The late Mick Connell

The death occurred on March 14 last of Michael Connell, Roscrea Road.

Known to most as Mick, he was born in Killorglin, Co Kerry in 1937. Following school, he landed a job in Champs hardware in the town. They had a grocery and undertaking business too and there was plenty to do.

Mick decided it was time for change and in 1960 he joined An Garda Síochána and, following the completion of his training in Dublin, he was posted to Templemore. The following year Mick married fellow Killorglin native Mary McKenna, and the newlyweds set up home in Templemore, eventually settling in their new home on the Roscrea Road.

They were blessed with six children - Kathleen, Breda, Maura, Eilish, Michael and Maurice. With the exception of one year spent in Burnfoot in County Donegal during the troubles, Mick served his entire Garda career in Templemore, between the local station and the Garda College.

He became an integral part of the volunteer community in Templemore during this time and served with many organisations. He had a great passion for politics and was elected to the Urban District Council in 1999. He was re-elected in 2005 and again in 2009. He was very proud to serve as Mayor of Templemore in 2005.

Mick was also very proud of his 42 years unbroken service to the Cashel and Emly Diocesan Group, who made the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes, for which he ran many fundraising events. He was a founder member of Templemore Athletic club in 1976 and gave very generously of his time to the youth of Templemore and the surrounding parishes.

Following the dissolution of the Town Council in 2014, Mick got involved in Templemore Community Development Association in recent years, making a telling contribution. He was also very involved with Templemore Active Retirement and served as their Chairman.

Mick was interested in all sports, loved his golf and of course was an avid Kerry football supporter. He served as Captain of Templemore Golf Club in 1990. Cards were another interest with a game of whist being his favourite.

But despite all the volunteering, family was first for Mick, and he took a great interest in his children’s lives and later the lives of his adored grandchildren. The large turnout for Mick’s removal and funeral was testament to his popularity in the community.

And perhaps it was quite fitting that his burial took place on St Patrick’s Day amid the hustle and bustle of the twinners from France and the local parade, of which he was such a central part of for many years.

A proud Kerry man who left a great legacy to Templemore. Rest in peace, Mick.