Remembering maths teacher John and his love of hurling

JOHN KINNARNEY, who taught in Old Bawn Community School for over 25 years and was involved in Thomas Davis GAA Club, has been remembered as a “patient and kind” teacher.

Mr Kinnarney died in the Midland Regional Hospital in his native Tullamore on November 1, and his Funeral Mass was held in Offaly on November 4, followed by burial in a local cemetery.

The father-of-four joined Old Bawn CS in 1991 as a maths and physics teacher and remained in that role up to his retirement in 2019.

He worked alongside Ursula McCabe, who is now the principal of Old Bawn CS, during his tenure in the school and left a lasting impact.

“John was patient and kind to his students, and passionate about his subjects,” Ms McCabe told The Echo.

“He grew potatoes in the garden at the school and was all about bringing a bit of Offaly to Tallaght.

“John’s other passion was hurling. He started training lads in the school and brought them to the matches and encouraged and supported the students.”

This passion for hurling was also noted in a social media post by Thomas Davis GAA Club about Mr Kinnarney’s death.

In a Facebook post, the club wrote: “He will be mostly remembered though for his coaching of hurling teams in Old Bawn for a long number of years.

“John was a great character and had a big passion for hurling and loved to see lads picking up a hurl and play for the school.

“He had many, many stories to tell and I’m sure anyone involved in his teams will fondly remember those great stories and memories.“

‘Rattle the net Kinnarney’ will live long in the memory of all his past students and players.”

“This sentiment was echoed by Ms McCabe, who said Mr Kinnarney will “never be forgotten” in the Old Bawn CS community.

“It was his love of hurling and his witty comments that John will be remembered for,” she said.

“John will never be forgotten in Old Bawn Community School.”

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