The Bennettsbridge Community was saddened to hear of the passing in his 92nd year of Liam Cleere, Woodlawn, following a long illness. Liam died in the care of the staff in Castlecomer District Hospital on the 30th of January. The family will forever remember the kindness and care shown to him during his time there.
He was the eldest of five children born to Jim and Catherine Cleere, The Ring. He worked all his life in carpentry, an exceptional man at his craft and much of his work has stood the test of time and can be seen in households in Bennettsbridge and county.
He married the former Iris Walsh, Thomastown, in the early sixties and worked for some years in Sheffield, spending time in Dublin before returning to his native village where they resided in Main Street. Fifty five years ago, the couple moved to Woodlawn Estate where they raised a family and put down their roots. Liam worked in Mahon and Mc Phillips, Kilkenny Corporation and following his retirement, in SOS Kilkenny.
Liam lived life to the full, a life which centred around his family. He was so proud of all his children, grandchildren and his great grandchildren. In the eulogy compiled by his son Mark, the support received from Liam and Iris throughout their lives was detailed. Trips were made to their children in their various adopted homes, including two trips to Newfoundland, France and UK.
Family holidays in Inch, Co Kerry were enjoyed for many years, and the singsongs were an important element of these occasions. One of his favourite songs, a throwback to his school hurling days, was, “Hurling Champions of 1944”. Liam will be remembered for his sporting achievements which were many. The enormous entries in the on-line condolence section described a good neighbour, a great storyteller and a popular work colleague.
Liam lay in repose in Johnston’s Funeral Home where a steady stream of people came to pay their final respects and to support the family. Vigil prayers were recited by Fr Jim Murphy.
The remains were removed from his home in Woodlawn and a Guard of Honour comprising, Bennettsbridge GAA, East End, neighbours and friends escorted the cortege on the final journey. The hearse paused outside the homes of Seamie and Margaret(siblings) who were unable to attend.
Fr Jim Murphy, Canon Pat Dalton and Canon Pat Duggan received the remains in St Bennett’s Church. Requiem Mass was con-celebrated by Fr Jim Murphy and Fr Pat Dalton PP
Fr Murphy welcomed everyone to the celebration of Liam’s life and sympathised with Iris, her children and extended family. He spoke of the tremendous community spirit in the ‘Bridge and said Liam had been a valued member of this community. His religion was important to him and when he was unable to attend Sunday Mass he watched mass on television each week.
The lessons were read by Roisin Cleere (Granddaughter) and Tony Cleere (Nephew )
Prayers of Faithful, Molly, Ciaran,Daniel and Ray (Family members). Offertory Gifts reflected Liam’s many main interests with narration by Ben King(Grandson), ’Bridge Jersey, Dicksboro Jersey, Kilkenny Jersey, presented by Tadgh (Grandson), Cowboy Book, carried by Niamh, Screwdriver and Ruler, PJ Cullen (Friend) Water and Wine, Jim O’Sullivan (Nephew). Soloist Martina Burke, accompanied by organist, Joy Bibby provided music throughout the ceremony. Liam’s Eulogy, compiled by Mark Cleere (son) was read by Fr Jim Murphy
“Today, we gather to honour and celebrate the life of Liam Cleere, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great‐grandfather, brother, craftsman, teammate, neighbour, and friend. Liam was the kind of man who could light up a room just by walking into it, usually with a smile, a quick remark, or a story you weren’t sure was entirely true, but you enjoyed it anyway.
Born to James and Catherine and the eldest of five, Liam learned responsibility early on. Some might say he perfected the art of being in charge, others might say he simply perfected the art of being listened to. Either way, he set the tone for his siblings with quiet strength, steady character, and the occasional bit of mischief. In the early sixties, he married Iris, the love of his life. Together they built a home full of love, warmth, and the kind of laughter that comes from truly knowing someone. Over the years, that home grew into a large and proud family,seven children, eleven grandchildren, and two great‐grandchildren. Liam loved them all dearly, and they loved him for being a storyteller, a teacher, and a man who always had time for one more yarn… even if dinner was getting cold.
After working in Dublin, Liam returned to the Main Street before settling in Woodlawn, where he spent 55 years. If you needed a hand, a bit of advice, or a good chat, Liam was always only a door‐knock away.
Sport was one of Liam’s great loves,especially hurling, where he built a roll of honour so long it would nearly need its own storage shed: All‐Ireland Senior Championship, 1957, Ten Senior County Championships, Three Leinster Senior Championships, Two Oireachtas, Five Walsh Cups, Two Wembley medals. He played in the USA in 1958, representing his county in the Polo Grounds and Gaelic Park. For a lad from Bennettsbridge, that was a big adventure, though he probably took it all in his stride, same as everything else.
He was a dedicated GAA steward, and eventually President of Bennettsbridge GAA,a role he loved, and one he carried out with pride, fairness, and a twinkle in his eye. Liam also enjoyed handball, soccer, rugby, and had a lifelong devotion to Manchester United and Sheffield Utd while living there.
He loved cowboy books and films too, John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, the whole lot.
One of Liam’s greatest joys was his holidays in Inch, Co. Kerry, where he met friends from every corner of Ireland. The days were filled with stories, laughter, and discussions about hurling that may or may not have grown more dramatic with each passing year. And then there were the sing‐songs,late into the night, full of life and good humour. Inch wasn’t just a holiday spot for Liam; it was a place where time slowed down and friendships deepened.
But beyond medals, beyond achievements, beyond all the places he went and the people he met, Liam will be remembered most for who he was. Kind. Grounded. Loyal. Generous with his time and spirit. He made people feel welcome, valued, and at ease. He knew how to tell a story, how to listen, and how to make the ordinary moments feel special.
Today, we give thanks for Liam’s life, a life rich with purpose, love, friendship, and meaning. His legacy lives on in his family, in the community he shaped, in the games he played and supported, and in the countless lives he touched. May he rest in peace reunited with his son Billy and may we always remember him with the same warmth, humour, and affection that he showed to all of us.
BENNETTSBRIDGE GAA CLUB TRIBUTE
“Bennettsbridge GAA Club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of club president Liam Cleere. Alongside his brothers Larry and Seamie, Liam was an integral part of the great ‘Bridge teams of the fifties and sixties and was winner of ten senior championship medals during this golden era for the club. Liam also was part of the Kilkenny All-Ireland winning team of 1957 and won Leinster senior medals in 57, 58 and 59. Liam played most of his career in goal but played in the forwards for club and county when required to do so. He also served as selector and officer for the club and was our current club president”
TRIBUTE FROM KILKENNY GAA
“Kilkenny GAA is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Liam Cleere, former Kilkenny hurler and proud Bennettsbridge clubman. Liam was a key figure in a golden era for Bennettsbridge and his record of achievement stands among the finest in the club’s history. A superbly committed and versatile player, he enjoyed outstanding success with the Bridge, winning ten (10) Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship titles. At inter-county level, Liam represented Kilkenny with great distinction and was part of the county’s celebrated All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship-winning panel of 1957. He also won three Leinster Senior Hurling Championship medals (1957, 1958 and 1959), and his adaptability was a hallmark of his game, featuring not only as a goalkeeper but also as a forward in the Leinster Final victories in 1958 and 1959. Liam’s county honours also included two Oireachtas titles (1957 and 1959) and five Walsh Cup medals. His involvement in the GAA extended well beyond his playing days. Liam served as a steward in UPMC Nowlan Park, and later as President of Bennettsbridge GAA”.
Prayers at the graveside were said by Fr Jim Murphy and Fr Pat Dalton. Afterwards everyone joined in the singing of the “Rose of Mooncoin”. Predeceased by his son Billy. Beloved husband of Iris and much loved father of Eamonn, Gerry, Mark, Fiona, Fintan and Jenny. Liam will be dearly missed by his loving family, brothers Larry and Seamie, sisters Carmel and Margaret, sons-in-law John and Graham, daughters-in-law Lorendana, Julie, Gill and Karen, grandchildren Shauna, Ben, Chandon, Ciarán, Roisín, Tadgh, Niamh, Amber, William, Aimee and Alannah, great grandchildren Finn and Aria, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours, friends and the members of Bennettsbridge GAA Club. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
