RIP: Kilkenny mourns the passing of 'skilled tradesman' and popular figure
Ar dheis de go raibh a anam
Market Street has lost one of its more senior and respected men with the death of Johnny Hetherington at St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny surrounded by his loving family. Some 21 years ago he suffered a life changing stroke which he endured patiently and was able to maintain his dignity thanks to the exceptional care he received primarily from his wife Teresa with assistance from the family.
He was ever so glad to be able to remain in in own home right up to a few weeks ago. The remote control was never out of his sight and he enjoyed watching snooker and black and white westerns on TV.
Johnny was a skilled tradesman, a plasterer by trade he worked on numerous schemes throughout the area. In his spare time he played snooker in the old CYMS Hall, a talented singer he took to the stage in Pantomimes with Deenside Players and was also a former member of the Male Voice Choir.
He loved to socialise and enjoyed a pint or two in the Corner House, and shared stories mixed with a bit of banter. He most certainly would have approved of the wonderful singing of his former mates in the Male Voice Choir at his funeral Mass. Predeceased by his parents Elizabeth and Edward, sisters Sally and Geraldine and brother-in-law Michael.
He was laid to rest in the Parish Cemetery after Requiem Mass celebrated in the Church of the Immaculate Conception by Fr. Ian Doyle, Associate Priest, Castlecomer assisted by Mgr. Michael Ryan P.E. St. Johns Kilkenny.
Johnny will be sadly missed by his wife Teresa ; sons Jason and Darren ; daughter Andrea ; sisters Dina and Dolores ; brother Willie ; grandchildren Emma, Ryan, Keagan, Ewan, Rhys and Rylee ; daughters-in- law Linda and Darlene ; son-in-law Ben ; nieces, nephews other relatives and a wide circle of friends.