The national and international athlete of great note, Jerry Kiernan, passed away last week and many tributes were paid to him across media channels in Ireland.
His achievements in athletics were extraordinary and well-documented. Here’s a small story about Jerry that was revealed this week.
During my career in Dublin, I worked for one of the companies founded by the technology entrepreneur Pat McDonagh. Pat told me this week that he had shared the same Halls of Residence as Jerry when they were young student teachers at St Pats.
Up at Dawn
He recalled that both he and Jerry were about the only two students in the Halls who were up at dawn, Pat to go and cycle out to North County Dublin to milk cows on the family farm and Jerry to head out on a long training run.
All of these activities to precede a day of learning. Pat and others tried to persuade Jerry to join the St. Pat’s football and soccer teams but he declined, explaining that he needed to maintain his focus on his athletics.
Pat described Jerry as one of the nicest fellas he had the pleasure of meeting during his time at St. Pats. Rest in Peace.
Sad Happenings
We’ve had a number of very sad losses over the past few weeks. Sending our heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends of the following:
Willie Cahill, formerly of Ahane and of Boherbue, Co Cork. Sheila Lynch, nee O’Sulivan of Brosna, and Glandore, Co. Cork.
Anne Moloney, nee Geaney of Knocknadarrive, Brosna and of Cross, Co Clare and the aforementioned Jerry Kiernan, formerly Brosna Village and of Dublin.
You are all in our prayers.
Well Done: Fr. Tim Hits €30K Target
You will all be pleased to read that the fund raising drive by Fr. Tim Galvin that was launched before Christmas has reached its target.
An amount of €30,000 was raised by all of your generous donations.
The money is being used to build a post primary school in Riwota in the Sudan. Fr. Tim sends his thanks for all those who shared the story and donated.
Visit Facebook page A Spark for Tim for more detail.
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