Holden, Teddy
July 02, 2010
Teddy's dying wish is granted as he views Barrow for the last time
One of Graignamanagh's finest had his dying wish granted when his coffin was brought to the boat house on the quay before being brought for burial. Teddy Holden, St Oliver Plunkett Avenue, Tinnahinch had asked his family to let him see his beloved River Barrow before he was buried.
The remains of the much loved 61-year-old who died suddenly last week were brought from Duiske Abbey down Barrow Lane to the Boathouse where a very moving oration was delivered by the chairperson the Graignamanagh/ Tinnahinch Regatta Club, Teddy Duff.
He spoke of Teddy's inspiration in promoting and safeguarding the existence of what is now the last remaining Traditional Inland Waterway Regatta of the Barrow, Nore and Suir rivers.
He recalled how in the seventies when the regatta was revived after a long period, that it was Teddy who travelled far and wide to secure the fishing boats for the races and ensured they were returned immediately following the conclusion of proceedings.
Teddy worked unselfishly with the other members of the committee to formulate the plans for the building of the boathouse which is a monument to all, like Teddy who helped to build it.
He was justifiably proud that the ancient craft of cot building will be taught to the locals under the guidance of a shipwright and that the new cots when built will be part of the 250th anniversary celebrations of the Barrow navigation which has played such an important role in the history and development of Graignamanagh.
Before the cortege left the boathouse Teddy's friend and neighbour Linda Browne sang The Rose of Mooncoin dedicated to a real Kilkenny fan.
Teddy's death was greeted with profound sadness and shock in the community where he was a great personality. He had many passions including the GAA and the local club. He was particularly interested in Gaelic football, helping the club to an under-21 title in the eighties as well as serving as county board representative for a number of years. Coming from a strong Fianna Fail background, he immersed himself in politics at an early age, giving unstinting service to the Tinnahinch Cumann through good and bad times.
He will be best remembered as one of the guiding lights behind the regatta which has become firmly established as one of the town's major social events mainly thanks to his drive and enthusiasm.
At the annual regattas in his role as MC, he amused and entertained the crowd with his own sublime oratory as he made sure every contestant in every event knew exactly where to be and what to do.
Of course his off-the-cuff remarks when necessary added to his legendary status. There was a huge crowd at the removal of the remains from his home to Duiske Abbey on Wednesday morning for the funeral Mass which was celebrated by Fr Pierce Murphy. Interment took place at St Michael's Cemetery, Tinnahinch, just a stone's throw from the family home. He is survived by his heartbroken wife Breda; twin sons John and Edward, brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, other relatives and a host of friends.
Courtesy of Kilkenny People
2nd July, 2010
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