South Roscommon trader widely mourned
The late Peter Kenny.
The death took place on Monday, October 27th, at Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe of Mr Peter (Pete) Kenny, Ballyforan, who was synonymous with the business and community life of Ballyforan village for the past 42 years.
Aged 88 on August 20th last, he was a native of Derreen, Ballyforan, and he had resided in family setting in the village since 1979. Alongside his wife, the former Ms Maureen Grehan, Turpane, Ballyforan, he was the proprietor of Maureen's Foodstore in the village and he was noted for his integrity, innate decency, affability, tact and discretion in all his dealings with the general public.
In his younger days he was an employee of Gowla Farm and he was also a beef farmer who was a very competent judge of all livestock, especially cattle. He took a keen interest in all farming affairs always and kept abreast of the changing trends in farming over the decades.
A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he was a most obliging neighbour and reliable friend. His chatting disposition enabled him to make many lifelong friends with a wide age range. A supporter of a wide range of community activities, he was an activist with the Ballyforan Development Association down the years and was also associated with the various Leader community initiatives in Mid-South Roscommon.
A sports enthusiast, he enjoyed viewing all sport on television. Reading avidly and widely was his main hobby. He was also a lifelong PTAA member and he received the various jubilee pins and diplomas over the decades.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Maureen; sons, Martin, Ballyforan; James, Ballyforan; daughters, Mrs Yvonne Meares, Ballyforan; Mrs Cait Finneran, Ballyforan; Mrs Linda Gacquin, Monksland and Mrs Marie Dolan, Ballyforan. A member of a farming family of four boys, he was predeceased by his infant son, John and his brother, Rev. Fr Martin, Drogheda, 11 years ago and is also survived by brothers Jack, Wales; Jimmy, New York, ten grandchildren, one nephew, nieces and a number of other relatives. Following concelebrated Mass at St Joseph's Church, Ballyforan, on Thursday, October 30th, the burial took place in Dysart Cemetery. The celebrants of the Mass were Very Rev. Francis Beirne, PP, Ballyforan, Dysart and Tisrara; Very Rev. Sean Neylon, PP, Taughmaconnell; Rev. Tom Griffin, Dundalk and Very Rev. Christy McCormack, PP, Fohenagh.
