Joewasbest dressedtaxi driverintown

JOSEPH (Joe) Kieran of 32, Riverwell Close, Toberona, Dundalk who passed away peacefully on May 30th at St. James Hospital, Dublin, was well known locally as a taxi driver and also through working in PJ Carrolls and ‘ Country Fresh’.

A native of Kilkerley, he grew up in the parish and attended Kilkerley NS before leaving in his mid 20’s to pursue his ambition of a career as a full-time jockey. His absolute love of horses led him to train and work for many years in the stables of leading trainers, including the well known local Cox family and in Kildare.

He tried hard to fulfil his dreams and eventually returned to Dundalk but he always retained his love of horses and sport, particularly his local GAA club, a love of which he developed as a young boy.

Joe was the second youngest in a family of five of the late Patrick and Josephine Kieran, comprising two daughters, Phyllis and Briege and three sons with Brian and Patsy his other siblings.

Quiet in his manner but outgoing in his own way he was noted for his love of family occasions and get-togethers with friends, He was very sociable and he would be the first to lead the singing.

Joe took great pride in himself and everything he did. He was meticulous and a stickler for time keeping and an immaculate dresser, being described by Fr. Gerard Campbell in his beautiful funeral Mass that captured the essence of the deceased as the ‘ best dressed taxi driver in Dundalk’.

After he finished work in PJ Carrolls, he then went to work with brother, Brian in his fruit and vegetable business ‘Country Fresh’. Later he qualified as a PSV driver, and ran his own taxi business in town, operating from the main taxi rank at Crowe Street and also from private offices.

His colleagues in the taxi service and his friends in Kilkerley Emmets provided guards of honour at his funeral, underlining the high regard that he was held within the club and his profession.

A holiday abroad led to Joe meeting up with Lara who became his wife, and brought much happiness to his life. The couple acquired a home in Riverwell Close and settled there with their son, Joseph where they spent the last 14 happy years together.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, Patrick and Josephine along with his god-child, Aiden.

He is survived by wife, Lara (née Peters), son, Joseph, brothers, Patsy and Brian, sisters, Phyllis and Briege, brothers-in-law, Paddy and Brendan,sisters-in-law, Frances and Doris, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, relatives, neighbours and many friends in the taxi industry in Dundalk.

After reposing at his residence, Joe’s remains were removed to The Church of The Immaculate Conception, Kilkerley for Funeral Mass celebrated by Very Rev. Gerard Campbell P.P., who gave a beautiful eulogy that showed Joe as the wonderful man he was.

The Offertory gifts were brought to the altar by his grandnephews Dylan and Jack and his grandnieces Kayleigh and Dearbhla, his nieces, Geraldine and Niamh gave the Readings, while the Prayers of the Faithful were led by his nephew, Brian Og, along with grand nieces and grand nephews, Kayleigh, Fainche, Jack, and Dylan.

Grand niece Dearbhla sang a beautiful Communion Reflection, and the music was provided by niece in law Helena and her brother, Cormac.

Burial took place in the adjoining cemetery.