Popular Pomeroy handball stalwart laid to rest

A ‘BLACK cloud’ has been hanging over the parish of Pomeroy after the sudden death of handball stalwart Bing Kennedy, mourners at his funeral heard today (Thursday).

Father-of-two Mr Kennedy (54), died unexpectedly after completing a game of handball in his home alley at Plunkett Park on Friday, January 26.

The popular grandfather served as chair of the Tyrone Handball Board from 2006 to 2010.

His contributions were instrumental in advancing the development of the ladies game in the county.

Ahead of his funeral this morning, a guard of honour was formed at the top entrance of Plunkett Park as hundreds gathered for Requiem Mass in the Church of the Assumption, Pomeroy.

The Mass was led by Fr David Moore, and included Mr Kennedy’s nephew, Joe, as an altar server.

Throughout the poignant service, Fr Moore described Mr Kennedy as a ‘genuine’ and ‘good-humoured guy’ and said that the Pomeroy man’s death was a ‘sad time for the parish’ and an ‘awful shock’.

He said, “Hearts are broken today. All we can simply ask this morning is for Bing’s presence to touch each one of our lives.

“Throughout his life, sport was certainly in his blood and it remained in his blood until he finished his last game.

“I’m sure if Bing had have been given the choice, he would have wanted to have met God at Plunkett Park.”

Fr Moore continued, “He was a giver, and a man who never said no.

“He coached the local children in handball and spent an enormous amount of time freely giving to the youth of this parish.

“All his spare time went into giving to others.”

Fr Moore also highlighted Mr Kennedy’s passion for music saying, “He was a member of The Joseph Mary Plunkett band, and played tin whistle and accordion.

“He even had an electric guitar.

“On many an occasion, Bing would play the guitar loud, perhaps to his family’s dismay, it didn’t matter about the time, what was going on, or what day it it was.

“He also played in a band called ‘Broken Silence’, which was appropriate because he broke the silence on many an occasion with his good humour and wit.”

Fr Moore added, “There has been a black cloud over the parish these past few days.

“I think Bing’s death has made so many of us pause and reflect about our own lives and about our own mortality.”

Mr Kennedy is survived by his wife, Caroline, children Marty (Nina) and Fionnuala, and grandchildren, Aidan and Sile. He is also survived by his mother, Anna Mary, and siblings, Lorraine (Mark), Eileen (Damien), Paula (Joy), Sinead (Joe) and Paul (Christine).