The late Ramie & Breda Dowling A loving Kilkenny couple who shared the joys of life together, died within days of each other. Ramie and Breda Dowling from 66 Upper Patrick Street, Kilkenny died at separate hospitals. Mr Dowling (84) was a patient at St Columba's hospital, Thomastown, when he died. His wife, Breda (83) took ill after his funeral and she was rushed to St Luke's hospital, Kilkeny, where she died the following night. The Dowlings were a caring and devoted couple, who shared a deep love of all things Kilkenny. They travelled to all sporting events together. The bus from Delaney's pub in Patrick Street was their preferred mode of transport to Kilkenny hurling matches, and they were part of the crew that travelled all over the country following teams at various levels. Mr Dowling was a former hurling star with the county. He wore the colours at senior level between 1947 and 1953 after he took over between the posts from Jim Donegan. He was a renowned hurley maker too, and the Dowling 'Star' brand was the stick of choice with many a Kilkenny hero going back a long number of years. He opened the business in 1963, and today the tradition of the Star hurley is maintained by a new generation of the Dowling family. Mrs Dowling, the former Miss Neary, was steeped in the traditions of Gaelic games. Her brother, the late Michael Neary form Kickham Street was also a renowned hurley maker whose work went to all parts of the globe. The couple were also long and active members of the St Fiacres cumann of the Fianna Fail party party. Mr Dowling's mother, Mrs Mai Dowling celebrated her 100th birthday last September. She is currently resident in a nursing home in Waterford. Ramie Dowling, who hailed from Dunkiee, Kilmacow, played most of his club hurling with city side Eire Og. He played at midfield on the Kilkenny minor team of 1939 when beaten in the All-Ireland final by Cork, and later he played as a half-forward with the junior side. His lone major success at senior level was the Oireachtas win of 1947. His illustrious colleagues that famous day included former Kilkenny GAA Board secretary, Paddy Grace, Pat 'Diamond' Hayden, Dan Kennedy, who was the team captain, Shem Downey, Jim Longton, Liam Reidy and Terry Leahy. Mr Dowling also figured on the Leinster championship winning sides of 1950 and 1953. In the former year Kilkenny won through to the All-Ireland final. This was Mr Dowling's lone appearance in Croke Park as a player on All-Ireland day, but despite a full blooded performance from the Cats had to give best to old rivals, Tipperary. That defeat followed on the loss to the same opposition in the National League final earlier in the year. At club level he won four senior championships with Eire Og, who were a huge force at the time. The successes came in 1939, 1944, 1945 and 1947. He also played at a different times at club level with Mullinavat, Mount Sion (Waterford) and Mooncoin. With the latter he featured in the minor final of 1936, ironically against Eire Og. Mr Dowling also had a keen eye for greyhounds. He bred the Irish Derby winner of 1988, Make History, who also won the Puppy Derby. Mr and Mrs Dowling were true blue Kilkenny people. They loved the county, and delighted in the success of people living in it. The family was important to them, and they liked nothing better than occasions when members of their family gathered round. Mr Dowling's remains were removed to St Patrick's church, Kilkenny, and burial was in Foulkstown cemetery. Prayers for the repose of the soul of Mrs Dowling were recited at their home. The remains were removed to St Patrick's church. Burial in Foulkstown cemetery following requiem mass. The Dowling's are survived by sons, Patsy, Callan Road, Raymond, Limerick, Tom, Stoneyford, Brian, Danesfort, Declan, Tullaroan and John, Patrick Street; Mrs Clare Keogh, Callan (daughter); Sean, Dublin, Paul, Kildare, Harry, New Ross (brothers); Mrs Maura Cunningham, Waterford, Mrs Claire Merry, Kilmacow (sisters). Courtesy of Kilkenny People 18 November 2005 Tweet

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