Death announced of Kilkenny hurler John Kinsella

A Kilkenny hurling hero of the 1960s has passed away. John  Kinsella, from Ballyreddin, Bennettsbridge, was a member of the county team who won All-Irelands in the 60s. John passed away on 1st January 2024, peacefully, at St. Luke's Hospital, surrounded by his family. 

John (Jack) was a very well known and popular figure in Kilkenny in sporting and social circles - a sales rep for Barlow Nissan for many years his voice was familiar to many as a presenter on KCLR at weekends.

Not to be held back by ill health, when John was diagnosed with Parkinsons  he became a member of Cairdeas, the Kilkenny Parkinson's choir.

John's skills on the hurling pitch saw him play a leading role in the Bennettsbridge team for many years, winning three County Senior titles with his home parish, in 1966, 1967 and 1971. His selection for the Kilkenny team during the 1960s saw him playing, as a teenager, with the Kilkenny minor team before progressing to the Under 21 team and then joining the senior panel in 1967.

He went on to win two All Ireland medals with Kilkenny, in 1967 and 1972, and two Leinster Championship medals. In an online tribute, Kilkenny GAA expressed sadness and extended sympathy to John's family.

John was predeceased by his parents Jimmy and Johanna, brother-in-law Liam Hackett and more recently by his brothers-in-law Liam Dalton and Ned Kennedy. John will be greatly missed by his loving wife Sheila (née Dalton), daughters Jackie, Gerri, Owena, son Daniel, sister Moira, sons-in-law Barry Croke and Damien Grimes, daughter-in-law Linda Murray, his adored grandchildren Donncha, Leah, Alowen, Rose, Robyn, Tegan, Alice and Henry, nieces and nephew, his large extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends. 

Reposing at his home (R95W7Y3) today,  Tuesday, January 2,  from 3pm concluding with Rosary and Vigil Prayers at 7pm. House private at all other times please. Requiem Mass on Wednesday at 11am in St. Bennett's Church, Bennettsbridge. Interment afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. The Requiem Mass will be livestreamed:  https://www.youtube.com/live/mU0W5jdgTVY?feature=share Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to SOS, Kilkenny. Donation box in church.