Tributes paid to ‘one of life’s true gentlemen’
The late Mr Kieran Connell.
Community groups in the Castlecoote/Fuerty/Athleague areas are paying tribute to retired Garda Kieran Connell who passed away on February 19th, peacefully, following a short illness “borne with strength and dignity”, in the dedicated care of the staff of the Claddagh ward and HDU at University Hospital Galway and the staff in the Medical Day Services at Roscommon University Hospital.
Kieran, a native of Ferbane, County Offaly, was involved in a myriad of groups from sporting to community life in his adopted home.
“It is with a heavy heart that we mark the passing of our dear friend and neighbour Kieran Connell,” said the Fuerty/Castlecoote community.
“Kieran will be remembered as a true gentleman, kind, supportive, knowledgeable, quick to give his time to local projects and community and school events, supporter of local sports, pillar of the parish with his devotion in the church and time on the Parish Pastoral Council.
“Kieran was past-chair and instrumental in the development, management and ongoing running of Castlecoote Community Centre over the past 40 years. His presence and measured, sensible voice, will be sorely missed.
“Retirement from the Garda Síochàna didn’t slow Kieran down, he was the go-to for so many, in the background, giving time wherever her could, whether it be a key for the church, the community centre, flowers or grass cutting, figuring out where a leak was coming from or a contact number or name for someone (he would remember - or it would be in his notebook!!).
“A friend, a confidant, a generous neighbour and friend, a huge loss for our community. Our thoughts are with his wife, Ann, his children, Fiona and David, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, his grandchildren and wider family and friends. May he Rest in Peace,” said the community group.
For decades, Kieran and his wife Ann were the backbone of Athleague Camogie, mentoring, coaching, managing and supporting generations of players with unwavering dedication.
“Kieran was always willing to help and fixed many, many “favourite” hurls for us over the years. His presence at matches, his quiet words of wisdom and his genuine care for everyone in the club will be deeply missed. Kieran was a devoted father to our senior player, Fiona, his legacy will live on through her and through the many players whose lives he touched.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to Ann, Fiona, his son David and their spouses Veronica and Basil, grandchildren & the Connell and Dooley families and to Kieran’s many friends. His impact on our club will never be forgotten,” said a statement from Athleague Camogie Club.
In a statement Athleague Hurling Club said that Kieran “was a remarkable servant to our club throughout the years. From playing hurling on the field, to managing many teams over time, and to the countless hurls he repaired for everyone, his dedication and generosity left a lasting mark on our community. We are truly grateful to have had someone like Kieran among us.
"We extend our sincere sympathies to his wife, Ann, his son, David and daughter Fiona, his daughter and son-in-law Veronica and Basil, and to all his grandchildren. May he rest in Peace.”
He was predeceased by his beloved parents John and Maisie and infant sister Mary. Kieran was adored husband of Ann, cherished father of David and Fiona, and father-in-law of Veronica and Basil. He was adored granddad of Molly, Tadhg, Kate and Ciara. Kieran will be sadly missed by his sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, and their families and all his cousins, former Garda colleagues, many friends and great neighbours.
Kieran will repose at his home (F42 AH92) on Sunday (February 22nd) from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.. Removal on Monday (February 23rd) to the Church of the Assumption, Fuerty, where his Requiem Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. and afterwards Kieran will be laid to rest in High Street Cemetery, Belmont, County Offaly.
