By Ger Cody
I cannot be certain how many times Milo Hennessy spoke about Epicurus. I would, however, hazard a guess that it didn’t happen too often. Epicurus, a Greek philosopher, was the author of an ethical philosophy of simple pleasure, friendship and retirement. One of the most famous quotes from the bold Epicurus was “do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not.” And throughout his life, Milo adhered to this maxim. He had his family, his community, his friends, his horses and his GAA.
These interactions encapsulated his world and it brought him enormous joy and contentment. In the simplicity of his interactions with the universe, Milo discovered serenity and emotional wellbeing. This social philosophy expanded his horizons and magnified the realities of his human experiences. Milo believed you should “laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live”.
For close to 40 years, Milo worked with The Kilkenny People newspaper. During this time he formed a strong bond with the diverse personnel involved in the industry: journalists, compositors, typesetters and printers. Milo’s ebullient personality was a major asset as he interacted with the many publishers availing of The Kilkenny People’s expertise. Milo was the ‘go to man’ for those seeking guidance and advice regarding sports magazines. One such person was the editor of Irish Runner magazine, Frank Greally. “I always found Milo to be a cheerful, helpful and an understanding man with a genuine interest in what I was trying to achieve,” said Frank.
Hard to fathom
Throughout history, and in our own times, we are all too aware of events of which we can make no sense. From the time Thomas doubted the resurrection of Jesus Christ, to John F Kennedy’s open-topped cavalcade in Dallas, certain news reports are hard to believe. To bring it closer to home, Kilkenny folk will remember the drive for five, when in 2010, Tipperary put an end to Kilkenny’s dream of five All Ireland’s in a row. Difficult to fathom. Hard to accept.And so it was when we heard the news concerning the death of Milo Hennessy, the great Gael from Ballycallan. We attended the vigil prayers at Hehir’s funeral home on December 31st, we said our private farewell, we saw his coffin on New Year’s day in a packed St Brigid’s church in Ballycallan, we saw him consigned beneath his native turf in St Mary’s cemetery, and yet, we were unable to believe this reality. It is still difficult to comprehend that this lovely human being that brought so much happiness, joy and laughter to our world, is no more. It is a testament to the popularity of Milo that so many gathered to say goodbye. Acquaintances, old school pals from Kilkenny CBS, friends and former colleagues from The Kilkenny People were in attendance, united in grief. Needless to say, Ballycallan folk, to honour one of their own, were there in force.
Infectious smile
Eddie Hoyne, friend and a former CBS classmate, has great and lasting memories of Milo. He was one of the class of 1974. Eddie remembers that “Milo would always meet you with an infectious smile that would leave you in good form. We were fortunate to have some outstanding hurlers in our class – Harry Ryan (RIP), Joe Hennessy and Dick O’Hara, all who went on to wear the Kilkenny geansaí. Milo often lauded their skills and spoke knowledgeably about their hurling ability that made them such worthy ambassadors of the school and the county,” concluded Eddie.
Eulogy
In a genuinely moving eulogy, Kevin Hennessy summed up his brother’s life with humour, understanding, compassion and love. He painted an idyllic picture of innocent times in Ballyfrunk and of the growth and development of lifelong family ties. These family bonds were strengthened on match days when Gerard, Kevin and Milo togged out in the famous sky blue jersey, while their sisters Rena and Eileen and parents Paddy and Peig gave vociferous support from the sidelines.
Milo’s requiem Mass was embellished by the participation of close friends and relations. With deference and respect they brought symbols of Milo’s life and the offertory gifts to the altar, provided the readings and the prayers of the faithful. After Holy Communion, Amy Hennessy Dermody, a niece of Milo, delivered a moving rendition of ‘The Hurler’s Prayer’ that was both apt and fitting.
Graveside oration
At St Mary’s cemetery in Ballykeeffe, the Chair of Graigue Ballycallan GAA Club, David O’Neill spoke of “the collective mourning that transcends the generations in our club and community, as we bid farewell to that restless dreamer who became our rock.” Mr O’Neill went on to say that “Milo was a true Gael steeped in the traditions of the GBC club.” Milo’s passion and dedication in every role he undertook whether as a player, administrator or committee member will never be forgotten.
But it was his sporting knowledge that astounded, most. Through reading, study and constant application, Milo developed a phenomenal mental library of relevant facts and figures.
Hurling
Throughout his 67 years, Milo met many of hurling’s greatest icons. It can be stated, categorically, that he had a particular affection for the Kilkenny hurlers from 2000 to 2015 which he described as the ‘Golden Age’. Milo loved the game of hurling. He loved the excitement, the craic, the arguments, the friendships and the honest interactions. Milo appreciated the minutiae that encompasses the sport and wallowed in the beauty, the romance and the endeavour at the heart of the GAA ethos.
Enormous contribution
Former Chair of Kilkenny County Board, Ned Quinn, spoke to us about him, “Milo epitomised all that a good GAA person should be. His contribution to his beloved Graigue Ballycallan club was enormous both on and off the field, particularly so in the area of fundraising.
Similarly his support for Kilkenny teams was unconditional. Wherever our teams played, Milo saw it as his duty to be there to support them.”
Great ambassador
Speaking with The Kilkenny Observer, Dave O’Neill said that without any question, Milo was the club’s greatest storyteller and ambassador. “As a hurler, Milo proudly won Junior and Intermediate Championships with Graigue Ballycallan and played a pivotal role in securing numerous additional championships as a selector. His contributions were as immeasurable as they were enduring, cementing his legacy as a cornerstone of the club’s success.”
Mr O’Neill hit the proverbial nail on the head when he summed up Milo’s life. “Milo’s life was one of fulfilment and joy, enriched by deep friendships and a steadfast devotion to his community. He lived every moment with purpose, bringing wit, wisdom and kindness to all who had the privilege of knowing him. As Milo takes his eternal reward, we are less equipped without him, but forever enriched by his presence among us.”
Mr O’Neill said that for as long as young men and boys in the parish strike leather with ash, place the sky blue jersey across their backs, trot across the green carpet that is Tom Ryall Park to hone their skills and match them against all opposition, the story of Milo Hennessy will be forever told.
Singing
Those who attended the funeral Mass were enthralled by the beautiful sound of the Ballycallan Church choir and of soloist Tracy Millea. Their repertoire included ‘Bright Blue Rose’ and ‘Amazing Grace’.
Tracy’s dad, Joe Millea, was an inspirational clubman and a great friend to Milo. A former Kilkenny hurler, Joe played senior for the county in the late 60s/70s winning Leinster and an All-Ireland medal in 1969. Tracy, twice a senior All Ireland Camogie winner, has sweet and abiding memories of Milo… “My greatest memory is that Milo always took time to chat with myself, Sinead, Sean and Niall to ask about the camogie and hurling. Milo travelled to all our games down through the years and then his nieces Amy and Laura went on to play and win County finals with us which gave him such pride.”
A Personal Memory
Milo Hennessy and I first met as fellow students in Kilkenny CBS James’ Street. This relationship was cemented further when we both worked as compositors for The Kilkenny People. During those halcyon days we sported, played and with unbounded abandon enjoyed life. Memory recalls exciting holidays, nights of revelry and evenings spent swapping outrageous yarns.
Today, as I contemplate Milo’s passing, it is the awful silence that strikes most at the heart. The beloved raconteur and wit is mute and the library of knowledge that resided in his head is lost.
His smile, warm and embracing, brightened the world, enriched our lives and made us feel special.
We will face the future, seeking brighter and better days, always indebted to Milo for his presence in our lives.
Be at peace, good and kind friend.
‘I dTreo An tSolais’
A Hurlers Prayer
by Seamus Redmond
Grant me O’ Lord a hurlers skill
With strength of arm and speed of limb,
Unerring eye for the flying ball
And courage to match whate’er befall,
May my stroke be speedy and my aim be true
My actions manly and my misses few,
No matter what way the game may go
May I rest in friendship with every foe,
And when the final whistle for me has blown
And I stand at last before God’s judgement throne,
May the great referee when he calls my name
Say, You hurled like a man, You played the game.
