News
Killarney bids farewell to basketball legend Christy Sheehan
Killarney was plunged into a deep sense of loss over the weekend following the death of Christy Sheehan, a man whose life and work left an indelible mark on the town’s sporting and voluntary landscape.
His passing has resulted in a wave of tributes from local clubs and organisations, many of whom gathered to pay their respects as he was laid to rest earlier this week.
A founder, leader and legend
St Paul’s Basketball Club has lost a founder, a leader, and a legend. Christy Sheehan, the club’s beloved President, passed away peacefully on March 12, surrounded by his loving family and the care of the staff at Killarney Nursing Home.
His influence on the sport in Killarney spanned over 40 years, stretching from the club’s very first meeting in October 1985 to his recent presence at matches supporting his grandson, Mark.
Before the formation of St Paul’s, Christy was a highly competitive player in the 1950s and 60s. He played alongside local greats such as Weeshie Fogarty, Hugh O’Brien, and Johnny Healy, treading the boards in the old Town Hall and St Mary’s Parish Hall.
As a founding member of St Paul’s, he was instrumental in establishing the juvenile town leagues in the late 1980s.
This initiative was a major success story for the club, introducing hundreds of national school children from Killarney and the surrounding areas to basketball for the first time.
Commitment and wit
During his tenure as club treasurer in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Christy was known for his sharp financial management and his quick wit.
He worked tirelessly on fundraising initiatives, including securing vital sponsorship from local businesses and managing the successful annual discos at The Laurels.
During one particularly difficult National League run, when club members suggested even more expensive American player signings despite the financial strain, he famously asked the committee if they would like to rename the side ‘Team Aer Lingus’.
For the past 25 years, Christy was honoured to serve as President of St Paul’s. He took his role as an ambassador seriously, proudly wearing the club colours at games and extending a hand of friendship to visiting teams and dignitaries.
Even as his health declined in recent years, he remained a familiar face at matches.
He was especially proud to witness his grandson Mark captaining the St Paul’s U-20 team to a national title last April.
A lasting legacy
The Sheehan family’s service to the club remains a cornerstone of St Paul's.
His eldest son Joey is a former national league player and coach, while his son Paul has given a lifetime of service as a player and treasurer, currently serving as the club chairman.
His son David and daughter Karen have also been outstanding supporters of the club over the decades. Christy Sheehan will be remembered as a man who epitomised the volunteer spirit, leaving the club in a much better place through his dedication.
Christy’s funeral took place on Monday morning.
Following a moving Requiem Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral, he was laid to rest in Aghadoe Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife Breda, children Joey, David, Paul, and Karen, his brother Joseph, sisters Marie and Barbara, and his adored grandchildren Robyn, Ava, Mark, Nessa, and Kitty.
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