The Late Noel Farrelly On Sunday February 17th when the news of eh untimely death of Noel Farrelly formerly of Park Road Templemore and latterly of Naas, Co. Kildare reached his home town, it is true to say the whole community of Templemore and the surrounding area was numbed and shocked into sadness. Those feelings still prevail amongst those who were privileged to known such a good humoured, witty, light-hearted, generous gentleman. Born in 1961 the second youngest of 6 boys, to Elizabeth an the late Seamus. He was educated at St Colmcille's Primary School and Templemore CBS. From an early age he took a keen interest in sport, particularly Hurling, Gaelic Football, Athletics, Pitch and Putt and Soccer. Never one to hang around he was always going to, at, or coming from training or playing. Pride of place amongst his many successes on the playing field was his involvement with Templemore CBS Harty Cup and All Ireland Colleges success in 1978. In June of that year he as the first athlete from the then recently formed Athletic Club to win a Munster Championship in Track and Field. He played in the underage teams of his time with Templemore Eire Og and Clonmore resulting in many successes graduating to adult teams at the early age of 17 and continued up to 1988. His love of Gaelic Games C.I.C.G knew no bounds, it crossed the entire spectrum from player, committee member, selector and manager. He wore his much love blue and gold jersey for Tipperary Minor and Under 21 teams in Munster Championships. His competitive playing days were brought to an abrupt end when in 1988 in the course of his work as a Garda while showing exceptional bravery he was shot and seriously wounded while left him with a visible and lasting mark. He made a brave recovery which allowed him to take up golf in his adopted Naas, a game which soon made his mark at, reaching a handicap of 5 in record time. He won the Junior Scratch Cup in 2005 and played with distinction on the Naas Golf Club Barton and Junior Cup Teams. He was elected captain of he club in 2004 a position he filled with distinction and much success. Following in the footsteps of his older brothers Paul and the late Liam, He joined the Gardai in 1983. Having 'passed out' in 1984 he was appointed to Naas Garda Station where he did normal duties until 1988 when he was appointed as Criminal Intelligence Officer in the very busy Carlow/Kildare Division, a position he held until his untimely death. Amongst his colleagues he was recognised as a dedicated, popular, genuine, kind-hearted member who was always in good spirits with a very witty sense of humour and a true friend particularly to new arrivals of which they were many to Naas station. Noel in his own inimitable style, took them all under his wing. Having spoken with many people at his funeral it is widely accepted that he was an organiser of exceptional ability, particularly when it came to fund-raising for charitable causes, to name but two- the ultimate hurling and golf challenges featuring the Tipperary Chucka - Chucka's (former Tipperary natives) of which he was the organiser and captain. The hurling challenge against "The Rest Of The World" was played on New Year's Day 2004 with the Chucka-Chucks's being managed by Nicky English and The Rest Of The World by Michael Duignan, formerly Offaly Hurler and Sunday Game Analyst. Niall Quinn was appointed as MC for the event, and the one and only Conoulty/Rossmore man Joe Hayes as commentator. The then Finance Minister, Charlie McCreevy welcomed all and Sean Power TD set the ball rolling and saw to it that all got 'fair play'. Playing in goal, Noel captained the side in the game which ended in a draw. His daring saves were amongst many highlights in the game. The ultimate Golf Challenge was held in August 2006 at Naas Golf Course coinciding with The Ryder Cup being held in the K Club shortly afterwards. Both events raised in excess of ?130,000 for their respective charities. It is plain to be seen Noel knew how to do it. In the course of his duties he dealt with such diverse events as Punchestown Races, Music Festivals, The Irish Presidency of the EU 2004, The Ryder Cup golf in 2006 when he was appointed as liaison officer to the U.S team.He advised them on how to play the course. When Gaelic games were in the equation where Noel was concerned Tipperary were first, second and last. He was a loyal and passionate supporter of all the county teams. He wore his blue and gold colours with pride and passion on all occasions. He was a frequent visitor to all the venues for Tipperary games from Pairc Ui Caoimh in Cork to Casement Park in Belfast to support his beloved county. A staunch member of the Tipperary Supporters Club for whom he went about his business quietly and effectively for many years in conjunction with the JKBrackens GAA Club,he was a promoter of the Co. Board draw with Brackens. With other members of his family, he was a huge contributor to the town of Templemore. He took immense pride in any achievements that enhanced the town, particularly those achieved by young people. Guards of Honour were provided at his removal to Naas Church by the JKBrackens GAA Club and Naas Golf Club and the following day to Naas Cemetery by his Garda Colleagues from the Garda/Kildare Division. Music at his Funeral Mass and Burial was played by members of the Garda Band. Singing in the church and cemetery were Celine Byrne, Paul Linehan, Colm Molloy, John Hennessy, Martin Bourke and a whole host of his Tipperary friends. No doubt it was people like Noel that Kickham had in mind when he wrote his famous novels Knocknagow and The Homes of Tipperary. It can be truly be said that Noel's motto is life was not what my county can do for me, but what I can do for my county. His death came as a terrible shock and loss to many people but none more so than to his wife Catherine, daughters Emma and Sarah, his mother Elizabeth, brothers Jim, Gerard, Paul and Kevin to his many nephews and nieces, extended family, colleagues in the Gardai and a wide circle of friends. Our sincere sympathy to all. In one way or another we were all made the better for knowing Noel, and sharing his friendship, light hearted humour and generosity. All will miss s sincere friend and true colleague. Our memory of him will never die. Go ndeana Dia trocaire ar a anam dilis. Courtesy of the Tipperary Star 8th March 2008 Tweet

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