Sudden death of Pomeroy handballer

A POST-MORTEM is expected to take place today (Monday) on the remains of a Pomeroy man who died suddenly moments after completing a game of handball on Friday evening.

Tributes have been paid to Brendan Kennedy (54) who was a father of two and a much-loved grandfather from the town. Funeral arrangements for Mr Kennedy have yet to be confirmed.

The death of the popular man has shocked the local community and those involved in the gaelic games throughout Mid-Tyrone. He was also deeply involved in handball at club and county level and as a member of the Pomeroy Plunkett’s club.

The chairman of the Tyrone Handball Board, Seamus McCrory, offered his condolences to the Kennedy family. He paid tribute to Mr Kennedy’s commitment and dedication to the sport as a player and coach over four decades.

“Everyone involved in the Tyrone Handball community is deeply saddened by the death of Bing. As a coach, player and official, he was always someone willing to help in whatever way he could,” Mr McCrory said. “He greatly enjoyed his ability to play handball on a regular basis and was a talented player, winning a number of Ulster and Tyrone titles in his youth. As our county chairman he was active and remained supportive of the aims and visions for handball in the county when he stepped down from the role. As a mark of respect to him and his family, we cancelled all activities at the weekend.”

The Pomeroy Plunkett’s GAA club of which Mr Kennedy was a member said his sudden passing had left the club and community in a ‘profound state of shock.’

“It is fair to say that handball was a passion for Bing,” the club said.

“He was a Tyrone Juvenile handball champion winning the Ulster U-13 doubles in 1982, partnering Beragh’s Sean McCrory. He went on to win the Ulster U15 doubles in 1984 when he was partnered by the late Bill Corcoran. Bing played in no less than seven consecutive Ulster finals between 1981 and 1985. He served on the club committee as handball rep and was County Board chair. During his tenure as chairman between 2006 and 2010, history was made when Bing welcomed the first ever All-Ireland Handball Convention to be held within the six counties.

“He loved coaching kids and spent so much time developing the girls game. He had a great passion for handball.”

Mr Kennedy is survived by his wife, Caroline, his son Martin, daughter Fionnuala and two grandchildren.