Kiltimagh mourns death of Kieran Heneghan Seldom has a death caused such shock, disbelief and an outpouring of grief and sorrow as that which occurred in Kiltimagh on Tuesday morning, October 11, when news spread quickly that Kieran Heneghan, one of the town's best loved sons, had died peacefully during the night at his home in Sliabh Cairn. Kieran, with his lovely warm personality and friendly smile, was known to young and old alike and it was hard for people to comprehend that he would no longer he seen around the streets of Kiltimagh. Born on Main Street in 1952 to Miko and the late Sheila Heneghan he was the second eldest of a family of three girls and four boys. After attending the local national school he went on the St Jarlath's College in Tuam and it was there that he picked up his famous nickname "Joe Space" later to he shortened to "Space" and by which he was to be affectionately known for the rest of his life. It was also in St Jarlath's that he honed his football skills and he was a regular on all the College teams during his time there. He also gave great service to the local GAA Club and won county medals at Juvenile (1968), Under 21 (1970) and Intermediate (1978) as well as county league and East Mayo Canon Henry Cup medals. He was a member of the Mayo Minor panel in 1969 and was on their championship team in 1970. Indeed, Kieran was adept at a whole range of sports, which included pitch and putt, handball and golf and was also very involved with the local soccer team in the 70s when he netted some great goals. He was a great follower of the Mayo Gaelic teams as well as the Irish soccer team and he attended many of their European Championship and World Cup matches. He loved to watch all kinds of sport on television and was an ardent fan of Manchester United FC. Kieran worked as an assistant to this father Miko in the family pharmacy business and, in the last few years, with the new owner Gary Smyth. He was renowned for his personal touch and the unique way in which he dealt with the public, especially older people, and as one such person was heard to say in recent days: "He couldn't do enough for you and had a word for everyone". Everyone who entered the shop got the same warm smile and cheerful greeting from Kieran and he will be remembered with affection by all those fortunate enough to have had the pleasure of knowing him. Kieran had a marvellous sense of humour and was forever full of innocent mischief. He loved life and lived it to the full. He had a few very close friends with whom he loved to socialise at the weekends and they too will miss him greatly. He was a great entertainer and one could always be sure of a good laugh when Kieran was around. He had several party pieces that he could deliver when called upon but the one he will be forever associated with and which could always be guaranteed a great round of applause was his belly dancing/singing act of the Rolling Stones hit "Satisfaction". But above all else Kieran was a caring and devoted son and brother and his family and his friends meant a great deal to him. He loved to talk about them, especially his nephews and nieces with whom he had a great relationship and who will miss their much-loved uncle in the years ahead. Kieran was also very fond of animals and had a great affection for his dog Sandy and enjoyed their early morning rambles together. Apart from his overseas soccer odysseys he also enjoyed his regular sun holidays and Spain's Costa del Sol was one of his favourite destinations. Sadly, Kieran has now departed on his final journey to be reunited with his beloved mother, Sheila, who died in 1997. Although devastated by his sudden passing his family is left with great memories of Kieran, which will sustain them in the days and months ahead. The huge crowds that travelled to Kiltimagh from all corners of Ireland, as well as overseas, for the funeral ceremonies were ample evidence of the huge regard that everyone had for him and the sorrow felt at his untimely death. Removal took place from his residence to the Church of the Holy Family and he was laid to rest in Kilkinure Cemetery after Concelebrated Mass on Thursday, October 13. His coffin, draped in the blue and white flag of the Kiltimagh GAA Club, with a Mayo jersey on top, was escorted on both days by a guard of honour organised by the local GAA. His uncle and godfather, Fr Kieran Heneghan, and Fr John Durkan, C.C. Kiltimagh, were the chief celebrants at the concelebrated Mass at which a beautiful rendition of singing was given by the Parish Choir with soloist, Finola Higgins-Cosgrove, under the direction of George Lee. Unfortunately, his uncle, Fr Jarlath Heneghan, who is based in Spain, was unable to get home for the funeral ceremonies. Kieran is survived by his father Miko, brothers Jarlath, Brendan and Louis, sisters Marian, Una and Michelle, uncles, aunt, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and many, many friends to whom sympathy is extended. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Courtesy of Western People 25 October 2005 Tweet

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