HARD-WORKING SEAN LOVED THE OUTDOORS
THE community of Avoca bid a fond farewell to their friend and neighbour Seán Kenny of Station Road who passed away recently.
Sean would have turned 87 years of age on Friday, December 8.
Born in 1930 to Richard and Brigid Kenny, Tigroney, Seán was one of 14 siblings, all of whom sadly predeceased him through the years.
Anyone who knew Seán, knew that he had a tremendous work ethic. He prided himself on never missing a single day throughout his working life which only came to and end when he reached the age of 82.
Seán worked in the mill at Avoca Handweavers before taking up employment as a barman in the Woodenbridge Hotel and later The Fountain Bar, Avoca - now known as Fitzgerald’s.
From there, Seán commenced what would become a 26 year long post in the Avoca Mines, where the work was tough, but he made firm friends.
Later in his life, Seán worked in Woodfab in Aughrim before moving on to his final role as a caretaker in Dublin.
Despite getting on in years, Seán never minded hopping on the bus before doing his day’s work in the city.
He always endeavoured to be diligent, hardworking and professional, and couldn’t understand why anyone could put off a job until tomorrow that could be done today.
Those who knew Seán certainly knew of his love of donkeys. He got his first donkey from his father at the age of 11 and continued to keep them throughout his entire life.
Seán grew up in a time where all farming and gardening work was carried out with the help of a donkey, and even when times changed and machinery became the tool of choice, he continued to plough his own vegetable garden with the help of his beloved donkeys.
Seán loved the outdoors and he was very house-proud and like to keep both his garden and his home looking their best.
In 1957, he married Ann (née Monaghan) from Duncormick in Co Wexford and the couple honeymooned in White’s Hotel.
Once their son John arrived, the family spent many a happy summer holiday in Ann’s native county. Seán and Ann were great dancers and were often seen taking a turn on the dancefloor at weddings and other family functions. Sean would often joke that he got itchy feet when he heard the music play. Sadly, Ann passed away in 2000.
Seán had a great relationship with his son John and when he became a grandfather to Jonathan, Sarah and David he was extremely proud of them and their achievements.
Seán enjoyed a drink in the Fountain Bar which he jokingly referred to it as ‘the office’. He had many friends in the village and they shared many a laugh in their local over the years.
The kindness of the proprietors of Fitzgerald’s in providing refreshments after Seán’s funeral was very much appreciated by the Kenny family.
Seán was a great Fianna Fáil man and was a lifelong voter for the party. Regardless of a person’s politics, Seán mixed with everyone and treated everyone with kindness and respect.
His faith formed a very important part of Seán’s life also and he volunteered for the church collections at the parish church in Avoca.
Seán spent his final years in the wonderful care of the staff at St Colman’s Hospital, Rathdrum, where he was very happy and content.
There was huge turnout for Seán’s funeral mass and burial in Castlemacadam cemetery, with mourners from all over Wicklow, including Carnew where his father Richard had roots, Wexford and Northern Ireland.
Seán is sadly missed by his son John, daughter-in-law Susan, grandchildren Jonathan, Sarah and David, extended family and friends.
May he rest in peace.