On a Friday evening, the community mourned the passing of Mr John Kearney, a respected and esteemed Examining Officer of Customs at Limerick. The remains of the late Mr Kearney were solemnly transported from St. John’s Hospital to the railway terminus for conveyance to Bagualstown, where he would be laid to rest. Many friends and acquaintances of the deceased gathered to pay their last respects at the funeral.

Having been stationed in Limerick for the past seven years, Mr Kearney had become a beloved figure among the locals. He was actively involved in various associations, including the Arch-Confraternity of the Holy Family, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the Catholic Literary Institute, and the Shannon Rowing Club. His untimely death has left a profound sense of loss and sorrow among those who knew him.

During the funeral procession from the hospital to the railway station, numerous mourners paid their final respects. Among them were Reverend Father Kearney, Adm, Tullow, who was the brother of the deceased, and Reverend Father Foley from Chicago, as well as Reverend Father Carroll from St. Michael’s parish. The City High Sheriff, Mr James Flyon, and Alderman O’Mara were also present to bid farewell to their departed friend.

Representatives from various institutions, including Mr Wright, the Collector of Customs in Limerick, and Mr Woodrow, the Collector of Inland Revenue in Limerick, joined the mournful procession. Members of the Shannon Rowing Club, along with friends and colleagues, paid tribute to Mr Kearney’s memory as they accompanied his remains on their final journey.

The passing of Mr John Kearney has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him, and his contributions to the community and the organizations he was involved in will be cherished and remembered. The community stands united in their grief, reflecting on the impact he made during his time in Limerick.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 08 August 1905