OBITUARY: Kilkenny community mourn unexpected passing of 'popular' man

The people of Freshford village and surrounds are still reeling in shock following the unexpected passing of one of its most popular residents, Ned Kennedy.

Ned, who took ill unexpectedly and passed away a week later at St Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny, was held in such high esteem in the village and locality. Heavily involved in the local community, he was a teacher for many years in the local national school and then served in Tullaroan NS for a number of years before returning back to St Lachtain’s NS, where he remained until his retirement.

A fluent Irish speaker, he was deeply involved in history and wrote books on local history including Friggers Alley, St Lachtain’s Old Graveyard Memorial survey, Freshford families in World War I and In Slips, the history of coursing in Freshford, as well as a book on the 19th Century artist Edmund Fitzpatrick, who was baptised in Freshford way back in 1822.

Ned was involved in the local groups over the years including St Lachtain’s GAA club, where he served in official roles for many years. He was also the president of the local branch of St Vincent de Paul, where he did Trojan work in helping people behind the scenes.

A keen GAA supporter, he would travel to games at the far end of the country. He was a keen walker and organised various walks over the years. He also travelled to Spain to do the famous Camino Walk a couple of years ago.

He was a kind and caring neighbour and was one of the founders of the Ionad Lachtain Arts and Heritage Centre at St Lachtain’s old church and was the instigator of the museum attached to the church.

A devoted husband, father and brother, he was a great man for the local community and will be sadly missed by all. The queues along Kilkenny Street on the evening of his reposing was testament to the respect and esteem in which he was held in as people travelled from far and wide to pay their respects.

The funeral mass was celebrated in St Lachtain’s Church by Monsignor Kennedy, assisted by Fr Ollie Maher and Fr Eamon O’Gorman. The local schoolchildren and the local GAA and various clubs formed a guard of honour. Burial was in St Lachtain’s Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife Eileen, sons John and Lachtain, daughters Niamh and Eadaoin, brother Murty, sister Margaret, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, niece and extended family.