Ed Kevin has finally taken his leave of us. It is hard to believe he is gone, since he defied medical prognosis a number of times over the years. He was first diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma some 16 years ago, but his ebullient character never diminished, despite the ongoing battle with illness. Ed took it all in his stride and always looked for the silver lining. Born in Templemore, Co Tipperary in 1942, he was educated there and at Mount St Joseph's, Roscrea, St Flannan's, Ennis, and University College Dublin. He had amazingly wide interests, combined with a facility for depth and detail usually associated with specialisation. He had a passion for sport and music and an incredible capacity for the details of past musical or sporting events. Indeed, he seemed to have completely absorbed the contents of his vast collection of classical music and his extensive library. Ed had a unique collection of books about golf. He also had a passionate interest in rugby, especially of the Munster variety, in cricket, and in the fortunes of the hurlers of his native Tipperary.
He cared above all for his family. His first wife, Teresa, predeceased him and here again his ability to take the hardest of knocks and yet continue with an optimistic disposition was tested. Ed produced a gold-medal performance. Teresa's death and the disability of his daughter Deirdre were accepted without rancour, bitterness or complaint - simply as chapters of life to be read and learned from. In recent times he was very content that Deirdre had found a happy niche and that his sons, Tom and Leo, were well established in their chosen professions.
After a brief sojourn in the family business and in chartered accountancy, Ed worked with RTE and the Industrial Development Authority, where he spent most of his working life. In his early years he was based in the regional office in Athlone. Then, during a major expansion into Europe, he was asked to open and run an office in Milan, Italy. He was an inspired choice as his interest in Italian music, culture and football was complemented by his flexibility and appreciation of the uniqueness of Italian business in a European context. His animated conversation and a natural inclination to gesticulate made him an ideal Irish Italian.
After returning from Italy he became small business manager for the IDA, now Enterprise Ireland. Once more he met the challenge of building a new network and rejoiced in helping small and medium enterprises in the eastern region to develop.
It was during this period that he married Mairead, who was a work colleague. She proved to be a rock of tremendous support and a bright light following some dark moments and difficult times. Her support during his years of failing health seemed to his friends no more than Ed's eternal optimism deserved and there were times when it appeared that together they would defy his cancer.
Indeed, it seemed only fair, when their union was blessed with the birth of Edward Junior, that they would have a long and happy life together, as we would all have wished. Unfortunately that wasn't to be and Ed's health began to deteriorate, forcing his retirement from work four years ago. The indomitable spirit came to the fore once more and his concern was not for himself but for the challenges he had posed his family. There were, nevertheless, lots of happy times including visits back to his beloved Italy. Edward Junior, not yet seven, will have memories and photographs of several wonderful holidays there.
Ed was a kind and charitable man with a wonderful sense of humour and a healthy cynicism, which made him great company at home, work or play. He inspired people not to take life too seriously, to enjoy its gifts and accept its challenges. The large gathering at his funeral from all stages of his life showed the high regard he was held in. Our loss at the passing of a great team player only makes us more conscious of that of his wife and family, and our heartfelt sympathies go out to them. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam iontach.