Castleislanders of a certain vintage will remember with great fondness the whistling abilities of the late John Cronin. John passed away early today after a long illness.
A great darts player during the height of the popularity of the game in the 1970s and 80s, he worked for many years in Browne’s Mineral Waters from both its Limerick Road headquarters and later, its Tralee Road base. He accompanied Browne’s delivery lorry driver, the late Willie Kenny on many a journey around the county.
Naturally gifted and with a lightening fast wit, John also worked on the buildings in the area for a while and many colleagues found that he was a man who could turn his hand with great success to anything he put his mind to.
But it is for his melodious whistling that he will be remembered by his generation and anyone lucky enough to have heard him. It was from this gift and the free and open expression of it on the street that he got his nick-name The Cock – it was well earned and couldn’t be avoided in a town merciless in its application of appellations. May God be good to him.
The following is the notice with arrangements from RIP.IE
The death has occurred of John CRONIN, 41 St. John’s Park, Castleisland, Co. Kerry.
Sadly missed by his loving wife Eileen, son John, daughter Helen, step family Noreen, Anne-Marie, Pa and Con, grandchildren Charlene, Ava, Jessica, Shannon, Lauren, Ali and Evan, sisters Lily and Bridie, brothers Jimmy, Mikie Joe and Sean, all extended family, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
Reposing at Tangney’s Funeral Home on Thursday evening from 5pm to 7pm Removal from his residence on Friday morning arriving to Castleisland Parish Church for Requiem Mass at 11am. Burial afterwards in Kilbanivane Cemetery, Castleisland. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu to the Parkinson’s Association c/o Tangney’s Funeral Home.
May He Rest In Peace