MacMahon, Garry

March 06, 2008
Kerry mourns All-Ireland hero The death took place in Newcastlewest of solicitor Garry MacMahon, a Listowel man who was renowed for his all-round interest in literature, sport and song. Mr MacMahon (70), passed away peacefully at his home shortly after noon, surrounded by his family. He had been ill for a short time. Living in Newcastlewest since 1963, he had established a very successful legal practice in the Square. A former Listowel Emmets star, Garry won Senior All-Ireland Football medals with Kerry in 1959 and 1962 and was credited with scoring the fastest goal in an All-Ireland. He was married to Joan (nee Pierse), a native of Ballybunion, and had three children, Gearóid, Treasa and Rossa. Mr MacMahon was the eldest of the five sons of the late Bryan and Kitty MacMahon, Church Street, Listowel. His father was a teacher and founder of Writers' Week. His brothers are Jim, Bryan, Maurice and Eoin. A fluent Irish speaker, he had a holiday home in West Kerry. He wrote two masses in Irish, one of which was performed by the Newcastlewest Choir five years ago on RTE television. A balladeer and a sean nos singer, he appeared several times on RTE programmes and sang at Writers' Week. He was also a keen golfer. Maire Logue of Writer's Week said the committee was very sad to hear of his death. "Garry has always been a very important link with the Writer's Week since his father's involvement," Marie said. "He was always at opening night and always presented the Bryan MacMahon Short Story Award." Courtesy of Kerry's Eye, dated 6th March 2008

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