The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Kerry icon and ‘O’Shea’s Merchant’ owner passes away in County Kildare
THERE was sadness this week at the passing of Ned O’Shea, the well-known owner of O’Shea’s Hotel on Talbot Street, Dublin; and O’Shea’s Merchant on Lower Bridge Street, Dublin, the bar of choice for many Kerry supporters on their travels to Croke Park.
Mr O’Shea (81) passed away on Saturday at Ryevale Nursing Home in Leixlip, County Kildare, where he had been receiving care for about a year and a half. Prior to this, family had cared for him in Crowhill, Annascaul, for some three years.
Born in Annascaul in 1937, Mr O’Shea was one of five children to John O’Shea and Mary Rohan.
He married the Mary Kennedy from Gortacurraun in 1962, and the couple had three sons and three daughters.
He moved to Dublin in 1973, a family member told The Kerryman, and he bought the iconic O’Shea’s Merchant in 1985. Later that decade, he bought O’Shea’s Hotel.
A gifted musician, Mr O’Shea was best-known for his accordi- on-playing, though he was also known for his ability on the saxophone. Family told The Kerryman that “he could turn his hand to just about any instrument”.
He brought his music worldwide and even played at
The White House for then-US President
Bill Clinton. The story goes that one onlooker asked, “Who’s that fella with Ned?”
Never losing touch with his roots, his love of Kerry was well-reciprocated. In 1995, he was named Kerry Person of the Year by the Kerry Association in Dublin, and O’Shea’s Merchant has remained a firm favourite of Kerry supporters preparing and coming from big championship games in Croke Park.
Predeceased by his wife, Mary, Mr O’Shea is mourned by his daughters, Geraldine, Noranne, and Teresa; sons, John, Pat, and Cathal; sister, Nora, his only surviving sib- ling; his 22 grandchildren; his great-grandson; extended family; and many friends.
He will be laid to rest later today (August 22) at Confey Cemetery, Leixlip, County Kildare, following Funeral Mass at Adam and Eve’s Franciscan Church on Merchant’s Quay, Dublin.
Donations, if desired, can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or Gairdín Mhuire Day Care Centre, Dingle.