Retired teacher Aidan had a stellar sporting career

AIDAN Kerrigan who passed away shortly before Christmas was a teacher for more than 40 years and an All-Ireland-winning hurler.

He died suddenly at his home in Grange, Knockbridge on 23 December, 2018. He had celebrated his 67th birthday on 10 December.

Aidan taught in Dundalk CBS/Coláiste Rís for 42 years after winning an All-Ireland Minor Championship medal with his native Wexford in 1968.

Originally from Camolin near Gorey, he was one of ten children of Joseph and Gertie Kerrigan.

After attending Camolin National School he went to St Peter’s College, Wexford, before continuing his education at third-level in Maynooth.

His first posting as a teacher was to the then Dundalk CBS where Aidan remained until his retirement in 2017.

A valued and popular member of staff, his main subject was English and he also taught Geography and History. He was also very much involved in sport at the school and took charge of a number of teams over the years.

Indeed sport, hurling in particular, was a huge part of his life. Aidan played his early hurling with the local St Patrick’s (Ballyoughter).

He lined out at right-half-back when Wexford overcame Cork on a 2-13 to 3-7 score-line in the All-Ireland Minor Final in Croke Park on 1 September, 1968. This is the Model County’s last success at that level.

Earlier that year Aidan helped St Peter’s College to its second successive All-Ireland senior title.

In addition to his Leinster medals with Wexford and St Peter’s in 1968, that year he also won a Leinster Colleges football medal with St Peter’s and a Leinster minor football title with Wexford.

At U-21 level, Aidan won two Leinster hurling titles with the county in 1970 and 1971, before claiming the Fitzgibbon Cup in 1973 and again the following year with Maynooth University.

Upon moving to the north-east he was closely associated with Naomh Moninne in Dundalk before he was among the founder-members of Knockbridge Hurling Club.

He was on the Louth team that won an All-Ireland Junior Hurling Championship in 1977 and on thirteen occasions won the county championship with Naomh Moninne.

On the football field, Aidan enjoyed Joe Ward Cup success with Roche Emmets in 1980.

As a manager, he took charge of Louth hurlers and also guided Naomh Moninne to senior championship glory.

He managed Knockbridge to a famous ‘fivein-a-row’ between 2005 and 2009 when all of his three sons, Conor, Shane and Gavin were on the team.

Aidan married Mairéad O’Connor and they had a family of four, Michelle, Conor, Shane and Gavin.

Aidan’s sporting interest also extended to soccer. He turned the garden at home into a football pitch – no flowers could get in the way - marking it out for every World Cup.

He was a big fan of Brazil but ‘Samba’ hurling was also played in the garden which became a focal point for neighbours and friends.

He never let go of his love for Wexford hurling and delighted in the county winning the Liam McCarthy Cup in 1996.

Aidan had a wonderful sense of humour which endeared him to many people.

He loved music and playing the guitar. Aidan also enjoyed poetry, reading and gardening but above all was a great family man who relished time spent with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Mairéad; daughter, Michelle; sons, Conor, Shane and Gavin; grandchildren, Ryan, Iona and Caden; brothers, Colm and Finbarr; sisters, Mella, Dympna, Mary and Fidelma; son-in-law, Niall; daughter-in-law, Tara; brothers- and sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Aidan was predeceased by his parents, and his brothers, Noel, Declan and Ciarán.

After reposing at home, his remains were removed to St Mary’s Church, Knockbridge, where the funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr Gerry Campbell, Fr Michael Murtagh, Fr Paddy Coyle and Fr Kevin Seery.

Readings were given by Pádraig Hamill, Aidan’s former colleague in Coláiste Rís and long-time friend Mick Challoner.

Prayers of the faithful were led by David Kettle, whom Aidan taught; daughter, Michelle; sister-in-law, Caroline O’Connor; nephew, Kiar Kerrigan; neighbour, Frank McGeeney; daughter-in-law, Tara and son, Gavin.

Symbols of Aidan’s life were brought to the altar. Gavin took up a Wexford jersey, Conor a sliothar and camán; Shane took up a sod of earth representing the playing field Aidan made at home and his love of gardening; while Michelle carried a scrabble board she made. It includes the family’s names and symbolises her father’s love of words and his family.

Sisters, Mella and Mary participated in the offertory procession.

Music was provided by neighbours, Frank McGeeney, Orla McGeeney and Niamh Sweeney. Frank sang Aidan’s favourite song ‘Deportees’.

Ciarán Moloney, a native of Galway, and a teacher in Coláiste Rís, was the piper.

Burial took place afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.