South Kerry bids farewell to a loved son The late Pa McCarthy Pa McCarthy of St Joseph's Terrace, Cahersiveen formally of Barr na Sraide died on November 15 at St Annes Hospital in Cahersiveen. Pa, who was born in Barr na Sraide lived there until the 1960s when he moved down to St Josephs Terrace with his father Martin and Aunt Minnie. It was there he lived until his sad passing. And it was there that he led from the front. Pa would be first up in the morning, his first call would be to Maureen Lynes where he would look after the fire for her before moving on to Donie O'Sheas for tea. Pa was a great neighbour always checking in on Mrs Casur, Joe Moran, Patsy and Mrs Shea. Any message that was to be got Pa was your man. He was a very knowledgeable man, when it came to football, hounds and rowing, you wouldn't find a better informed man. Pa was a member of the Cahersiveen Beagle Club and was well liked within the hunting circles. This was borne out by the amount of people who came from Cork, Scartaglen and the South Kerry Beagle Club to his removal from Fitzpatrick's Funeral Home to the Daniel O'Connell Memorial Club. Rowing was another great interest for Pa. He loved his local boat "The Liberator". Always giving the update about how 'Mike Murt' and Donal were doing. He never missed a regatta. He loved going to the Cromane and Dingle regattas with his great friend Miah Mahoney and coming home to Paddy Currans to have their say. All the better if "The Liberator" won. Pa loved his bicycle and at South Kerry Championship time he used to paint his bike blue and white. Football and St Marys were his first love. Nothing was nicer than when Pa and Mickie Pat would come with their bikes through the bottom gate of the Con Keating Memorial Park, home of St Marys and if St Marys won they were like Stephen Roche and Sean Kelly after winning the 'Tour de France'. Pa never missed a match, be it under 16, minor or senior. The football highlight of course was when the silverware was won. Pa served on several committees within the club. He was also a South Kerry minor selector in the 1970s Pa enjoyed good health up to a year ago. He loved to cycle his bike down to Madelines and from there to the marina and the pier where they would always be a friendly chat with his friends and neighbours. Pa enjoyed the simple pleasures that life brought him. His friends Patsy Shea and Joe Clifford played a very special part in his continued happiness. The removal of Pa's remains from 'Fitzpatrick's Funeral Home to the O'Connell Memorial Church was one of the biggest guard of honours ever seen in Cahersiveen. Led by two hounds and representatives of St Mary's Football Club, Cahersiveen Beagle Club and Cahersiveen Rowing Club. As Donal Casur said: "It would be fitting tribute to a president' - sure he was a president - president of South Kerry Beagle Association. Following Requiem mass on Sunday, November 18 Pa was buried in Keelavarnogue Cemetery and in a final tribute PJ Donovan sang the Boys of Barr na Sraide. Pa is sadly missed by his sister Doreen, Bill, Tara, Brian, Kevin and many friends. - Courtesy of The Kerryman, 19th December 2007 Tweet

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