The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
A great family man, greyhound breeder and John Mitchels player laid to rest
NOEL Dalton, late of 4 Murphy’s Terrace, Ballymullen, and formerly of Clash East, Tralee, passed away on Saturday 24th September at Kerry University Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Born to Jack and Margaret Dalton on 1/21/1931, he was the second of three children alongside his sister Etta Dukes and his brother John Dalton.
He married Carmel Ryan in September 1959 and had three children, Caroline, Edward and Don; and six grandchildren, Katelyn, Danielle, Meadhbh, Ronan, Jordan and Julian.
He was a mechanic by trade and served his time with Blennerhassetts’ Garage. On completion of his apprenticeship he joined Kerry County Council as a mechanic, soon after transferring to a position as a lorry driver. His work took him all over Kerry, in the 43 years that he drove for the council, he must have driven every road in the county.
Despite this, when it came to leisure time he liked to remain in Kerry, he didn’t like to stray too far from home and enjoyed many family holidays in the Maharees.
He loved tinkering with engines and anything mechanical, but his greatest love was his family and of course his greyhounds which he bred, reared, trained and raced all his life. He was a keen footballer with John Mitchels GAA Club and played on some of the five-in-a-row winning teams back in the day, winning two championship medals of which he was very proud!
He loved to socialize with his John Mitchels colleagues over a pint and would have been deeply touched by the club’s Guard of Honour at his funeral, which included some of his lifelong friends, also a second Guard of Honour was attended by members of Fine Gael, for which we thank them.
In recent years Noel’s health deteriorated and was cared for at home by his loving wife Carmel.
The Dalton family would like to say a special thanks to the Dr O’Brien, the staff in Kerry University Hospital, Sam McCauleys, Baile Mhuire and Gleasure’s Funeral Home for their advice, kindness and support.
Noel will be forever missed, by his loving family, friends and everyone who knew him. May he rest in peace.