Community and helping others was focus of John’ s life
John Kearney
THE death occurred suddenly, and very sadly, of John Kearney at the young age of 38 on 8 February, 2017.
John hailed from 481 Ashling Park, Dundalk, and was a dedicated youth and community worker, who was honoured for his work for young people at risk, receiving the national volunteer achievement award in 2004.
It was a sphere in which he was engaged from a young age, and gave freely of his time within his own community in the Cox’s Demesne youth and community centre, and he went on to study at third level and made a career out of it.
John’s life involved helping others, including the homeless and the unfortunate, and he was possessed with a gift for organising and also finding solutions to problems.
He was one of four sons of Attracta and the late Hubert Kearney. They also had four daughters.
He grew up attending Redeemer Boys National School and then went to the local Christian Brothers School, but left before finishing his secondary education.
However, John returned to education and completed his Leaving Certificate, and went on to third level in Maynooth and Jordanstown, where he undertook youth and community studies.
His interest and commitment to young people and the community resulted in him spending ten years working with the Cox’s Demesne youth and community project before joining Youth Work Ireland in 2013.
He was involved in delivering programmes to youth clubs in the north-east, such as leadership skills and child protection, and he continued in this role with the organisation until his untimely passing.
Through work, he became very actively engaged in the Irish Youth Music Awards, and took a personal interest in encouraging and helping young people, including from the locality, to develop their musical talent.
At least one local lad he assisted on the path to securing a record deal. He also took groups of young people away on trips.
John displayed his philanthropic nature in taking to Lourdes a friend who sustained serious injuries in a motor accident.
He had great faith in Lourdes. He also organised a parachute jump to raise funds for the Cox’s Demesne school project and helped with the homeless, including an involvement in a local soup kitchen.
John idolised his 17-year-old son, Keelan, and took great pride in his home and had a deep love of his family.
He had a charming and bubbly personality, and took great pride in his appearance, and loved clothes. He went to the gym daily, and was especially fond of sun holidays.
Bouldering, a form of rock climbing, was another favourite pastime, and his love of music made him the life and soul of a party.
He was predeceased by his dad Hubert (Boo) and niece Kenzie. His passing is very deeply regretted by his loving mother, 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, neighbours and friends.
John reposed at the family home, 481 Ashling Park from Friday morning prior to his removal the next morning to the Church of The Holy Redeemer. Father Sean McGuigan celebrated Requiem Mass and gave the eulogy.
During Mass, the Readings were given by friend, Claire Duffy and John Menary, with the Prayers of the Faithful led by friends, Dawn Martin, Jacinta Grimes, Craig McGuinness and niece, Stacey Kearney.
Gifts symbolising John’s life were laid before the altar by nieces and nephews, Scott Kearney, Aaron Myles, Darren Kearney and Ellie Mae Conway. The Offertory gifts were taken up by brother, Dean and sister-in-law, Nicole. His brother Jason provided a reflection, and the music was by Olivia Finnegan and Roisin Crawley.
Burial took place in Saint Patrick’s cemetery, Dowdallshill.