Appreciation: William Fennelly's tragic and untimely death last week has left a huge void in the lives of his wife Mary Rose, son Frank, mother Mai, sisters, extended family and all of his friends and colleagues.
William was a gentleman in every sense. He was close to his roots and enjoyed the country life so much. He dreamt of one day returning to his native Callan to pursue the many activities that he loved so much, that of fisherman, huntsman and farmer. If he could have compromised between work in Dublin and this life, he would have jumped at it.
This did not however detract from his enthusiasm for work as a chartered surveyor in Lisney, which he joined in 1996 after a number of years in the UK. He quickly climbed the ladder and became a director in 2003. He was extremely popular and became a good friend to colleagues and clients alike; his main concern was foremost for people's well-being before entering into the business of the day.
He had a great and wicked sense of humour and was always pleasant and cheerful. He loved the "bartering" and negotiations involved in a property deal and the various personalities he encountered along the way.
He was willing to pass on the knowledge he had acquired as evidenced by his lectures to the future generation of valuers in the Institute of Technology, Tallaght.
He also loved the good life and enjoyed a night out with the lads, all of whom considered themselves his best friend - and they were. His fishing expeditions were famous - he was always the one to catch the salmon, much to the chagrin of his companions!
The focus of his life however was his wife Mary Rose and little Frank. William met Mary Rose in Lisney and romance led to marriage five years ago. When little Frank came along over a year ago, William's main aim was to ensure his future education in Clongowes, his old alma mater, enrolling him immediately he was born.
He was also adamant that he was going to pass on his love of the countryside to Frank.
At William's graveside, Mary Rose quoted from that immortal poem of Patrick Kavanagh's "In memory of my Mother" where he says "I do not see you in the muddy clay, I see you . . ."
I know Willie is not in that muddy clay, he is up there buying and selling in the best market of them all.
William Fennelly 1968-2004
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