Well known Castlecomer man, Sean McSweeney, remembered for his heart of gold
From this week's Castlecomer Notes
The death has occurred of Sean McSweeney, Maryville, in the care of the staff of the Suir Ward, St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny in the company of his family.
In his 96th year he was the most senior man in the town and was the oldest surviving resident from the Maryville Estate, where the family moved to in 1939.
In his younger days he excelled at athletics and was a renowned sprinter. Like so many he worked in the Deerpark Mines and then at Pierce’s Lemonade Factory on the Square.
In 1952 he followed his brother Tom and sister Bridget across the water to the bright lights of London. There his brother-in-law Mick Scanlon was instrumental in securing a position for Sean in the electrical business.
He quickly adapted to this new role and worked for over 20 years before returning home in 1974 to 42 Maryville with his daughter Sharon and son Alan. Again, he changed roles this time at ’Comer International Textile Factory where he was highly regarded and an executive member of ’Comer Workers Social Club with his great friend in life, the late Tom Hennessy. He mixed work with doing odd electrical jobs and also driving the school minibus for Willie Coogan.
Sean immersed himself in local community originations most notably the Parish Choir, the Male Voice Choir and was also a member of St Patrick’s Brass Band in Kilkenny City - how he loved those special performances at the county final in Nowlan Park.
Synonymous with the harmonica, at the drop of a hat he would join his loyal buddy the late John Devlin better known as the Gonnie. The duo performed a joint party piece regularly at various functions like the Coalmine Lounge and also were involved in numerous Singing Pubs competitions.
Active right up to the end, as evidenced by his daily trips to the Big Bridge and Eurospar, how he enjoyed those walks especially meeting up with his news analyst Willie Rochford. He had a heart of gold especially where his grandchildren and great grandchildren were concerned.
He was laid to rest in the Parish Cemetery after Requiem Mass celebrated in the Church of the Immaculate Conception by Monsignor Michael Ryan, PP Castlecomer assisted by Fr Ian Doyle, Kiltown.
Sean is survived by his daughter Sharon; son Alan; sister Bridget; grandchildren Nicola, Emma, Muireann and Eoghan; great grandchildren Caoimhe, Oisin, Caoilainn and Aisling; son-in-law Maurice; daughter-in-law Marie; nephews; nieces; other relatives and friends.