Philpott, Denis
November 14, 2008
A much loved figure in sporting and education circles in Kilkenny died over the weekend.
Denis Philpott was originally from the Lough in Cork. The massive Cork contingent, including Gerard McCarthy, Billy Morgan and Ray Cummins was a suitable testament to this GAA legend who won an All-Ireland minor football medal with Cork in 1961.
Denis also made a huge impact in GAA in Kilkenny and was a coach for many years with Dicksboro GAA. Only three weeks ago he was on the line when the Boro contested the minor A county final. Little did the team and club members know that day that they would be forming a guard of honour for their staunch clubman only a few weeks later. Kilkenny manager Brian Cody along with several members from the county squad and county board officials also attended the removal and funeral.
The Cork man moved to Kilkenny in 1970, where he taught History and Geography at St Kieran's college. He was also massively involved in the sporting life of the college and trained both football and hurling at the school.
He was a popular teacher and that was clearly evident in the number of past and present pupils who attended his removal and funeral in recent days. Over 200 fifth and sixth year pupils who were taught by Mr Philpott formed a guard of honour at his funeral mass at St Canice's Church n Monday.
There were many memorable highlights during his teaching career, and two of those include when he was training the St Kieran's teams who succeeded in winning the All-Ireland in 1993 and 1996. He retired in 2005 from his teaching post and remained active with his club Dicksboro up until his death.
St Kieran's principal John Curtis said Denis had made a great contribution to life at St Kieran's College in his capacity as a geography teacher and in the training f teams through the years. "He was always a great support to the staff and the students and he will be sorely missed," he said.
From Cork city, he grew up in Gould Street, The Lough and graduated from University College, Cork. He played with St Finbara's in Cork and he kept his commitment to the club throughout his life.
He embodied all that was good and honourable about Gaelic games.
Funeral prayers were recited on Sunday evening at Hehir's Funeral Home, followed by removal to St Canice's church.
The funeral mass was on Monday and burial was to St Kieran's cemetery.
Kilkenny People, 14/11/08
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