RIP: Former Councillor and GAA referee with strong Mayo links mourned

Pat McKenna, Murneen House, Derryleabeg, Emyvale, Co Monaghan, who died peacefully at his home on August 28, was a regular visitor to the Claremorris parish.

He was the husband of Sal Walsh, formerly from Murneen South, Barnacarroll.

Pat was a former member of Monaghan Co Council and was first elected to the Council as a Fine Gael candidate in 1999.

He was proud to serve as a County Councillor in Monaghan in the years that were to follow.

Down through the years, Pat and Sally were frequent callers to Murneen where Pat always made himself so much at home and getting to know former neighbours of Sally,

He had an easy and gentle disposition that endeared him to so many.

Outside of politics, he was deeply involved in GAA affairs in Monaghan where he served as a referee for a good many years.

Marie and Tom Fahey, Birmingham, were among those joining in the tributes. “Pat was an absolute gentleman and we have treasured memories of his unstinting welcome, kindness, and generosity to us on our trips to Murneen South.

“Pat always made sure we were looked after and he had a wonderful sense of humour. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”

Reposing took place at the family home and the funeral Mass was celebrated in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Carrickroe, and was followed by interment in the adjoining cemetery.

Pat, who was predeceased by his brothers Peter (Jnr) and Michael (Mickey), will be sadly missed by his wife Sarah (Sal) (nee Walsh, Barnacarroll), son Peter (Julie) and daughters Miriam (John) and Barbara (Laurence), his grandchildren Jack, Delia, Sarah-Anne, Lucy, Anna and Thomas, his brother Eugene (Ann), sister Susan (Pat McQuaid), extended family, neighbours and friends.

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