Michael Kenny was the second born child to Jack and Mary Kenny Aughawillan Carrigallen. The only son of seven children he attended Beaghmore National School and Carrigallen Vocational School. His interest in all kinds of sport was evident from an early age. He played football with the juvenile club in Carrigallen and was one of the first of many from the area to join Ballinamore Athletic Club. The enthusiasm and dogged determination that was so much a part of him was obvious even back then. In the 70s the GAA club ran a series of parish league teams,were picked from the ranks of the juvenile club and 10 year olds and 16 year olds would be on the same team. This seems a strange concept now but it worked extremely well, but it discovered a lot of much young talent.

Michael being on the older end of the spectrum captained some of those teams. What was very notable was how he relaxed the younger members. He was only a teenager himself but he showed a sensitivity and softness of nature, generally with the qualities of toughness strength and determination which he also had to spare. Michael expressed just in the last few months the view that the most important part of any GAA club is its under 8s and under 10s that in them was the nursery from which great players grow but he was one of a kind whose actions spoke much louder than his words. It was not unusual for Michael to attend 3 training sessions in one evening. The running track, the GAA Park with numerous sessions . All this should be shared was his opinion.

Seldom would he not be accompanied by his wife Mary pen and clipboard in hand.It has been said that no one was ever given a cross that they were unable to carry. Michael was the embodiment of this notion. He faced his illness with courage and strength that was nothing short of heroic. Shortly after his treatment began Michael was allowed home for the weekend. He attended an under 16 match and addressed the players before they took to the field he spoke to them which helped his charges so well with such passion and honesty that his words will be forever buried into their memories. The word amateur is often used today as a put down to people whose standards are not as high as they might be. However the word actually comes from a latin word meaning "for love of". Michael was a true amateur in the highest sense. His motivation was the love of club county and most of all family. He was a tireless worker for the sporting communities in Carrigallen and Leitrim.

It could be said that Leitrim though not one of the most successful GAA counties it is surely one of the greatest because for people like Michael and Mary Kenny work dedication and the love of the game is its own reward. Michael Kenny passed away peacefully on Monday 19th Nov 2012 with his wife and young family around him. Sympathy is extended to his wife Mary, daughter Collette, sons Anthony, Darren, Stephen and Ciaran Aughawillan Carrigallen, sisters Veronica Ballinamore. Deirdre Eleanor & Evelyn USA . Frances Kildare & Leah Limerick. One of the largest guards of honour ever seen in the Carrigallen parish was present when his remains arrived at Saint Marys Church. Carrigallen GAA senior footballers, Leitrim minor vocational team. Saint Marys NS Carrigallen, Saint Josephs ladies football team. Ballinamore Athletic Club and a very large attendance was present once again for his funeral Mass which was con-celebrated by his cousin Rev M Kenny assisted by Very Rev Denis Murray PP Carrigallen and Very Rev Scan McDermott PP Ballintemple friend of the family. May he RIP. Burial took place in adjoining cemetery.

Courtesy of Longford Leader Tweet

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