On December 24th, word spread around Kilkenny city and county of the death of Allen Larkin.
A former employee of Smithwick’s Brewery, Alan was a very well-known and liked man, with a particular passion for GAA, and a special devotion to his club James Stephens.
The following is a report sent to The Kilkenny Observer by James Stephens GAA club.
On Christmas Eve members of James Stephens GAA club were saddened to hear of the sudden death of former club officer, Allen Larkin, Cootes Lane, Kilkenny after a prolonged illness.
A stalwart club supporter Allen served as club registrar and committee member for a long number of years.
Coming from the extended Larkin hurling dynasty, Allen, from an early age, was steeped in the hurling tradition of the James Stephens club.
Allen’s father, Ned was a member of 1955 Kilkenny junior championship winning team, scoring 1-01 in the final against Knocktopher.
Allen’s son, Eoin, continued in the family tradition reaching new heights winning eight All-Ireland senior hurling medals, two G.A.A. All-Star Awards in 2008 & ‘09 as well as “Hurler of the Year” and G.P.A ‘s, choice as “ Hurler of the Year” also in 2008. All of which was a source of great pride to his father, Allen.
His outstanding performances for James Stephens when winning three Kilkenny senior hurling titles, two Leinster and an All-Ireland club title in 2005 were received with equal acclaim by the family and friends.
In his youth Allen was a member of St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band and had been retired some years from his employment in Smithwick’s Brewery.
Allen will be sadly missed by wife, Veronica, his family, Kim, Eoin, Anthony and Allen. Our sympathies are also extended to his sisters, Maureen, Tess, and Mary, his former wife, Lucy and his many close friends and neighbours on Patrick’s Street and Coote’s Lane.
Allen’s younger brother Ned (Jnr.) passed away earlier this year.
As a mark of respect a large gathering of club officers, players, and club members from across the generations provided a guard of honour for Allen’s funeral procession from his home to St.Patrick’s church on St.Stephen’s Day.
In a nice tribute following Requiem Mass, the funeral procession, led by the club banner bearers, stalled at Coote’s Lane to hear a selection of Allen’s favourite festive hymns played by former colleagues in St. Patrick’s Brass & Reed Band before proceeding to his final resting place in Foulkstown cemetery.
“ Air dheis Dei go raibh a anam dilis”.
(James Stephens GAA club)
