Appreciation: the late Denis Carroll
THIS weekend marks the first anniversary of the untimely death of Denis Carroll, Kilberehert, Freemount, who died on December 4, 2015.
The Freemount community and neighbouring communities were dumbfounded on hearing of the passing of Denis during a family visit to Australia.
Denis was a proud family man. His loyalty to his local community was noteworthy, with active involvement in numerous organisations, particularly in the fields of sport, politics and agriculture.
Denis was born the second youngest in a family of four. Having attended both Freemount N.S. and Kanturk Technical School, Denis chose to remain in his native home of Freemount, taking over the family farm in the 1970’s.
Like many of his era, Denis became an active member of Freemount Macra na Feirme. Winning the Farm Accounts Competition in 1973 was a major achievement for Freemount Macra na Feirme, putting the club on the map at both county and national level. Denis was a member of the winning team who were treated to a five day sponsored trip to the Smithfield Show in England.
Following many years as an active member, Denis went on to become Chairperson of the club in 1976.
In the years that followed, Denis became pro-active in numerous farming organisations including the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) and the Irish Farmers Association (IFA), taking on the role of Chairperson of Freemount IFA in 2001.
Denis was also a passionate member of the Cork Friesian Breeder’s Club (CFBC), representing the North Cork Region.
This experience and longstanding commitment to farming affairs lead Denis to becoming elected on the Kerry Co-Operative Board in 2004 and an elected member of the Kerry Group PLC Board in 2005.
During this period, Denis represented local farmers at management level, highlighting relevant farming issues which commonly arose in the agricultural sector.
Denis was most passionate about politics. His own family were steeped in Fine Gael tradition and he was a proud Fine Gael member throughout his life. His leadership qualities were recognised when he was elected Chairperson of the local branch in 2008. He held this position up until the time of his death.
He represented the branch at constituency and national level by attending regular meetings and Ard Fheiseanna.
His accurate analysis of political affairs and his advice and recommendations for our public representatives was most evident at branch meetings. His dedication and commitment to Fine Gael was most obvious during election time where he energetically canvassed for local candidates,
even during the springtime, a notably busy time in the world of farming.
Denis gave a lifetime of service to the GAA as a player, selector and administrator. After a long playing career with Freemount, he was a selector on numerous Freemount, St. Marks, Duhallow and Cork teams. These teams would have included the Freemount team that contested the County Junior Hurling Final in 1998, the St. Marks minor hurling team which won the County Minor A Hurling League in 2003, the Duhallow minor hurling team that won the County Rural Premier Minor title in 2002, and the Cork under 15 hurling team which won the 2000 inter county hurling tournament.
Having previously served as Secretary of Freemount GAA, Denis was Chairman from 1989 to 1991. He represented the Club as delegate to both the Duhallow adult and juvenile boards for over 20 years.
Denis gave tremendous service to the juveniles acting as Chairman of the Juvenile Club between 1995 and 2003. He also served as vice chairman of the Duhallow Juvenile Board and was a member of the GPC of the Duhallow Juvenile Board and later Rebel Og North up to the time of his untimely death.
Denis, father of the late Niamh, is survived by his wife, Teresa, daughters Fiona and Gráinne, and son Ben. He will be remembered for his boundless energy and the time he committed to his community which he held so dearly.