Johnny Kenny
Carton North, Tooreen
JOHNNY Kenny, Carton North, Tooreen, who died recently, was a man who commanded widespread regard and respect throughout his home region. He was in his late 70s.
Johnny drove the school bus in the Tooreen area for many years, taking pupils to Tooreen NS and also to Ballyhaunis Community School. He was known to all the young people of the area and was especially noted for his kindness and consideration for all of them.
They all had a great time for Johnny and this often manifested itself in later years when they met him out and about at matches or in town. He had a great rapport with them and was a man who got on well with people of all ages.
Johnny and his wife Lillian raised a family of three sons and one daughter. The Kenny family have strong bonds with the Tooreen and Aghamore GAA clubs and Johnny was especially delighted to see his grandson David win All Ireland minor and U 21 medals with Mayo (2-13 and 2016) as well as the Nicky Rackard Cup with the Mayo hurlers some months ago.
Johnny was also a member of the local farming community and had a good interest in matters relating to the land. He had a wide knowledge of rural matters and a healthy respect for the environment.
A man of strong faith, Johnny was a wonderful supporter of all matters relating to the church and community life of his beloved Tooreen. He was a gentle soul who was very highly thought of by all who knew him and will be greatly missed by family and many friends.
Reposing was in Gavin's Funeral Home, Ballyhaunis, with removal to St Mary's Church, Tooreen. Interment took place in Aghamore Cemetery following concelebrated Requiem Mass. The chief celebrant was his son, Fr John, who is PP in Partry.
Johnny is survived by his wife Lillian, daughter Mary Woodham (Scotland), sons Eamon (Italy), Fr John (Partry) and Austin (Carton North), daughter-in-law Kay, son-in-law Colin, grandchildren, sisters Josie Folliard (Aghamore) and Frances Forkan (Dublin), brother Austin (Dublin), brother-in-law George Flanagan (Crossard, Tooreen), nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.