The Late Maurice Curran The Late Maurice Curran of Dungegan, Ballinskelligs passed away at Kerry General Hospital after a short illness. Maurice was born in 1916 and had a lifelong association with Gaelic football and beagle hunting. He was the most senior male resident of Dungegan and the last surviving member of a family of eight, all of whom emigrated to the USA in the early part of the 20th century. Maurice, being the youngest remained at home with his parents and became the local postman for over 30 years. He was well known and respected in the local community. His daily route on bicycle took him to St Finian's Bay and back to Duchalla where he had to leave the local road and cross the hill by foot to link up at the end of Bolus Head with the roadway back to Ballinskelligs. With the high rate of emigration during the bleak years of the 1940's and 50's, his arrival was always greeted with the anticipation, especially at Christmas time. Maurice grew up with the presence of beagles in the house and it was natural for him to spend many Sundays traversing the hills and mountains of South Kerry. He got great pleasure and enjoyment from hunting and no doubt this exercise and outdoor activity added greatly to his longevity. His other great sporting interest in life was Gaelic football and it was mainly through this medium that he firmly established himself in the folklore of South Kerry. At the early age of 15 he was a playing member of the St Michael's Ballinskelligs senior team and continued to participate well into his 40's. His reputation was built on speed and his ability to notch scores from all angles. The highlight in his career was helping Iveragh win the 1948 Intermediate County Championship. In the final versus North Kerry he scored 2-1 out of a total 3-4. When his playing career ended he continued his association with the GAA by becoming actively involved with his own club and as a selector with the South Kerry senior team. In his latter years he was honoured with the presidency of the St Michael's Club and at the time of his death he was president of the South Kerry Board. Locally he was regarded as the father figure of Dungegan; his door was always opened to neighbours and visitors and he liked nothing better than to discuss recent football matches and current affairs. His popularity was shown at the removal of his remains by the presence of a large number of people from the locality and all corners of the country. Maurice will be sadly missed by his loving wife Teresa, all his his nephews and nieces and kindly neighbours. The removal of his remains took place from Fitzpatrick's Funeral Home, Cahersiveen, to St Michael's Church, Ballyskelligs and interment took place from at St Finian's Cemetery, Waterville. Guards of honours were provided by the St Michael's GAA Club, the South Kerry Board, the Fianna Fail Cumann, South Kerry Postmen and local beagle clubs. Ar dheis lamh De go raibh a anam uasal. Courtesy of The Kerryman 23 January 2008 Tweet

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