RIP: Tributes paid to 'highly regarded' Kilkenny GAA and broadcast figure

Tere was great sadness from Oldtown, Ballyragget to Skehana, Castlecomer when the news broke of the death of Richard Stone at St Luke’s Hospital. In recent years his health had deteriorated and he was admitted to Brookhaven Nursing Home.

He was highly regarded the length and breadth of the county. A Trojan worker for the GAA, he served as Secretary of Kilkenny Bórd na nÓg and was a great mentor to many underage players at St Patrick’s, Ballyragget.

Best known for his work with local radio, he enjoyed the role as he brought the game into kitchens home and away. His analysis and reporting of local hurling matches was always fair, accurate and to the point He was the driving force behind the very successful Phelan-Stone juvenile hurling tournament.

READ NEXT: Key players set to return to Kilkenny starting team to face Dublin 

An active community person he loved to socialise and when able he enjoyed the banter in the local hostelries especially in Dillon’s Corner House. He worked in Roadmaster Caravans and also at Castlecomer Mills where he served on the Union Committee. In his younger days he was a member of Castlecomer Athletic Club and hurled at juvenile and junior level with Erin’s Own.

A great provider for his large family he will be fondly remembered as a kind neighbour and a friend to many in their hour of need. A great conversationalist, witty to the last, when Richard took a deep breath it was a case of game set and match.

Following Requiem Mass in St Patrick’s Church, Ballyragget, which was celebrated by Fr Eugene O’Sullivan, PE Castlewarren assisted by Fr Willie Hennessy, PP Conahy the cortege was accompanied by a guard of honour from St Patrick’s GAA club to his final resting place in St. Finnan’s Cemetery.

Predeceased by his parents Richie and Dolie, brother Harold and by his son Benny, Richie is survived by his wife Ann; daughters Aisling, Marie, Jenny, Emer and Lorraine; sons Adrian, Ray, Harry and Richard; sister Ann (Moneenroe); brother Cecil (Skehana); sons-in-law; daughters-in-law; grandchildren Tommy, Ruairi, Oscar, Meabh, Lucy, Eve, Ruth, Elliot, Henry, Rosie, Sebastian, Holly, Malachy, Ayda, Cora, Lochlann, Tadgh, and Meaghan‘; ’ nieces, nephews other relatives and a large circle of friends.

FOR MORE KILKENNY GAA NEWS, CLICK HERE