Former mayor Dominic is laid to rest
HUNDREDS of mourners turned out in Clonard last Tuesday to pay a final farewell to former Mayor of Wexford Dominic Kiernan.
Dominic who died on March 15, less than a year after his beloved wife Betty, was afforded a civic funeral by the council marking the many years of service he had given to the town and the community as a public representative.
His daughter Fiona gave the eulogy at the service and spoke of the myriad of organisations that her father had been involved in throughout the years. She also spoke about how the Kiernan house was always an open house and one of Dominic’s favourite sayings to people was ‘when are you coming to visit?’
One of the readings was done by Billy Walsh, Head Coach with the USA women’s boxing team. Dominic had been very involved in Billy’s early career and with the Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA).
Another person who spoke at his funeral was RTE sports journalist Siobhan Madigan reflecting the impact that Dominic had on a wealth of different sports over his life.
During the offertory procession Dominic’s grandson Kieran brought a copy of the IABA centennial stamp, a hurl, a pair of boxing gloves and a physically challenged games medal to the alter to represent Dominic’s sporting interests.
His granddaughter Leah brought a gavel signifying Dominic’s career as an auctioneer to the alter while his friend Ross Leanus brought a copy of the book 24 hours a day to represent his sobriety.
Son in law Michael brought up a Fianna Fail tie marking his long political association with the party while friend Pat Murphy brought up a selection of books by Billy Roche, Paul O’Brien and Larry Kirwan to represent Dominic’s interest in the arts and literary world.
In addition to bringing up the offertory gifts Dominic’s granddaughter Leah also sang Dancing in the Sky during the Requiem Mass which was celebrated by Fr Denis Lennon.
His daughter Avril recited the poem ‘How Did He Live’ during the service.
Prayers of the faithful were read by members of Dominic’s family and friends who also remembered his late wife Betty.
During his sermon Fr Lennon spoke of the massive contribution that Dominic had made within the Clonard community and indeed in Wexford at large. He spoke of his many interests and how he was always willing to help out with any worthy cause, no matter how busy he was.
Dominic’s Requiem Mass was also celebrated by Bishop Denis Brennan who gave the final blessing and a number of other clergy including Fr Murty Byrne.
A guard of honour was formed by members of Wexford Municipal District and by members of Wexford County Council following the service. The Wexford camogie players of 1968 and 1969 whom Dominic had led to All Ireland victory also formed a guard of honour.
In addition to many camogie players the funeral was also attended by former GAA players from all over the county who knew Dominic through his work as a masseuse with both the county team and many club teams over the years.
Dominic is survived by his sons Patrick and John, daughters Fiona and Avril, siblings Tom Brian, Kieran, Marie, Rita, and Phil, son-in-law Michael, daughter-in-law Sherry, grandchildren Kieran Leah, Colm, and Bryan, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends.