Mullally, Richard
December 13, 2004The close-knit community and hurling heartland of Glenmore, where the green and gold of Glenmore GAA club mingled with the black and amber, came to a sorrowful standstill as the late Richard Mullally was laid to rest.
The father of Kilkenny senior hurlers Richie Jnr. and Paddy Mullally and Kilkenny senior camogie player Bridget Mullally, the Davidstown man was buried amidst heartbreaking scenes following Requiem Mass at St. James Church. The esteem in which Richie was held was reflected by the thousands of all ages who attended his funeral. An avid GAA man, who instilled a deep love of hurling and camogie in his children, Richie's passing occurred just hours before Kilkenny lined out against Cork for this year's All-Ireland senior hurling final.
In a fitting and final tribute to their beloved father, both Richie Jnr. and Paddy fulfilled their dad's wishes by journeying to Croke Park to join the Kilkenny panel. Speaking in the aftermath of Kilkenny's defeat to Cork, team manager Brian Cody spoke of the brother's heartbreaking loss.
"Obviously the team are devastated and shattered, but there's two of our players who are going home to bury their father and the fact that they are here today, well you don't buy loyalty or spirit like that. Losing a game, albeit one of such importance, seems trivial today and in the coming days," Mr Cody said.
Both bereaved brothers, along with their mother, Maureen (nee Farrell) and siblings Bridget and Thomas, were flanked by the Kilkenny team and local community as they laid to rest a remarkable family man.
A native of Davidstown, Richie was due to celebrate his 73rd birthday in November. A son of Thomas and Johanna Mullally (nee Walsh from Rochestown), he was a dedicated family man whose life was also characterised by a deep religious faith, love of the locality, deep love of the land and life-long commitment and passion for the GAA.
In the 1950s, he played both hurling and football with Glenmore and was described as a 'fearless' full forward. Integrally involved with Glenmore GAA club, he was one of its most fervent supporters and scarcely, if ever, missed a game at underage or senior level. He also supported the Glenmore camogie team with pride and will be greatly missed from the sideline of these games. His love of hurling (and camogie) was something which he nurtured in his children and he was particularly proud of their exceptional exploits on both the hurling and camogie fields. His daughter Bridget is an All-Ireland camogie player of exceptional talent and lines out with Glenmore and Kilkenny.
His sons Thomas, Paddy and Richie are similarly talented with a sliotar. Thomas is actively involved in the senior, minor and juvenile sections of Glenmore GAA club whom he serves as a selector and trainer respectively. Paddy and Richie are both All-Ireland medal winners and are currently members of the Kilkenny senior hurling panel.
Aside from his devotion to his family, love of farming and passion for the GAA, Richie was a noted ploughman and former All-Ireland ploughing champion (1960).
He was a hardworking man who went about his daily duties on the land with great fervour and without complaining. He was a genuine and wholehearted man, who will always be remembered for his optimistic outlook and, above all, for his belief in living life to the fullest.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family at this horribly sad time. Richie was a special friend, a man who will never, never be forgotten," said Paul Fitzgerald, Glenmore GAA Club Chairman.
Richie is survived by his wife Maureen, sons Thomas, Patrick and Richard, daughter Bridget, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family and many friends. RIP.
May his memory live on in the hearts of many.
Courtesy of the Kilkenny People October, 2004. Tweet
