Minister Foley Expresses Sadness at the Death of Brendan Kennelly

On home ground: Brendan Kennelly addresses a gathering in St. Oliver’s National School at the opening of the festival in his honour in Ballylongford in August 2005. ©Photograph: John Reidy 4-8-2005
Minister Norma Foley expressing her sadness at the death of a poet she remembers with admiration and gratitude.

Like admirers and lovers of the arts everywhere, Minister for Education Norma Foley expressed her sadness at the passing of Ballylongford’s, Kerry’s and Ireland’s Brendan Kennelly. She sent the following note:

Saddened to hear of the passing of Brendan Kennelly. A proud Kerryman and giant of the world of literature. A wordsmith beyond compare blessed with a noble heart and infinite well of creativity. Many, many happy hours in times gone by spent with my students studying his wonderful poems. Remembering him with both gratitude and admiration. Rest in peace, Brendan.”

Funeral Arrangements for the late Brendan Kennelly

The death has occurred of Brendan Kennelly, poet and Professor Emeritus, TCD, Ballylongford, Co Kerry, and Trinity College Dublin.

Peacefully in the gentle and loving care of his family and the staff at Áras Mhuire Nursing Home, Listowel, Co Kerry, on October 17th 2021, after a long illness.

Much loved son of the late Timmie and Bridie Ahern, beloved father of the late Kristen ‘Doodle’ and loving brother to the late Colm and John.

He is deeply mourned and will be greatly missed by his brothers and sisters, Alan, Mary Kenny, Nancy McAuliffe, Paddy and Kevin, grandchildren Meg, Hannah and Grace, sisters-in-law Rena, Brenda, Kathleen and Marion, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, extended family, his wide circle of friends, and his former colleagues at Trinity College Dublin.

 Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a anam dílis

Friends of Brendan and members of the public are invited to pay their respects at the Church of St Michael the Archangel, Ballylongford, from 3.30pm to 5.30pm today,  Tuesday, October 19th.

Funeral Mass will be held at 12 noon in the Church of St Michael the Archangel, Ballylongford, on Wednesday, October 20th. followed by burial in Lislaughtin Cemetery, Ballylongford.

Family Members Only

Due to the current situation regarding the rise in Covid numbers, along with the impending flu season, in the interest of public health of all, the removal, funeral Mass and burial will be for family members only.

The Mass will be livestreamed on the following link: OGormans Memorial Video Services – Home | Facebook

Public Memorial in 2022

A public memorial will be held to celebrate Brendan’s life in 2022.

Donations, if desired, may be made to Áras Mhuire Nursing Home, Listowel, Co Kerry, or to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

Date Published: Monday 18th October 2021. Date of Death: Sunday 17th October 2021.

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