Shock in rural Offaly community at sudden death of young father and businessman

A tight knit rural community in south Offaly has been plunged into sadness at the sudden death of a young father and businessman.

Enda Kenny (42), who operated Kenny's farm store in Roscomroe, between Kinnitty and Roscrea, died unexpectedly at the Midland Regional Hospital in Portlaoise

Married to Claire, Enda was the loving father of four young children, Eoin, Clodagh, Tara and Conor.

He is also survived by parents Mary and Joe, brother Oliver, sisters Bernie, Tríona, Noeleen, Edel and Paula and his aunt Sr. Margaret (St. John of God), his mother and father-in-law Paddy and Catherine Byrne (Askamore, Wexford) brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, his many good friends, neighbours and loyal customers, to whom the deepest sympathy is extended,

Huge crowds attended Tierney's Funeral Home in Roscrea on Tuesday evening where his remains reposed.

Removal from his residence this afternoon (Wednesday) at 1.30pm arriving at St.Molua's Church, Roscomroe (E53 NH67) for Funeral Mass at 2pm.

Burial afterwards in Dungar Cemetery.

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Enda played with Killavilla GAA club in his youth and the now Ballyskenach/ Killavilla club will form a guard of honour at Fancroft when his remains are being brought for burial. Deceased was a native of Francroft.

A large number of tributes have been paid to the deceased online on RIP.ie

One person writes: "Deepest sympathy to Claire and family and to the Kenny and Byrne families and extended relations and friends. Enda was a gentleman great business person, very obliging, he was a great community person even to surrounding parishes always a smile always calm had a word for everyone. Whether it be GAA, holidays, news of the day Enda would chat you. He will be so so missed by all farming communities near and far. Rest easy Enda look after your family from your new home in heaven."

Another post says: "Our little community is numb and shocked at Enda's loss. He always had a smile on his face, up for the crack and banter when you were in the shop.

He will be sadly missed, our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad and difficult time. The light of heaven to you."

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Another person writes: "I will personally miss the chats, your wit and banter, your warm welcoming and your help, it was always a pleasure and enjoyable experience - you and the shop were the corner stone to our small community."

Former Government Minister, TD and IFA President and current Chairman of Offaly GAA County Board, Tom Parlon posted: "Deepest sympathy to Claire and her children and to the extended Kenny family on the sudden and tragic loss of Enda. I can’t imagine how unbearable that must be. His loss to the community and particularly to his loyal farmer customers who valued his professional advise and his superior service in on farm fertiliser spreading and feed delivery is a savage blow. Lord rest him and comfort his family."

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.