Jackiewasaskilledtradesman andenjoyedfootballallhislife
JACKIE Kinahan, Chapel Cross, Dromiskin passed away peacefully on June 9th in the loving and tender care of the staff of St. Ita’s ward in St. Brigid’s Hospital Ardee.
Jackie died just ten days short of his 91st birthday, and was predeceased by his wife, Alice just three weeks previously. He was the only son of Owen and Brigid Kinahan and was educated at St. Peter’s NS., Dromiskin and the Christian Brothers in Dundalk.
He served an apprenticeship as an upholsterer and was a top quality tradesman, who over his lifetime, was worked for the original Lord of Ballydoyle Vincent O’Brien and his wife Jacqueline.
He was engaged on many occasions for clients of Bushfield Interiors on their antique furniture pieces.
Later in life Jackie, obtained a job as a part-time telephonist in Dundalk which progressed to full-time a job which he truly loved and was very popular.
Jackie was a sportsman from an early age, who filled the role of goalkeeper in both gaelic and soccer, playing with the Christian Brothers and all parish teams. He was a member of the Unknowns championship winning team in 1955, most of whom have sadly have passed on.
He also played in goal for the all conquering St. Patrick’s soccer team that won the treble in the Dundalk and Drogheda League in 1947, saving a penalty in the final.
He was an accomplished violinist, and his interest in music led him to become involved in the choirs in Dromiskin and Kilsaran.
Jackie and his wife, Alice were keen on ballroom dancing, and Jackie had a passion for his community which manifested itself in his involvement in different organisations, including the Parish Council, Credit Union and St. Joseph’s GFC.
He served three years as chairman of St. Joseph’s, filled many committee positions and was honorary president at the time of his death. He took enormous pleasure in the achievements of his beloved ‘Joes’ on and off the field, especially the development of their home at Cluskey Park.
He celebrated championship and league title successes at all levels, especially those that involved his son, sons-in-law and grandsons.
In the 1960s, Jackie and Kieran Henry began a tradition, which lasted for many years of erecting Christmas lights on the ‘Monkey Puzzle’ tree at the Chapel Cross. It was a great novelty and spectacle, loved by all and could be admired from a great distance.
Jackie spent the last eight years of his life in the tender and loving care of St. Ita’s ward in St. Brigid’s as an Alzheimer patient. The care and dignity which he received will always be remembered by the family with immense gratitude. The family were also grateful to Fr. Liam Pentony for his regular visits to the hospital and blessings for Jackie.
Jackie’s remains reposed in his daughter, Jacqueline McGinn’s home and were borne from Chapel Cross to the St. Peter’s Church by son, Gerard, sons-in-law, Martin Byrne, Liam McGailey, Eamonn McGinn, grandsons, Michael, Sean, Anthony and Philip Kinahan, Jonathan McGailey, Barry Gardiner and Matt McKenna, great-grandson, Cormac Kinahan and good neighbours and friends and Mark Kelly, St. Ita’s.
Before Mass started Jackie’s granddaughter Annie McGinn recited a beautiful poem she had written about the condition of Alzheimers, which was very poignant reflection for the family.
Parish priest Very Rev. Patrick McEnroe celebrated Requiem Mass and gave an eloquent eulogy on his life.
The gifts that symbolised his life were presented by Cormac and Aodhan Kinahan and Oisin McGinn, while the Offertory Gifts were presented by Catherine Bannon and Mags Thompson from Saint Ita’s.
Granddaughters, Sheena McKenna, Martina Byrne, Dearbhla McGailey and Annie McGinn led the Prayers of the Faithful. Son, Gerry provided a reflection after Holy Communion.
The family were very grateful to St. Joseph’s GFC for honouring Jackie with a large turnout and providing a Guard of Honour and for the use of the ‘Joes club’ after the funeral for refreshments.