People throughout New Ross and south Kilkenny were shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden death, following a road traffic accident, of Gerry Hennessy, Marshmeadows, New Ross.
PEOPLE ALL over New Ross and south Kilkenny are in shock this week following the death, in a road traffic accident on Friday, of local businessman, Gerry Hennessy, from Marshmeadows.
The accident, which occurred at around 10.55 a.m., at Dangan, Thomastown, involved three vehicles. Mr. Hennessy, who was in his late 60s, was the sole occupant of his car. He was treated at the scene by the emergency services but unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries.
The Gardai in Thomastown are appealing for information from anyone who may have witnessed the accident and are asking people to contact them on the Garda Confidential line at 1800-666-111.
A well respected member of the community in New Ross, Mr. Hennessy ran a successful home-based shop and petrol station on the Campile Road at Marshmeadows.
The huge regard in which he was held by everyone who knew him was underlined by the very large turnout at his Requiem Mass yesterday afternoon in the Church of the Assumption, Rosbercon.
Known for his sense of humour and always being up for a laugh Mr. Hennessy had a very wide circle of friends.
A hard working individual he dedicated his entire life to the welfare of his beloved wife, Catherine, and their family.
As one family member commented: “Whatever we wanted in life we got it from our father.”
Mr. Hennessy’s business career stretched back to the 1960s when he began his own digger operating enterprise. In the 1980s he expanded his business by developing a filling station at Marshmeadows – which he himself built from scratch.
He carried on working the two businesses in tandem and was extremely successful at both until his son, Ger, took over from him.
A passionate sports fan Mr. Hennessy’s love of the GAA, in particular, probably stemmed from the fact he was originally from Glensinsaw, Tinneranny, Co. Kilkenny.
His interest in sport also extended to running and he was founder member of the St. Joseph’s Athletic Club – members from which formed a Guard of Honour at the funeral service yesterday.
Members of the Tullogher G.A.A. Club also paid their respects in a similar fashion at yesterday’s funeral.
In his youth Mr. Hennessy was a formidable athlete and was a highly respected member of aforementioned running club.
His love of sport was something he shared with his wife, Catherine, who at one time represented Ireland and is a world cross-country medal winner having competed at world championship events in in both Durban and Buffalo.
His wife’s success was something Mr. Hennessy took great pride in and as one family member said: “He got more satisfaction out of that than he did with anything he did himself.”
Mr. Hennessy met his wife in Tramore where she was working as a cook. It was a case of instant attraction and the loving couple spent their entire adult life devoted to themselves and to their children.
Catherine is originally from Ballykeerogue and the couple were married in 1978. They used to enjoy going back down to where they first met, in Tramore, every Sunday for something to eat and to just enjoy each others company.
Mr. Hennessy also had a great love for his pet dog, Charlie, which he brought for walks every morning and evening along by the marshes near his home.
His love for his children was something only replicated by his love and interest in his grandchildren whom he doted on.
His passing has left a huge void in the lives of everyone who knew him and the sudden and unexpected nature of his death has compounded the sense of loss for the bereaved. Following yesterday’s mass Mr. Hennessy’s remains were laid to rest in Rosbercon Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife, Catherine, sons, Ger and Damien, daughters, Emma and Nicola, their partners, Eoin and Robert, daughters-in-law, Caitriona and Majella, grandchildren, Gerard, Lilly and Sam, sisters, Nonie, Josie and Mary, father-in-law, Jim, mother-in-law, Anna, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, Kitty, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and very large circle of friends.
