Community mourns passing of popular and committed youth worker in Cox’s
THE entire community of Cox’s Demesne and the wider Dundalk area has been left deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden death of community worker John Kearney, who spent many of his 38 years caring for and inspiring the young people of the estate.
John, from Ashling Park, died on Wednesday and his passing sent shockwaves around the closely-knit community where he lived. Hundreds of people attended his wake, and funeral on Saturday morning, as they struggled to come to terms with the death at such a young age of a man who was deeply involved in helping to improve the lives of young people in the area he came from.
He won a volunteer achievement award in 2004 and had worked at The House project in Cox’s Demesne for more than ten years.
Youth Work Ireland Louth paid tribute to their colleague online: ‘Deepest sympathy is extended to the entire Kearney family on the untimely death of John. John will forever be remembered and held in high esteem by all his work colleagues and Board of Management in Youth Work Ireland Louth. May John rest in peace’.
In addition, Dundalk Youthreach also paid tribute. ‘My very deepest sympathy to Keelan and all the Kearney family on the death of John.
‘He was always such a pleasure to meet and he always had a kind word to say about everyone. No doubt he has left you all with very many happy memories which you will hopefully enjoy in time to come. May John have eternal peace’.
Neighbours and friends of John recalled a man with a ‘ heart of gold’ who helped as many people as he could. In another online post, a friend wrote: ‘in total shock can’t believe it another life taken so young. Always supported and helped out the youths of Dundalk making them build future.
‘He is in the arms of angels his life and memories he give to others will always remain by people sharing those memories and talking about his life and forever in their hearts. I had the pleasure of working with John he put a smile on your face no matter how you were feeling’.
John’s funeral Mass took place on Saturday at the Church of the Holy Redeemer and was attended by hundreds of people. Burial took place afterwards to St Patrick’s Cemetery.
He was predeceased by his dad Hubert (Boo) and niece Kenzie and is survived by his mum Attracta (née Gray), son Keelan, brothers Jason, Fra and Dean, sisters Lorraine, Julie, Michelle and Samantha, brothers in-law, sisters in-law, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family relatives, neighbours and friends.