The untimely death has taken place of Cyril Leahy, Abbeylands, Ardfert on Friday morning, October 5. Aged 68, Cyril, a retired insurance broker, passed away at home, in the loving care of his family and friends. Cyril had come to Ardfert in a roundabout way, via Limerick, Roscommon and England. he was born in Bruree, Co Limerick or as he preferred to call it 'The Golden Vale'. As a boy the camán and sliotár were part and parcel of his everyday life and it was no small wonder that he won a junior All-Ireland medal with Roscommon, while domiciled there. He settled in Ardfert in the 1960s, when his heart was won by Judy Healy, his own Kerry Rose. They were to spend over 40 years together in a very happy marriage and their union was blessed with one son Michael and three daughters Sandra, Ciara, and Fiona, each of whom he was extremely proud. Cyril worked in the Irish banking system before emigrating to England, where he worked in a variety of roles. He returned to Ireland initially to work in the financial services in Kerry, as a representative for B&J, agents for Abbey Life. He was promoted to manager of the direct sales team at Canada Life in Tralee. Subsequently he operated as an independent insurance broker and agent for the IFA in the south west following his retirement from Canada Life. Like all hurlers, Cyril took to the game of golf, like a duck to water. The hand, eye and ball co-ordination were skills he developed as a young boy with the hurl and many an enjoyable game of golf he had at the beautiful links in Barrow. A life-time member of Tralee Golf Club, Cyril won many competitions the highlight of which was winning Billy Naughton's Captain's Prize in 1987. His regular playing partners knew of his competitive spirit, but occasionally the odd ball hop was thrown in whenever a putt was missed. A man of many talents, he was proud of the fact that he could turn his hand to any task. His family derived the benefits of his skills and a garden, with the vegetable patch supplying all they needed. The company of friends over a pint was enjoyed as well as a sing-song. His own favourite was the song 'Dan O'Hara' and it was fitting that his family and friends bid him farewell with a bar of the same. Family was central to Cyril's life and he especially loved time spent with his grandchildren, age from one to 15. he took time out to be in their company whether it was on outings to the beach or imparting his knowledge on the finer points of golf. The Kerry Hospice Foundation was very dear to his heart and he organised numerous poker classics for their benefit. A keen follower of the Sport of Kings, he occasionally acted as bookmaker at various race nights around north Kerry. Cyril showed the great courage and determination during his brief illness. His great sense of humour and font of general knowledge endeared him to all. Friends who departed this life before him were remembered in a verse of a poem which he penned himself. The Kingdom of Kerry, where he resided for most of his life was very dear to his heart and is all the poorer for his passing. Cyril is survived by his loving wife Judy, children, grandchildren, sisters, sister-in law, brothers-in-law, daughter-in-law, sons-in-law, niece and nephew. Suaimhneas siorraí da anam dílis. Courtesy of The Kerryman. 17 October, 2007. Tweet

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