Hoban, Ben
July 04, 2008
The Late Ben Hoban
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Ben Hoban in London recently.
Ben was laid to rest in Putney Vale Cemetery, London after Requiem Mass.
Ben had been one of the most outstanding hurlers that his local district had ever produced.
A man of exceptional talent, he and his family were steeped with the GAA, whether in Kilmacow or further afield in Waterford and in his adopted London.
Ben played at all levels, winning Waterford championships with the PH Pearse Club in Ferrybank and Erin's Own in Waterford, as well as playing
& Munster championships with Waterford.
In 1947, Ben emigrated to London with his wife Tiny and his three daughters.
This was a great loss to hurling, but two years later Ben was back in action and won a junior All-Ireland championship medal with London against Clare in Ennis.
Ben was from a most talented sporting family - his late father Martin Hoban was a giant of a man in terms of his involvement in the GAA and Ben was the same,
giving back to the gam many assets.
On retiring from hurling, Ben took up Golf and played it right up to the end of his life. He was a frequent visitor to Ireland and to South Kilkenny,
playing many of the corses in the South and teaching many of his nephews, including Nicholas and Martin a thing or two on the fairways.
Ben's other great love was horses. He had grown up with them, seeing them working in the fields around Grannagh and racing in Tramore.
His lifelong partner and wife, Tiny, passed away some years ago and Ben moved from his old residence to West Drayton where he lived happily with his dog, Buddy,
His daughters Ann Cash, Kathleen Fitzgerald, Marie Hamm and their respective families thank God for giving them such a loving father who filled their lives with
Elove and laughter. They and his Grandchildren will miss him deeply.
Ben was the son of the late Martin and Annie and was predeceased by his siblings Billy, Paddy, Kathleen, Moll and Eily.
He is survived by brothers Martin, England and Noel, Waterford as well as sisters Josie Mackey, London, Alice Grace, Rosedale, Kimacow; Tess Burke, Dublin and Bernie Forristal, Kilkenny.
To his daughters, his loving grandchildren, sons in law, brothers and sisters, deepest sympathy is extended.
Ben was aged 89 when he passed away and was buried after mass in St Catherines Church, West Drayton, London, elebrated by his friend Fr Brian on Tuesday,
May 20, in Putney Cemetery where he was bidden farewell by his family and a large gathering of family and friends, including family members from South Kilkenny and Waterford.
Ben Hoban, 1920 - 208; ar Dheis De Go Raibh a anam dilis.
July 4th, 2008 Kilkenny People.
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