Munster Express Online

The death occurred recently of Mr John Fitzpatrick in his residence at Kilcready, Mullinavat on December 31st 2009, the same house in which he had been born 86 years previously, on December 23rd.

John was an only son, born into a long established South Kilkenny farming and sporting family. His parents were the late James and Hanoria Fitzpatrick; his mother was a member of the Grant family from the nearby townland of Knockmoylan. John’s father died while John was still a teenager, and on completing his formal education at the national school in Castlegannon, just across the road from his family’s land holding, he set in train a lifetime of farming, first with his widowed mother and later with his wife and family. In 1956, John Fitzpatrick married a neighbour and close friend from the adjoining townland of Crowbally, Kathleen Walsh, who passed away five years ago, in 2005. They had three daughters, Noreen, Mary and Anne.

During his long and active life of farming, John also did contract work at harvest time with his threshing mill and elevator, which he proudly pulled with a Fordson Major tractor. He was a familiar face to many, especially in this form of work, and he travelled to many farms in the South Kilkenny area and often recalled to his family and friends many of the enjoyable occasions that came about due to his work.

His other great love in life was the GAA. He was up to the time of his passing the honorary president of the famous Shamrocks GAA club, and was honoured by having the privilege of raising the association’s flag at the 125th anniversary celebrations in the Shamrocks GAA complex late last year.

He grew up with hurlers all around him, and remembered as a young boy going down to what was known as the ‘saw-pit’ and seeing the likes of George Dermody of Crowbally (reckoned one of the great players of his time) coming to the field after a hard day’s work and playing with the many great locals until dark fell, every evening, weather permitting. The hurling field was later where many of the famous hurlers produced in the area went to train. As a young supporter of the game, he followed Carrickshock when that club team were one of the best in the country, then Barrow Rangers, and later Castle Rangers came into being when the one parish rule came into being in County Kilkenny.

His affiliations were with Ballyhale and he was chairman of the club when at an extraordinary meeting the club decided to join Knocktopher, which was also part of the civil parish of Ballyhale. The rest is history, as the famed and famous Ballyhale Shamrocks came into being in 1972 and John became its first chairman. He continued his involvement from that day to the time of his passing. As well as covering the senior scene he could also be seen at junior and juvenile games, and took many young people to matches over the years. He was present when the Shamrocks won all of their All-Ireland Club Championships.

He was made a Peace Commissioner in 1968, and was honorary president of Fianna Fail for a very long time; he grew up as neighbour and friend with the late Senator Bob Aylward. That party joined the Shamrocks GAA club in providing guard of honours for John as his remains were taken to Knockmoylan Church from his residence.

There was a large and representative gathering on both days. Members of the GAA, both club and county, as well as Leinster and central council representatives, were present. Fianna Fail MEP Liam Aylward and his brother Deputy Bobby Aylward were both present, as were local public representatives and people from farming, community and social organisations and clubs. Fr Peter Keogh had the Requiem Mass for the repose of his soul in Knockmoylan Church; Fr Liam Barron also attended.

The singing was done by Elaine Fitzpatrick Cleere and the grandchildren and family members did the readings, prayers of the faithful, and the offertory gifts.

To his daughters Noreen, Mary and Anne, we extend our sympathy. John was grandfather of Margaret, Catherine Anne, Norleen, Sean and Patrick Malone; Luke and John Hennessy; Paul and Garry Monogue. John is also survived by sons-in-law Pat Malone, Ger Monogue and Martin Hennessy, and relatives and friends.

Ar Dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.