Talented Derry will be fondly remembered by all who knew him

THE death occurred in Dublin, on Wednesday, June 10, of Derry (Jeremiah) Dowling, Knockanish East, The Spa, Tralee. He was a member of the well known Tralee family and a recognised talented ceramic tiling contractor for over 45 years.

Derry, who was aged 82, was son of the late William (Bill) and Johanna (nee Quilter) Dowling. Derry attended CBS Edward Street and afterwards the Green. His father was a native of Stradbally and his mother from Lixnaw.

After leaving school he spent a short time in London following which he joined the Garda Siochana in July 1958 and spent four years posted in various locations around the country. He left the service with an exemplary record, but wanted more adventure so he ended up emigrating to New York in 1962. It was there he did his apprenticeship with an Italian firm in New Jersey and he met the love of his life, Rita, at an Irish dance in Queens. After a short engagement, they were married, moved to New Jersey and had two daughters. With his increasing family he branched into property development. He bought and sold and developed houses in New Jersey which would come in very handy when he returned to Ireland and built his own family home.

Despite all his adventures and successes in America, Derry missed his beloved Kerry, so in 1976 the family moved back to Tralee. He set up his own ceramic tiling business and worked the length and breadth of the county and country installing ceramic tiles in bathrooms, kitchens and buildings like Kerry Co-Op in Listowel, the Post Office Edward Street and Ashe Memorial Hall. He loved the chat with all his clients and his distinctive laugh and devilment was never far behind!

He will be particularly remembered for his involvement in the Spa/Fenit Group water scheme. He recognised the basic human right for the access to clean water, so he worked tirelessly to gather signatures for the petition that finally paved the way for the introduction of mains water to the Spa/Fenit area.

He was an avid Kerins O’Rahillys and county team supporter, travelling to all matches the length and breadth of the country with his beloved brothers and family.

Derry was always generous with his time and had time for conversation with everyone. He was a deep thinker and loved working things through and problem solving. He loved sharing his experiences and adventures, especially with his grandchildren.

He was always up for new adventures and experiences even in his retirement. So when the opportunity came to move to Dublin he grabbed it with open arms. While it proved to be a tougher and more difficult one than those he faced in his younger days, it was one he embraced until the end.

His funeral mass was celebrated in the Church of the Purification, Churchill and he is buried in Realt na Mara Cemetery, Churchill. The late Derry Dowling is survived by his wife Rita, children Annmarie and Kayrena, sisters Birdie, Mary and Angela, six grandchildren, sons in law, brother in law, sisters in law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

The Late Derry Dowling