The Late Maurice Galvin

After a brief illness Maurice Galvin of iron mills, Killarney, and formerly of Kilbanow, Kilgarvan, passed away on the 13th of May, 2008, in the care of the staff of Killarney District Hospital.

Born on the 19th of the November, 1916, Maurice was one of seven children with two brothers Jim and John, and four sisters Margaret, Mary, Betty and Han. Maurice led a busy life throughout the years and worked various jobs before becoming a psychiatric nurse in St. Finan's Hospital in Killarney, a position he was to hold for the next 36 years.

Maurice was an accomplished athlete in his 20s, competing in sports meetings throughout Munster. He proudly held the Munster
Championship title for 440 yards and also the County Championship title tor several years in 440 and 880 yards. He also played hurling for his native Kilgarvan and later played for the Killarney team which contested the 1951 Kerry Senior hurling
final where he played in the right half back position on the team narrowly defeated by Crotta by just three points.

Maurice married Bina Kelly of Iron Mills, Killarney, on the 24th of April, 1946, and the couple were blessed with six sons - Eamonn, Dermot, James, Mossie, Mike and John.

Maurice was a lifelong friend and associate of politician Jackie Healy-Rae and they worked together throughout the 1960s and
1970s at various by-elections from West Limerick through
to Galway, Mayo, Dublin South and Wicklow. On Jackie's last election success, Maurice was seen on television in the midst of all the celebrations proudly supporting his friend.

Maurice was also involved in the founding of the Kerry Branch of the Psychiatric Nurses Association. In what spare time he had, he loved to relax either tending to his beloved garden, fishing or
working in the bog. Family was most important to Maurice and he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Maurice lived a fulfilled and happy life until he passed away in the loving care of the doctors, nurses and staff of Killamey District Hospital.

A large crowd gathered to pay their respects to the stalwart at his funeral when his removal took place on Thursday, May I 5th, from
O'Shea's Funeral Home to St. Agatha's Parish Church in Glenflesk. His burial took place on Friday in Killaha Cemetery, Glenflesk.

He is survived and deeply missed by his loving wife Bina, sons Eamonn, Dermot, James, Mossie, Mike and John, sisters Betty in America and Han in Kilgarvan, grandchildren Elaine, Edward, Joseph, Gordon, Derek, Ravmond, Keith, Hazel, Gemma and Claire, many nieces and nephews at home and abroad and his many friends.

May he rest in peace.


Courtesy of the Kerry's Eye
22 May 2008 Tweet

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