in numerous changes for the better. Jack's family, wife Maura and seven children knew of his love and caring nature. The Lawlor household in Caherslee, where they lived after getting married, was a place of warmth and refuge. Here neighbours' children were made feel as welcome as one of the family. It was a stopping off point for friends to rest their legs and enjoy a cup of tea before heading for the road again. Jack and Maura's (nee McSweeney) paths crossed in Ballybunion and they were married in 1950. The Eternal City of Rome was where they honeymooned and to there they returned on a regular basis to enjoy the sights and wonderful nights of the opera. Jack had a passion for opera and was a fonder member of the Tralee Gramophone Society. Both he and Maura heard a young tenor called Luciano Pavarotti and marked him down for greater things. Jack was an active member of Mounthawk Bridge Club for many years. Jack Lawlor, the last surviving member of his family, was born in Ardfert in October, 1920, son of Dr Michael and Catherine (Teenie) Lawlor (nee Griffin). He was predeceased by his brother Dr Michael 'Chico' Lawlor and sister Joan Dennehy. The removal of his remains took place from his residence to St Brendan's Church, Ardfert on Sunday, March 5. Following Requiem Mass on Monday, internment took place in the adjoining cemetery. A guard of honour was provided by members of Tralee Golf Club and Fianna Fail. Jack is sadly missed by his loving wife Maura, sons John (Limerick), Mike (Tralee), Fintan (Killarney). Peter (Dun Laoghaire), daughters Mary (Judge) (Adare), Orla (Dee) (New York) and Anne (Killorglin), grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, relatives and many friends. Jack Lawlor, a true gentleman, was loved and respected by all who came in contact with him. Never a man to look for glory or the limelight, he left an indelible mark on the society in which he lived. Go ndeana Dia trocaire ar a anam. Courtesy of The Kerryman 16 March 2006 Tweet

Most Read Stories