RIP: Accomplished singer and 'focal point' of the community laid to rest in Kilkenny

The death has occurred of Annette Kennedy (née Dunphy), Kilkenny Road, Castlecomer at St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny.

A member of the Dunphy family, she grew up with her siblings in Kilkenny Street and lived the greater part of her life in the town.

She worked in the retail sector both in Dublin and the UK before returning home to open up her own business.

An accomplished singer, she took part in numerous pantomimes with Deenside Players.

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Annette was the focal point in the parish and was secretary to Monsignor Ryan for over 28 years.

She loved her role where she touched and enriched the lives of so many in the locality.

The wonderful service was quite rightly recognised when Annette was awarded the Benemerenti Medal by Pope Francis in November 2022.

In her spare time the game of bridge was so important from a playing and coaching perspective. She leaves a legacy of a life well lived so faithful, caring and respectful all made possible by the wonderful care she received from her beloved son Emmet.

How fitting the gospel chosen for the Requiem Mass was the Beatitudes for a woman who lived every line to the full.

As the cortege made its final journey to the Church there was a joint guard of honour composed of Castlecomer Bridge Club and Castlecomer Active Retirement Association.

Burial was in the parish cemetery after Requiem Mass celebrated in the Church of the Immaculate Conception by Monsignor Michael Ryan, PE St John’s Kilkenny, assisted by Fr Richard Scriven, PP Castlecomer; Fr Tom Corcoran, PP Clogh and Fr Ian Doyle, Associate Priest Castlecomer.

She is survived by her son Emmet; brothers, Jack (Ballyragget), Paddy (Waterford), Brendan (Dublin); sister-in-law Frances; nephews and nieces; cousins; extended family and a host of friends.

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