Remembering the late John Kirwan
There was a great sense of shock and sadness in the Ballygiblin, Mitchelstown and surrounding areas, when news broke of the death of John Kirwan on Thursday, May 2.
In his 80th year, John was a native of Dromcollogher and came to Mitchelstown in 1969, before moving out to the Ballygiblin area in the ‘70s. He was a very popular member of the local community and retired from Galtee Foods in the ‘ 80s. Later, he was employed by Horgan's Delicatessen Supplies.
Predeceased by his wife Margaret (Peg), he was very much involved in Comhaltas and was a former chairman of the local branch. He was a huge inspiration to so many people, young and old, in dancing, singing and musical circles. The Comhaltas group are far richer for his unique contribution.
In his time, he drove the success of the Ballygiblin group in music and dance, having had a major impact in many people’s lives. He served with the parents’ association in Ballygiblin school.
A great man to meet for a chat, he loved hurling and his native Limerick, whom he followed so much. He was a long serving member of the P.T.A.A. The late John was a great family man, who loved walking, going for his daily trip.
He was a major fundraiser for Ballygiblin GAA when the pitch and dressing rooms were being done in 1984. He was also a selector with many juvenile hurling teams from the early ‘80s.
Scór was officially founded in Avondhu in 1969. Competitions were held in the local school for a number of years and John Kirwan had a major impact into these events. In the mid ‘80s, he was appointed cultural officer. Under his leadership and that of his late wife, Peg, the Ballygiblin club had many successes.
John was also very much involved in the organising and promoting of the very successful Michael Ryan School of Dancing who competed in the World Championships in Ennis in 1996. Throughout the ‘90s they won many titles at North Cork and county level.
John Kirwan was appointed vice president of Ballygiblin GAA in the early ‘90s, a position that he held till his death. The Ballygiblin GAA colours were draped on his coffin.
His popularity was borne out in the very large and representative attendance that were present at his residence, Knocknamuck on Sunday for his funeral. There was also a capacity attendance at Ballygiblin church on Monday for his requiem Mass and burial afterwards to Brigown cemetery.
To his daughters Josephine, Noreen (Corkery), Margo (Hennessy), Kay (Kelly) and Trish (Lambe), sons Seamus and Ger, brother Mossie, 14 grandchildren, his friend Rene, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, daughter-in-law Sinead, sons-in-law Ramon, Ray, Ger, Eric and Colin, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and many friends, we tender our sincere sympathy. May he rest in peace.