Kilshannig, Avondhu and further afield mourn the late Philly Singleton

THERE was a sincere sense of sadness throughout the Kilshannig parish and across the Avondhu Division and further afield on Tuesday when news broke of the death of Philly Singleton, Gortroe, Lombardstown at Kanturk Community Hospital.

The late Philly, as he was best known, was in his 80th year. He gave a lifetime of service to the GAA and to his club Kilshannig. He was a player in football and hurling at Juvenile and at Adult level. He was part of the first Kilshannig Juvenile team to win a North Cork U-16 football championship in 1954. He became active in administration. He served as club football secretary from 1964 to 1966. He was club Treasurer for a period of 15 years during the 70s and 80s.

Philly became Club Secretary in the early 1990s and served up to 2013. He was also Vice Chairman Avondhu Juvenile Board in 1993, 1994 and 1995 before taking over Chairman from 1996 to 1998 inclusive. He also served the Board as a selector on many Divisional under age football teams that were successful in Liam Lyne and other Inter Divisional competitions. In 2002 he was awarded ‘Clubman of the Year’ in Kilshannig. He served as selector on many Kilshannig teams mainly at Junior B and Junior A level hurling. In 1988 when Kilshannig were crowned Co JBHC winners Phil was a selector. He served as a selector with Kilshannig Under age teams known as Thomas Russells from U-12 to U-18 for many years. In 1986 when the club won the County U-14 FC title he was also a mentor.

At the Avondhu GAA ‘ man of the match’ social in the Hibernian Hotel Mallow in 2016, Philly was presented with the ‘Hall of Fame’ in recognition of his great service to the Board over very many years.

As well as being involved in GAA he also had a great love for greyhounds. Over many years he was an owner, breeder and trainer. He always got the best out of his dogs which he took great pride in. One of his top greyhounds Glengarra Darkie qualified for the semi final of the Derby in 1973. He also had a very good coursing dog named Zoop Up Hill.

His popularity was borne out in the very large and represented attendance that were present at the removal on Wednesday evening from O’Connell’s Funeral Home St. James Ave. Mallow to St John’s Church Glantane and also at the Requiem Mass and burial to the local cemetery.

There was a guard of honour by Kilshannig GAA, along with members of the Coursing Club and many other sporting bodies in the Parish and outside on Wednesday night from the Monument to the Church as the coffin draped in the Kilshannig colours made its way to St. John Church. There was also a guard of honour on Thursday from the Church to the Graveyard. The graveside oration was given by club Secretary Ger O’Donovan.

To his wife Esther, sons Brian and Philip, daughters Elaine and Mary, sisters Mary, Nora, Nell, sons in law, daughters-in-law, nine grandchildren, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives neighbours and many friends we tender our sincere sympathy.