Seán was a treasure in a class of his own

SEÁN McKenna who died on September 15 at his home in ‘Ard Rua’ Newtown Road, Wexford, was born on February 17 1935 in Lathaoibh, Ballyferriter, where he was the eldest son of the late Bridget and Patrick McKenna.

Seán grew up with his sister Hannah and brothers Tom, Mike and Séamus. He walked to primary school, one field away from the farmhouse. After sixth class he went to Coláiste Íosagáin in Ballyvourney and from there entered St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra where he trained as a national school teacher.

In July 1954 at the age of 19 he was appointed Principal of St. Joseph’s National School, Ballymitty and taught there for 46 years, becoming the longest serving principal in one single school in the history of the State.

Seán was interested in all sports, especially football and when Kerry was playing he was in his element.

He had a flair for drawing and he often sketched historical scenes on the blackboard to enhance his teaching. Every pupil leaving St. Joseph’s NS had the history of Ireland, from the landing of the Normans at Bannow Bay in 1169 to the Easter Rising of 1916 drilled into their memory!

Being a native Irish speaker he imparted his love for the language to all his pupils. During his summer holidays for many years he taught Irish in ‘Coláiste na Mumhan in Ballingeary.

In 1969 he married Maura and they recently celebrated 47 years of marriage. His daughter Nessa was born in 1975 and his son Éanna in 1977. He cherished his children and encouraged them in all their endeavours.

His granddaughter Sarah was his pride and joy and their loving relationship sustained him throughout his recent illness.

Until his illness took over he was an avid reader - mainly of Irish history – and he attended book fairs and auctions throughout the country. Stamp collecting was another of his hobbies and ‘First Day Covers’ arrived from the GPO regularly.

His interest in sport never wavered and even in the final weeks of his life he followed the World Cup and the Olympic Games mostly on radio due to his failing eyesight. He was not at all impressed when Dublin beat Kerry in the All-Ireland semi final.

Though Kerry was his home, he had great love and admiration for his adopted county of Wexford and its people.

In recent years he was diagnosed with PSP, a rare form of Parkinsons disease. This he bore without complaint and he never let it interfere with his life. He passed away peacefully on Thursday September 15 at 5.15pm.

He is survived by his wife Maura, daughter Nessa, son Éanna and grandchildren Sarah and Emmanuel. His month’s mind Mass will take place at 6pm on Saturday, October 15, in Rowe Street Church, Wexford.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis.

Seán McKenna RIP