Kevin Kehily funeral: 'To people he was the legendary footballer, for us he is Dad'
Kevin Kehily with his son Diarmuid after winning the Cork MFC title with Bishopstown. File picture: Brian Lougheed
Kevin Kehily wasn’t just a Cork football legend, he was a kind and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, his funeral on Wednesday heard.
Kehily, who represented the Rebels across a 15-year period between 1969 and 1984, winning two All-star awards and three Munster titles, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday following a long illness, aged 74.
A requiem mass was held at the Church of St Mary and St John in Ballincollig on Wednesday where Kevin was remembered by his wife Eileen, his children Deirdre, Ciara and Diarmuid, his brothers Norman, Dermot and Michael, his sisters Margaret, Joan and Eileen, his sons-in-law James Murphy and Stephen Barr, daughter-in-law Ella Kersey, along with his grandchildren Cillian, Leah, Cian, Charlie, Aisling and Ellie.
After Eileen read a reflection which declared “there is no leaving when one soul is blended with another,” their son Diarmuid paid an emotional tribute.
“On the 23rd of November 1949, Dad entered the world – the sixth of nine children – reared with values very much underpinned by hard work, love and the importance of family. All values he continued to uphold until his final days,” he began.
“But if you were to talk to his siblings, they may beg to differ, remembering dad being graced with resting in bed before training and matches while they covered his share of work on the farm.
“Dad’s sporting talent was rewarded in the late 60s when he was selected on the Cork minor and U21 teams, eventually graduating to the senior ranks in the early 70s.
“It was here Dad showcased his great leadership qualities, always leaving his all on the pitch, dying for the red and white of Cork, which was an era dominated by an exceptional Kerry team.
“Oh, how he would have loved and prevailed in the back door system we have now.”
Kehily wasn’t just a great player, he was also a great coach, as Diarmuid can attest, as well as a great teacher.
“It became the norm for us to be beside Dad along the sidelines. I felt honoured to be a part of his victories as he christened me ‘my trusty number two,’ he continued.
“I was one of the lucky ones to have my Dad as a coach as I plied my trade with my beloved Bishopstown.
“Once again Dad weaved his magic, guiding us to a wonderful minor football county victory, one that still lives long in the memory for me and no doubt, my teammates.
“I still remember the paper headline the next day; Kehily says ‘that’s my boy’. A proud moment for us both.
“Sport and education interweave in Dad’s life and messages we have received from students all around the globe highlights the significant and lifelong impact Dad had on his students in Mayfield and Cork IT.
“His dedication to his students had an impact on our household. There was many a night we got kicked out of our beds to facilitate a student who was preparing for a game the next day but may not leave for a week.
“Ciara, who was due a visit from the tooth fairy one night, was moved from her bed only to wake and be greeted by a student from one of Dad’s teams.”
But above all else, Kevin will be remembered by his family for being a wonderful person.
“Dad’s dress sense wouldn’t be the greatest either, was the joke of the house,” continued Diarmuid.
“’You’re not wearing that!’ was a commonplace statement from Mom. He once renewed his passport only to discover that the jumper he was wearing in the new photo was the same jumper he wore in the old photo."
Even his illness couldn't keep Kevin away from the ball.
“A fond memory, and a recent memory, we have is a family barbeque we were lucky to have in August. We looked out the window at one stage to see Dad kicking the ball with his six grandkids. To experience Dad like this is a testament to his legacy as being tough.
“For Deirdre, Ciara and I, Dad is, and forever will be, our hero. To people he was Kevin the legendary footballer for us he is Dad, a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend.”
Members of his club Newcestown and Cork GAA – flags of both covered his coffin when it was being carried – were also in attendance to pay their respects and during the service, his six grandchildren presented gifts which included a football, a hurley, the two flags along with a France flag to symbolise his favourite holiday destination.
“When I go, don’t learn to live without me. Just learn to look for me in the memories, I will be there,” his wife Eileen’s reflection concluded.
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