Cleere, Nicholas
September 09, 2005
The Late Nicholas Cleere
Mr Nicholas (Nicky) Cleere, a family man and owner of the Black Cat pub in Kilkenny, died suddenly.
Mr Cleere, who was 70 years old, was a native of Killeen, Kilmanagh and lived in Kilkenny for the past 30 years.
One of 12 children, he was very much a family man and with his wife Theresa raised two children Eleanor and Nicholas Jnr.
A great sporting man, Mr Cleere was a greyhound enthusiast and enjoyed training greyhounds together with his son.
Amongst numerous victories, a personal highlight on his local track was winning the prestigious McCalmont Cup in 2002.
His love of sport also included hurling, and he played for a while on the Graigue senior hurling team.
Mr Cleere was a strong follower of the Kilkenny senior hurling team and the Graigue-Ballycallan team was especially close to his heart.
At one stage he was chairman and trainer of the team in Paulstown, where he lived for a number of years following his return home after residing in England.
During his time in Paulstown he and Theresa also owned the Shamrock Inn.
Indeed Mr Cleere was no stranger to hard work and he took great pride in owning the Black Cat.
The pub owner would come out early in the morning to keep his business tidy and his efforts were rewarded on two occasions when he was given Tidy Towns awards for best shop front presentation.
He was always busy with his business but also knew how to enjoy the good times.
Mr Cleere was an avid bodhran player. Many a match was celebrated in his pub with a bodhran, as was the McCalmont Cup victory.
A rosary was said in the family home and remains was removed to St Mary's Cathedral.
Mass was presided by Fr Jim Murphy, Fr Phelan and Fr Buckley with burial afterwards in Ballykeeffe Cemetery.
Mr Cleere is survived by wife Theresa; daughter Eleanor, son Nicholas jnr., brothers Frank, Joe, Simon, Dick and Anthony; sisters Josie, Biddy and Ann; daughter-in-law Mary; granddaughter Aimee; and nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.
May he rest in peace.
T.F.
Courtesy of the Kilkenny People
9th September 2005
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