Tribute To Fr. Declan Hennessy by Chubby Brennan

Taken in 1981 to mark Jack Kelly's 21 years as Club Secretary - Left to Right - Fr. Declan Hennessy (RIP) Fr.Thornhill (RIP) and Jack Kelly (RIP) - Photo sent in by Pat Looney Cobh GAA

”A Friend remains a friend no matter how far they are apart in Life”  – Fr. Declan Hennessy (R.I.P)

When my Daughter rang me today to inform Me that Fr. Hennessy had passed away,  I immediately felt the loss even though it is quite a while since i spoke to a person whom  I classed as a true Friend. My first introduction to Decci Hennessey was in Cobh Vocational  during our studies for the leaving cert approx 1974/76. He was introduced to the class by the late Bob o Connell ,the Headmaster. ”This is Fr.Declan Hennessey” were thre words of Mr. o Connell ”FR. Declan will be taking  You for religious studies.” When Bob left the room Fr.Declan spoke, ”Ye can call Me decci and who can play cards? We will play on Friday but all proceeds must go to charity”, at this time I knew I had just meet someone special.

Yes We did study Religon but in an open way, Padra was very open, He opened his heart to us all. I know that some people in that calss got great help and comfort from him with problems of their own, but with Hennessey no one esle knew nothing. He taught us to trust, to ask ,to be assertive, to be kind, to be ourselves but in return all he asked for was respect, and that he recieved in abundance. Thanks Fr. for all those special days at Cobh Vocational School.

I was at the time much involved with Cobh Gaa club as a player and it wasn’t long before Declan became fully involved in the running of the club. He was involved in all aspects both on and off the field, even in the club house. I wonder why He Loved a pint, the craic, he loved to push people to the limit.  Every time he entered a dressing room, function, wedding recption, committee meeting, immediately his pressence was felt.

Fr. Declan spoke from the heart, and never had a bad word to say about anyone, but everyone knew to never try to pull the wool over his eyes. He loved my Mam and indeed everyone must have the same special feeling that FR.Declan had a special place in his heart for them.

WOW – I remember the day we won the Under21 final. Mick Walsh & myself decided to come back to Cobh with him. He took every back road and when we arrived at the clubhouse lets say Mike and I were both worse for ware. I went home, Ma Brennan said “were you with Padra after the Match,” yes i said, “thats it I’ll see that boy in Cobby’s shop tomorrow “and by God did she, but after she only laughed. He hated to see people hurt, to see people loosing loved ones and he openly when he himself lost a Friend.

He inspired my life. I clearly remember going to confession one day, he knew who I was so he wasn’t too hard on the ‘Pennance’  but told me ” don’t miss training that Thurs night. We need to win that Final on Sunday. The Club need to be winning.”  He also maintained a club not in debt was not a good club, a good club was a club that had to work hard all the time to upgrade facilities , grounds etc and if a club owed money then its committee had to work hard and as  Chairman he played a blinder, he had the respect of all, he  was a great delegator,indeed too bloody good as many of my friends in Cobh Gaa would agree.

Fr. Declan has passed on now and has today and for time to come left a big void in  the Hearts of all his doting flock.Has now gone to meet all the Greats who have gone to their eternal rest. All who were part of the wonderful world of the Gaa. To His Family may I offer my sincere sympathy. To Cobh and Mallow Gaa clubs May I say how sorry I am, on loosing a  legend. To all who knew Fr.Declan Hennessey, other than through GAA ,may I say be thankful and cherish that you got the chance to meet such a character

To Padra – Fr.Hennessey I know you are listening to me, as the tears trickle down my face ,look after us, continue to mind and guide us, as you always did and may I say Thank You, for being my friend even though in life we were far apart.

Rest in peace Fr. Hennessey, You were and will remain  a true Legend
Good Bye Friend

CHUBBY BRENNAN
ERINS OWN GAA CLUB CASTLECOMER
CO. KILKENNY