The late Connor Kennedy There was numbness and gasps of disbelief on Saturday evening, February 24th 2007 as the sudden news of Conor Kennedy's death verbrated throughout the parish and further afield. Conor was one of the best known personalities in the district and the stillness of that spring evening was broken with sadness as people realised the reality of the message and went into a mourning tone for one of the outstanding friends, neighbours and outstanding GAA workers that the Moycarkey-Borris club and mid Tipperary division has known. There was also great support for his family too in their hours of great sorrow. Conor of Skehana, Two-Mile-Borris was born fifty two years ago and it was appropriate that the should have an interest in Gaelic games from a young ago for his father, Tom was a member of the All-Ireland winning Tipperary senior hurling team of 1937 and on the great Moycarkey-Borris senior hurling teams of the era. The Kennedy family of Coolcroo were also co-founder members of hen renowned Coolcroo athletic club and sport would be discussed and encouraged in the house-hold. From the time that Conor could walk he had a hurley in his hand and a football always nearby. Soon he was seen at juvenile training in Littleton and was selected on the underage club teams. Conor won midland county medals at underage in both hurling and football and graduated up to senior hurling level and was introduced to that grade in game v Sarsfield in Littleton, other successes followed for Conor with mid and county minor hurling medals in 1972. He also won a Mid U21 medal in hurling the same year and a mid county intermediate football championship in 1980. He was also a member of the club team to win the last year of the Mid Tipperary No2 junior hurling championship in 1978. When his playing career was over Conor wholeheartedly became involved with Moycarkey-Borris GAA club and was secretary for five years 1980-1985 a period that was triumphant for the club winning two Mid-Tipperary senior hurling titles, an intermediate hurling and two county senior hurling titles in 1982 and 1984. The latter, the centenary final, something of which his late lamented friend Harry Ryan and Sean Barry. He was also at the secretarial helm for Munster senior club honours in 1982. Later he was to become a top referee and had the honour of refereeing a Mid senior football final. In his term as secretary the club won many awards including the Munster AIB club of the year trophy. His dedication and zeal for Gaelic games was manifested when he was elected to the Co. Board executive for three periods and a member of the Mid Tipperary fixtures committee for fifteen years. When the county board GAA members draw started Conor was appointed club co-ordinator , a position he held up to the present and in which he saw club members expand up to over 700, the club with the third highest membership in the country and which was to become the main source of finance for the everyday club expenses. He was also ticket distributor for the club and had a magical touch and integrity in that field too always drawing up fair distribution and having the knack of resurrecting tickets from many sources. In fact Conor was the mastermind behind the developments in the club, refurbishing the field in Littleton and in purchasing the new field now under development. He was also a most active member of the Two-Mile-Borris millennium committee to erect the monument in his native village to the 1900 All Ireland team from the area. When the club history was published in 1984 he was one of the keenest researchers and gave many long nights sorting out material. All fundraising activities were taken in their stride by Conor and he was solicited support from many areas. While others shun away from fundraising Conor always seemed more motivated when funds were urgently needed and he was at his happiest organising - be it a fashion show, poker classic, raffle, dog night, race night, dance, sponsored events or other project. His compelling personality and reluctance to take 'no' made a refusal almost impossible. When works or errands needed to be undertaken Conor was the source that was sought. In his vast work for Marcarkey-Morris GAA and other parish activities Conor wanted no thanks or kudos, he did it willingly and for the benefit of the parish he loved. He gave himself unsparingly to the promotion of sport from coaching and encouragement in the local schools upwards to the top of the GAA ladder. If there were sports personalities of a week, month or year Conor Kennedy deserved to be accorded such accolades. His other major sporting interest was horse racing and he was a most keen and shrewd punter. He enjoyed the buzz of beating the bookies. He travelled to race meetings far and near and in recent years enjoyed the great spectacle of national hunt racing, the Cheltenham festival. All other sports became a passion for him be it soccer, rugby or golf and he travelled to Old Trafford to see his favourite reds in action. When struck with cancer nineteen years ago, Conor was most positive and overcame that illness with great strength and character. When Dr Michael Maher, his physician and his medical staff needed finance for cancer research projects and Conor once more showed his organisational hand and collected thousands of pounds for that scheme. Afterwards he counselled people who had the illness and gave great comfort. He had great integrity in all walks of life and would never shy away from giving advice if he thought it was needed and would reprimand the error of others. As a neighbour and friend he had no equals and was always there to give a willing and helping hand when the occasion arose. Never one to hog the spotlight he gave willing in the interest of others. The esteem in which Conor was held manifested itself in the overflow attendance at all stages of the obsequies; visiting the house, the removal and burial. Seldom has such respect been paid to anyone in the parish. People travelled from America and various parts of Europe to be present. The attendance included people from all walks of life, sporting, political, cultural and those who just knew him. The GAA was represented from the President of the association, Mr Nicky Brennan right down to the humblest official. The millennium monument flags in Two-Mile-Borris village were at half mast and a minute's silence was observed at the Tipperary v Cavan NFL game in Ardfinnan. Local functions over the weekend were postponed. At the removal on Monday night the coffin was carried from the Millennium monument to the church by the club players, Mid and Co Board personnel and family members. A guard of honour was provided by a cortege from the house to the village led by Mr Sean Fogarty, chairman of Munster Council and Mr Eamonn Donnelly, chairman of Moycarkey-Borris GAA club. In the churchyard players from the underage teams paid their respects. Such was the dignity of the occasion that the gentle rain was ignored. On Tuesday at the Requiem Mass, Fr George Bourke, PP Moycarkey- Borris presided, assisted by Fr Joe Tynan CC, Moycarkey-Borris, Canon Liam Ryan PP, Killenaule, Fr Danny O'Gorman, PP, Caherconlish, St Patrick's College and Fr Conor Hayes, Cashel. The readings were by John Hackett and Liam Henessy. The prayers of the faithful by Sean Fograty, Eamonn Donnelly, Colleen and Deirdre Darmody, Jane Kennedy (nieces), Paul Kennedy and Niall Heffernan (nephews). The "Hurler's Prayer" was read by Jimmy Fogarty and Tom Commins returned thanks on behalf of Conor's family and regaled the various aspects of his life and the anecdotes and stories that will make great memories when Conor's name is remembered for along time. The church choir played appropriate music and hymns and won praise from many visitors for their professionalism. The church ceremony was both emotional and very special. The coffin draped in his beloved red and yellow colours was carried from the church to the local cemetery again by player, club and board officials and friends. A very nice little tribute was paid by pupils of Two-Mile-Borris national school when in the club colours they stood to attention en route to the cemetery. The fitting and well deserved oration at the graveside was given by Mr Michael Lowry, TD. In it Michael, a great friend, told of the many aspects of Conor's life and laced it with humourous as well as the serious sides of a very special man. In contrast to the previous night's rain the sun shone brightly on the final hour's ceremony. Parking and traffic arrangements were capably handled by Garda Bart Howard, Garda Seamus Killeen and chief steward Gerry Bowe. The Kennedy family was always a very united one and they were bought up in the true Irish Christian mould by their father Tom and mother Josie and were impressed to bestow kindness, loyalty and great neighbourly spirit from an early age. The sudden passing of Conor, their father figure was a cross difficult to bear but yet they accepted God's will with courage and fortitude. Universal sympathy goes out to Denis (brother), Eilish Darmody, Mary Heffernan (sisters), brothers in law Kevin and Michael, sister in law Bridget, uncle Neddy Commins, aunt Cathy Dunne, nephews Paul, Niall and mark, nieces Colleen, Deirdre and Jane, cousins, neighbours and legions of friends. May the genial Conor enjoy his deserved reward in heaven and no doubt he will convey the latest happenings to all gaels when they assemble in their meeting room. So rest in peace, dear Conor, And thanks for all that you have done, We pray that God has given you The trophy you have truly won. Beannacht De leat a Concubhair, agus solas siorrai duit. In the graveside oration, Michael Lowry, TD said: When I heard of Conor's sudden death my stomach flipped - my head spun I was numb with disbelief. I felt very sorry for Conor, that he was taken so young, just when everything was going well for him, just when he was allowing himself the freedom to enjoy life. My heart went out to Denis, Leish and Mary who have to endure this crushing blow as a family. Conor was the father figure of a family whose unity was a joy to behold. I have rarely seen a family so united, so close, so comfortable with each other. It's that strength of character and family bond that will help them cope with this devastating loss. When Conor spoke privately he lamented th loss of his father Tom at a young age. He spoke with great affection for his mother Josie and her heroic efforts to rear a family in difficult circumstances. He enjoyed a wonderful relationship with Shiner, Kevin and Bridget. He was very proud of his nephews and nieces, Coleen, Paul, Deirdre, Jane, Niall and Mark. He marvelled at their development. He observed their personalities maturing. He corrected little faults or failing and the truth be known he knew more about their antics than their own parents. In general Conor had a fantastic way about him with young people. He commanded huge respect from the younger generation. This was the young people reciprocating the kindness and generosity that he lavished so lovingly on them. It is impossible to reflect on COnor's life without recalling his serious illness 19 years ago. The diagnosis was bad and the news was met by the most wonderful outpouring of public goodwill. Not even God could turn down the crescendo of prayerful pleas for Conor to overcome his illness. Conor was humbled by the experience and the generosity of many people left a lasting impression. He fought his illness and the debilitating consequences of treatment with courage and dignity. I happened to be visiting Conor in St Luke's when his medical team and his great friend Dr Michael Maher told him that he had won his battle against cancer. This was not a normal hospital discharge where you pack your bags and get your prescription. That day I witnessed Conor and the staff at Luke's celebrating together with hugs and kisses. Conor had a massive appreciation for those who provided care for him and established lifelong friendships with them. If someone was ill, Conor was always willing to help them confront the challenge. He shared his experiences, he gave advice, support encouragement and hope. After his family his first love was for his parish of Moycarkey-Borris and its people. He was an outstanding Community Leader. He was fanatical in his support for Maycarkey-Borris GAA club. He gave unrivalled commitment to promoting the Club. He was proud of his father Tom's All-Ireland Medal of 1937. Conor himself played hurling and football and won several championships in various grades. As a juvenile he excelled in athletics. He was a efficient Secretary of the Club. He had great moments of achievements as a Selector. He was a top class REferee. He had amazing success as Club Co-ordinator of 700 members in County Board GAA draw. He was also ticket distributor for the Club and had a magical touch in drawing up a fair distribution system and having the knack of resurrecting tickets against the odds. He was a keen researcher for the published Club history. He was deeply involved in the refurbishment of Littleton field and in the purchase and development of the new amenity. What more could one man do? The parish of Moycarkey Borris in a little over 12 months has lost two of it's most influential leaders, Harry Ryan and Conor Kennedy. Together they had made a massive contribution to the Club and Parish. It is important to keep their memories fresh by being true to their work. I would ask local people to make a special effort to fill the huge gap their departure has left. Do so by giving a little extra of your time and commitment to the Parish cause. Conor, had a passion for all sports, racing, soccer, rugby, golf. He was happiest sitting at the kitchen table with the phone at his left hand and the remote control flicking from sport to sport. He had great memories of his trips to Old Trafford. He was looking forward to Cheltenham. He had planned meticulously to be ready for the great event. The suits, the shirts, the colourful ties, the binoculars, the flight ticket, and a treasured stand ticket, all at the ready. Even in that huge gathering of people in 3 weeks time, a void will exist. Conor will be sadly missed. As an individual Conor was deeply religious, compassionate and caring. He had an impish roguish sense of humour. He loved the challenge of keeping a secret and revelled in his ability to hold a confidence. He was the essence of discretion. When required he was a master at evasiveness. A question put to him was answered by him asking two questions. He was a man of great integrity and total reliability. He enjoyed the simple things in life. Extravagance never entered his lifestyle. He loved his cosy comfortable home. He had a special relationship with his neighbours and always spoke highly of them for their exceptional support and kindness. Conor was brilliant to me personally. He looked up to me. He looked put for me every waking day. He always wanted what was best for me. He rejoiced with me on the good days. He defended me against criticism. He was always there for me. Going through life we all have family, acquaintances, colleagues, friends. Then we all have those chosen few in our hearts. I am so different. In my heart Conor was the special one. A true and genuine friend. As we say farewell to Conor we thank him for his goodness in this life and we pray that God will give an eternal embrace to his kindly soul. Courtesy of the Tipperary Star 10th March 2007 Tweet

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