Well-known Kerry figure dies aged 86

THE well-known political and business figure in Killarney, Co Kerry, Christy McSweeney, has died aged 86.

Mr McSweeney was a Fine Gael member of Killarney Urban Council and Kerry County Council for many years and also a long-serving County Kerry Vocational Education Committee member which he chaired for five years.

A native of Ranaleen, Currow, Co Kerry, he purchased a pub at Fairhill, Killarney, in 1950 which became known as The Pine Grove. He ran with his wife, Peg, for over 40 years. It became one of Killarney’s most popular premises and a favourite haunt of Cork and Kerry supporters. It is now run by son Tony.

Fine Gael’s senator Paul Coghlan said Mr McSweeney had been a mainstay of Fine Gael and business life in Killarney for over half a century and would be greatly missed.

Mr McSweeney is survived by wife Peg, son Tony, and daughters Mary, Patsy, Carmel, Deirdre and Olive.