Kingdom says its final farewell to football legend Kennelly

GAA PRESIDENT Sean Kelly led the tributes to the late Tim Kennelly last night in Listowel as sport paid its final respects to a Kingdom legend.

Mr Kelly described Kennelly, aged 52, as "a giant of his generation and a man who earned a place amongst the pantheon of greats."

He told mourners at the removal of the Listowel man that Kerry icons are not those who have achieved fame, fortune and acclaim through conventional barometers and measurements applied in other lands. Instead they are the men "who have for over a century walked tall and proud in our beloved green and gold."

"Tim was the rock on which

Kerry's defence was built. In many ways he was the catalyst to the unprecedented success of a team without parallels. Tall, strong, brave, uncompromising and unsuspectingly skilful, Tim was the prototype and the embodiment of the Kerry defender," said Mr Kelly.

"He did not just achieve folk hero and football deity status in Kerry. Through his brilliance and honesty on the field and his open and endearing qualities in life, Tim was loved and admired right through the country and beyond. Unassuming, warm, compassionate and friendly, Tim had those most cherished attributes greatness allied to humility.

"Tim may have taken satisfaction and pride at his achievements and the success of the various teams that he was part of. However, it was nothing to the pride and satisfaction he took in his own family when they started to play. He was ever present, coaxing, coaching, encouraging from the time they first donned the jersey's of Listowel Emmetts'. Indeed, I remember once meeting him in Dublin before some game which I have long forgotten. I did not forget however what Tim said to me when I proffered the opinion that 'things weren't great in the county'. He said: 'I have two lads and it won't be long before they're heard of'."

Added the GAA president: "He was right and I have reason to remember his words when all other aspects of the weekend have long been forgotten. I have watched Noel and Tadhg's careers flower and flourish and there was no prouder man on the planet when they first wore the Kerry jersey and when they achieved the ultimate honours here and in Australia. His sons can be proud that they gave him such satisfaction and pride and that they fulfilled the promise so well that he saw in them so many years ago. That is a rare and precious phenomenon for any parent to experience."

Concluded Mr Kelly: "The man they called 'Horse' may be gone but will never be forgotten."