Donie Sheahan© Photo Healy Racing
The Irish racing and Kerry football communities have lost a great supporter and character following the death of Donie Sheahan at the age of 95.
The Killarney pharmacist was a hugely popular figure with his good humour and enthusiasm endearing him to many generations within Irish racing.
His white and purple colours were carried to success by a number of smart horses notably the classy mare For Bill, who won nine times under rules for Mick Winters including twice at Grade 3 level.
Sheahan also owned the Michael Hourigan-trained For William, winner of the National Trial at Punchestown and runner-up twice in the Kerry National (1992 & 1993).
He also bred Big-And-Bold who supplied Ger Lyons with his first Grade 1 winner as a trainer when landing the Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse in 2002.
A native of Listowel, he was based in Killarney for 70 years playing an integral role in the sporting and business life of the town. He was an ever present figure at the County Kerry racecourses and in recent years organised many presentations to winning connections.
He managed East Kerry to win the All-Ireland Senior Football title in 1971 and was a devoted supporter of the Dr Crokes GAA Club in Killarney acting as Chairman during a number of periods totalling 18 years.
He won a Kerry County Championship as a player and was also a selector for the great Kerry team in the 1970’s.
Donie’s son Liam continues to run the Sheahan pharmacy business on Main Steet in Killarney.
Our deepest condolences go to his sons Liam, Kieran, Paul, his daughters Aileen and Kathryn, his extended family and many friends.
He is reposing at O'Shea's Funeral Home, Cathedral Place, Killarney on Friday evening from 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm for family and close friends.
Requiem Mass will take place in St Mary's Cathedral on Saturday morning at 10.30am, followed by burial in Aghadoe Lawn Cemetery. The Requiem Mass will be live streamed on https://www.churchservices.tv/killarneycathedral
May he rest in peace
