Vincent’s delight at following in the footsteps of great Kerry men

BALLINSKELLIGS native Vincent Harty said he is delighted to follow in the footsteps of the ‘great Kerry men’ who came before him to receive the Kerry Person of the Year award.

The Kerry man was presented with this honour at the Kerry Association gala evening in Cricklewood last Friday.

“I am more than delighted to receive the award. When you get older, things like this don’t happen to you,” he said.

“There are a lot of good Kerry men on that list.”

Vincent emigrated to the UK at the age of 16, 60 years ago, and he worked hard to build a successful life in his newly adopted home.

He began working in the pub trade but later moved to construction industry, where he was hugely successful, and in later years he returned to the pub trade, running a number of pubs starting with The Crown in Cricklewood. His daughter, Sheila, is now continuing the family tradition in his pub, The Rising Sun, in London.

He is married to Breda from Muiríoch, near Dingle, and the couple now spend much of their time in West Kerry at their home in Baile na nGall.

Vincent was joined by his family and friends from South and West Kerry at the celebration dinner on Friday night

“We had a fantastic night and a great weekend. I want to thank everyone for coming.,” he said.

Chairman of the Kerry Association London Danny Tim O’Sullivan said Vincent was more than deserving of the award.

Belinda Kissane presenting the Christy Kissane Memorial Trophy to Young Kerry Person of the Year Monika Dukarska with (from left) Tara Cronin Secretary and Danny Tim O’Sullivan, Chairman.

Kerry London Person of the Year Vincent Harty with Mary and Mick O’Sullivan, Sneem and Kenmare

ABOVE: Kay O’Mahony and Denis Nolan. LEFT: Hayley Nugent, Orla Harty, Aisling Price and Tara Dixon.

Marie and Tom O’Connor, Ballydaly