Fenton’s service will be remembered
THE death occurred recently of John Fenton, Ballinahina, Fermoy after a long illness bravely borne at Marymount Hospice Cork.
The late John in his 85th year was very well known throughout the County and further afield. He gave a lifetime of service to the GAA in Fermoy over a period of 70 years.
He was appointed President of Fermoy GAA in 1982 and held that position up to his death. One of his first memories of Fermoy GAA was the County SFC success in 1945 when Fermoy were crowned county champions.
He cycled to Cork that day to see his side overcome Clonakilty. He played Minor football with Fermoy club from 1946 to 1950 winning four Divisional minor football medals.
In 1948 he won a Minor HL medal and in 1949 and 50 Minor Hurling championship medals. He was on the Cork Minor football panel in 1949 an was full back in 1950 when Cork lost out to Kerry in the Munster MFC final.
He was a regular playing member of the Fermoy senior football team throughout the greater part of the 50s and 60s. The late won a Kelleher Shield medal in the 59/60 season and a Novice hurling medal in 1958.
He played Intermediate hurling championship in the early 60s before winning a North Cork JAHC medal in 1964. As an administrator served the club in various positions starting off as Assistant Treasurer and was club Chairman for 12 years.
He was known and respected by all involved in Fermoy GAA both young and old. He served as Treasurer Avondhu Juvenile Board for eight years in the 80s. He was a Cork Minor Football selector for four years as well as being an Avondhu selector in both Hurling and Football.
During his time he was presented with many awards including the Hall of Fame from both the Avondhu Juvenile and Avondhu Junior Board. He served as a delegate to Avondhu Board and also to the Cork Co Board for a number of years.
Brendan Keane Chairman gave a glowing tribute of John’s involvement with the GAA during the Requeim Mass. His popularity was borne out in the massive attendance at the removal on Sunday evening from Neligan’s Funeral Home Fermoy.
Crowds assembled in extremely cold and vicious weather conditions prior to the opening of the Funeral Home. Huge crowds young and old gathered for the guard of honour as the cortege made its way to St. Patrick’s Church.
There was also a capacity attendance the following day at the Requiem Mass and burial. Interment took place to Kilcrumper Cemetery.
To his wife Pauline, son John, daughters Jill (Gubbins) Imelda (Kiely) Mercy (Fenton) sister Mary Sargent, daughter in law, sons in law, grandchildren, brother in law, nieces, nephews, relatives extended family neighbours and friends we tender our sincere sympathy.