The late Ted Cotter Abbeyfeale businessman, Ted Cotter, O'Flynn's Restaurant died on Saturday, May 17th at the age of 79 at the Regional Hospital, Limerick. Ted was born on the 22nd February 1929, to Harriet and Tadhg Cotter of Kilconlea, Abbeyfeale. He was the third of four children with two older brothers, Liam and Jim and sister, Laura. Both Ted's parents taught in the local school and his father, Tadhg was principal until his retirement. Education was fiercely important in their household and once finished in Fealview NS, the boys in turn went to boarding school in St Munchins, Limerick. Ted was a homebird and so found those years away from home very difficult. However, once finished in St Munchins, he went on to Pallaskenry where he studied farming until he returned home to Kilconlea to run his uncle Phil's farm. Some years later he met and married the love of his life, Kitty O'Flynn of Main St, Abbeyfeale. Ted moved into town and the O'Flynn family business but continued to run the farm in Kilconlea for many years. Kitty and Ted had three children, Jim, Philip and Marie over the following few years. In those times not many people had cars and so Ted came to aid of many a person in the locality with his hackney service. Stories are told of his driving expertise in cities, his gentle and kindly nature and how he obliged people at any hour of the day or night. During this time Ted also opened a grocery shop at the front of O'Flynns Restaurant and as business improved, Ted found he could no longer work at the farm. Over the following years he worked hard at the grocery trade and his business thrived. Central to Ted's business were the friends he made. He loved meeting people, chatting to them, listening to their troubles and joys and quietly helping people out whenever he could. He became an establishment in the town of Abbeyfeale, loved by all for his caring, gentlemanly nature. Because of his total involvement in the family business, pastimes and hobbies were a rarity for Ted. However, as he had been a avid hurler in his youth, he loved all the GAA matches and in particular following the Limerick hurling team with his son, Jim. He played bridge for several years with his local bridge club but when he gave up smoking he found it very difficult without having a cigarette and only quit with some sadness. Horse racing was another keen interest of his. Ted and Kitty jetted off to the sun for a well-earned break every year after the busy summer season and the Listowel Races. This break was eagerly planned and anticipated by both of them. After a fortnight spent soaking up the sun they returned to Abbeyfeale, energetic, revived and ready to face the coming year. Their only other breaks were their Christmas and Easter visits to their daughter, Marie, who had married into the McCartan family of Newry, famous for their involvement in Co Down football. Ted had many an enjoyable chat in that household regarding their mutual interest in all things GAA. Less than a decade ago Ted closed the grocery shop but retirement was not for him. He turned his attention to the restaurant and loved helping his son, Philip. From his position at the front of the restaurant he greeted and chatted with customers, discussing the latest Limerick GAA teams victories and defeats, local news and national and international current affairs. He was fiercely interested in everyone and they in turn warmed to him instantly. An energetic and healthy man, he could be seen daily collecting his grandchildren from school and taking them to their various pastimes and activities, running errands for the restaurant and family. He was a deeply religious man and had great faith in Padre Pio. But four years ago Alzheimers developed and he became unwell. Ted the carer became the cared for. He spent his final years in the loving care of his wife, Kitty and family. He was also cared for briefly by St Camillisus' Hospital, Limerick and Killeline Nursing Home, Newcastle West. He died surrounded by loving relations and family. His remains were taken to Hartnett's Funeral Home, Abbeyfeale, where large crowds paid their respects. He is survived by his sister, Laura, Newcastle West, his brother Jim, America and his brother Liam, Limerick, also his wife and family in Abbeyfeale and Newry. May he rest in peace. - Kerry's Eye, 19th June 2008 Tweet

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