Redmond, Edward (Ted)
August 31, 2011Death came too early seeking our kindly Ted, but early and all as it may seem, the genial Ted was not found wanting.
He fully trusted the 'will of God' and while he heroically co-operated with the unstinted efforts of his medical team, he was quietly preparing to face up to the inevitable, with truly amazing dignity, courage and good humour.
Ted's simple Christian faith becalmed the stormy seas and steadied the ship for 'home'. The steadfast love and support of his cherished wife, Mary Teresa, their six gallant sons, his immediate and extended family and his many loyal friends enabled Ted to face adversity with a smile.
Over the final months of his illness he was never known to be negative, to complain or to indulge in self-pity. On the contrary, he chose to be ever-positive and light-hearted. By so doing he proved a constant inspiration and enduring example to us all.
Ted was born on October 10, 1945, the second son and third child of 14 born to the late Daniel and Annie Redmond of Mill House, Foulksmills.
He enjoyed an idyllic childhood in that charming home on the banks of the river Coragh. Ted always spoke warmly of those halcyon days spent with his siblings and the friends of his youth.
It was here too that he was imbued with a deep Christian faith, a heartfelt concern for his fellow man, a great love of nature, an abiding interest in sport, and fishing by his beloved Coragh.
Ted was a keen fisherman who certainly relished the countless hours spent with his very own 'Old Man River'. One of Ted's final requests to his sons was really true to form: 'Be sure to keep the river well stocked.'
Another favourite pastime of Ted's was card playing. He thoroughly enjoyed his regular game of poker or forty-five with family and friends. These sessions, over latter months, were to prove a great source of relaxation and comfort for Ted.
Ted was educated at Clongeen NS and subsequently at St Peter's College, Wexford. At the age of 16 he finished school and returned to work on the family farm.
He really loved farming and was an extremely hard worker over the 50 years spent at this most noble of professions.
He was recognised by the farming community as an astute and progressive farmer and as a gentle and humble man with a big heart, who was, at all times, willing to lend a helping hand to neighbour in difficulty.
From a very early age Ted was one of the great stalwarts of Clongeen GAA. Gifted with speed, strength and determination, he also possessed those natural talents which enabled him to become a very special hurler and an accomplished footballer.
In 1963 he starred at left half forward on the Clongeen-Gusserane minor football team which famously won their first county title. Over the following three years he also enjoyed many great days with the under 21 teams of that most vibrant of combinations.
In 1970 Ted was an integral part of the historic Clongeen junior football team which brought a first county title to his native parish.
He continued to grace Clongeen hurling teams for many years and was widely acclaimed as a skilful exponent of the ancient game.
After his retirement Ted continued with his dedicated service to the GAA club. As a coach, mentor or selector he had few equals. His immense knowledge of both codes, his experience as a player and his gentle,understanding nature inspired and motivated many a Clongeen player at under-age and adult levels over the past 40 years.
His GAA comrades of those glory days and indeed our magnificent youth of today turned out in vast numbers on the night of his removal and for his funeral on the following day. They had come to honour a departed friend and colleague who had given a lifetime's commitment to the club.
During a most fitting homily, delivered at the Requiem Mass for Ted, Fr Colm Murphy stressed that 'the most valuable things in Ted's life were the three Fs - his family, his faith, his farm.'
In the early 1970s Ted met the love of his life, Mary Theresa Murphy of Rathangan. It was a match 'made in heaven'. They were married in 1974 and they enjoyed 37 loving and fulfilling years together in Polldoon.
Family was Ted's great strength and always foremost in his thoughts. Mary Teresa and Ted reared six boys of whom they were immensely proud.
John, Donal, Eamon, Eoin, Dermot and Paul are indeed a credit to their parents for they have espoused the noble values and spirit of community involvement so vital to the lives of their parents.
Mary Teresa and Ted were seriously committed to charity work. With the assistance of family and friends, they were responsible for raising vast amounts of money for voluntary organisations that cater for young people with very special needs.
Sincerest sympathy is extended to Mary Theresa, their six sons, daughters-in-law, and six adored grandchildren. Ted had many precious moments to share with them before his departure.
His untimely death also represents a grievous loss to his six sisters and seven brothers and inlaws; to his nieces and nephews, his many cousins and a countless number of friends. Guimid solas na bhFlaitheas ar Ted uasal lach.
'Goodbye and farewell to a friend and a neighbour; The last final whistle has parted our ways; The game is all over and the crowds are dispersing. But I can't help remembering those happier days (Paddy Fitzpatrick)
- Courtesy of Wexford People, 31st August 2011 Tweet
