Bill Lenehan was a gentle giant who lived life to the full
BILL LENEHAN of Hospital Road, New Ross – who passed away aged 88 years recently in the love and care of his family at Wexford General Hospital – was a devoted family man who led an active and fulfilling life.
Bill was a native of Kilkenny city and left to work with Caltex where he spent some years in Dublin, Dundalk and Carlow before coming to New Ross to open the new oil terminal in Rosbercon which served the south east of the country. Eventually Caltex traded funder the name Texaco.
Married to Carlow girl Kathleen Dempsey, the couple spent 51 happy years in New Ross where they reared their five daughters Triona, Barbara, Sandra, Pamela and Linda.
A talented sportsman, from a young age Bill competed at a high level in swimming galas.
He also played rugby and represented Kilkenny in the provincial towns cup enjoying some success.
He enjoyed playing golf and was a member and captain of New Ross Golf club during his years.
Bill retired from his job in 1989 and continued his hobby of swimming every day either in the sea or in a pool.
He enjoyed rugby, tennis, hurling and other sports on TV and swam at the hotel pool right up until he was admitted to hospital.
A deeply religious man, it was a rare day when he couldn’t be found saying a prayer in his beloved St Mary & St Michael’s Church.
Bill was also a volunteer on New Ross Meals on Wheels where he served on the committee for some time.
He enjoyed company and the occasional pint in his adopted home town. However his loyalties were divided when Wexford and Kilkenny were playing in the championships and no one was ever made the wiser where those loyalties lay.
He was fortunate enough to enjoy good health until recent times and will be missed around New Ross most especially in his home where he will be missed by his wife Kathleen and five children. He is also survived by his brother Philip who lives in Kilkenny.
Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam dílis.