Noel Kenny was much loved in his adopted town of Carlow

THE death on Sunday 28 December at Portiuncula hospital, Ballinasloe of popular local man Noel Kenny was learned of with deep regret in his native place and in his adopted town of Carlow.

Noel, who lived at 5 Curragh Park, Ballinasloe, Co Galway, was married to the former Lily Williamson from St Mary’s Park, Carlow.

The couple had in 1980 come to live in Carlow with Lily’s relatives, the Noctor family – Vonnie, Thomas and Tony ‒ in JKL Avenue before moving to reside in Dereen Heights, Tullow Road.

During those years, Noel became an adopted Carlovian, making many friends in the Barrowside town. His ‘local’ was Éire Óg GAA clubhouse, Teach Asca, where he forged many lasting friendships.

The Kennys had a special bond with Eileen and Kevin Murphy, who reside in the town’s Brownshill area.

Having spent the best part of a decade living in Carlow, Noel and Lily returned to Ballinasloe, where he worked as a barman in the town’s Dove Bar. He regarded his bar work as more a way of life than a job, always enjoying the rapport with his customers.

Noel was aged 84 and his passing followed a brief illness.

His funeral Mass was celebrated in Ballinasloe’s St Michael’s church on new year’s eve when family and friends from Carlow travelled to the east Galway town to bid a fond farewell to a popular man.

In a eulogy during Mass, Noel’s daughter Karen told the congregation that it was hard to imagine life without her dad as “he was always there for us (family) no matter what, whether for advice or a helping hand.” He was, said Karen, a quiet man who wasn’t one for big speeches, but he showed his love in ways that truly mattered.

As an adopted Carlowman, he had great regard for the Barrowside town and its people. Karen’s tribute continued: “In Carlow, he liked nothing better than to meet up with his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law – his extended family.

He would also reminisce of Ballinasloe in the old days growing up with his brothers and sister in what were great times.

Her dad, she said, loved sports in all its forms, especially the GAA and Manchester United, liking nothing better than going for a pint of Guinness, watching the match, having the craic and friendly debate.

Noel also liked a flutter on the horses and would always have a Saturday bet.

He had taken over as manager of Ballinasloe soccer team at a time when they weren’t doing very well, building them into a league winning side. “The players would say Noel was tough but fair” Karen stated.

Karen’s tribute went on: “Above all, dad was a family man, being a devoted husband to Lily for 55 years – always content to let her have the last word.” He was a great dad, always having time to play games or teach herself and her brother Gary to play cards and this had followed on to his grandchildren, all of whom he was immensely proud and loved dearly, In conclusion, Karen said: “Today, I’m not just saying goodbye to my dad and best friend, I’m thanking him for his unconditional love for us all.

“He will be forever missed and loved,” Karen stated, adding: “Rest easy dad, we love you.” Following Mass, Noel was laid to rest in Creagh cemetery, Ballinasloe.

He is mourned by his wife Lily and children daughter Karen, son Gary, brothers Josie, Seamus and Tony, son-in-law Alan, daughter-in-law Jeanette, grandchildren Conor, Shane, Amy, Grace, Ciarán and Ruth, extended family, including the Noctor family in Carlow, by his neighbours and many friends in Carlow and Ballinasloe.