Fenlon, Shane
June 27, 2012The county was racked with grief and sadness last week as 31 year old Shane Fenlon was laid to rest after losing his battle with cancer. His funeral at St. Patrick's church was one of the largest ever seen in parish as sympathisers came in their hundreds to offer condolences to parents Andy and Rita and to all Shane's family at a time of tragic loss.
The deceased was a man who made a positive impression on everything that he was involved in, whether on the sports field, at work or in his personal life. A sense of disbelief that such a resilient and fit man could be taken from the ones he loved within a few months of falling ill still pervades his parish and circle of acquaintance.
Shane Fenlon was brought up in Monageer with his sisters Michelle and Yvonne. He attended his local primary school before going on to Enniscorthy Vocational College where he laid foundations of his chosen trade. He was gifted with his hands and proved an excellent carpenter.
The same hands were also adept at hurling, earning him a place in the county colours at under 21 level. He was also a stalwart of the Monageer/Boolavogue side over many seasons, a reassuring presence at centre back, providing leadership to the team as the outstanding player of his generation in the club.
With the downturn in the economy, Shane decided to apply his talents to teaching and had progressed well towards his goal of joining the profession as a mature student at college in Limerick. Then came news, little more four months ago, that he had the illness which was to claim his life.
He received treatment at St James' Hospital in Dublin but returned home to spend his final days with his family and with his partner of seven years, Laura Jordan. He leaves behind a parish devastated by his loss, as everyone he knew counted Shane as a friend.
Funeral Mass was celebrated in front of a large congregation by Father Bill Cosgrave. Among those present were players who hurled with Shane Fenlon not only across Wexford but also with the Father Tom Burkes club in Boston. Guards of honour for the saddest of sad occasions were provided by the Monageer pikes and by team mates from Monageer/Boolavogue GAA.
The deceased is mourned by his father Andrew, mother Rita (nee O'Connor), sisters Michelle and Yvonne, girlfriend Laura Jordan, other relatives and his many friends. Now interred in Monageer cemetery, he will be much missed.
Courtesy of the Wexford People, Wednesday, June 27th, 2012. Tweet
