John Kinahan, class '63
In Memoriam
1960 JCT no. 9 Johnny Kinahan
The Union is saddened to hear of the passing of John Kinahan, class '63
The death has occurred of John A. (Johnny) KINAHAN
Templeogue, Dublin
|
KINAHAN John A. (Johnny) (Templeogue, Dublin 6W ) - May 7, 2016 (Suddenly), beloved husband of Gretta and father of Joanne, Amanda, and John. He will be very sadly missed by his family, sisters, brothers, brothers-in-law, daughter-in-law Deirdre, sons-in-law Daragh and Jason, extended family and many friends and his fun loving grandchildren Dylan, Daniel, Chloe, Maeve, Naomi, Jack and Callum. Removal on Thursday evening to the Church of St Pius X, Templeogue arriving at 5pm. Funeral on Friday after 10am Mass to Newland’s Cross Crematorium. Family flowers only and donations to Focus Ireland. |
Date Published: Monday 9th May 2016 Date of Death: Saturday 7th May 2016
Johnny arrived at Knock in 1959 alongside his brother James, class '64 and Kevin class '68. All were known as great sportsmen but perhaps even better known for “sweets” as that was the family business and the premier outlet was strategically placed on Aston Quay outside of which was the bus stop for Knock!
The 1960 JCT welcomed his arrival with open arms for Johnny's quick hands, which as wicket-keeper propelled many Knock Cricket First XI's to victory, admirably plugged the gap they then had at scrum-half. He then participated in one of the most unique JCT campaigns ever undertaken at Knock. The 1960 Chronicle reports:
On 24 Feb, we made our Cup debut against Newbridge. Conditions both underfoot and overhead were the worst imaginable. Finally, after 25 minutes, the referee mercifully called a halt to a game which should never have been started. The replay was 29 Feb and by contrast, conditions for this game were excellent, and a fast, lively game resulted, but defences on both sides were on top and a scoreless draw was the result. The second replay was 3 Mar and after Newbridge breached our try line, all believed they had won it, all except Johnny Kinahan, who even though he had retired injured, hobbled back on to deliver the pass from which David Palmer dropped a magnificent goal. And so to the third replay 7 Mar. which again ended in a score draw. The fourth replay on 11 Mar we made our fifth attempt to reach a decision but two well matched teams fought out another inevitable scoreless draw.
At this stage, SVC President, Fr. M. J. Walsh, called rank in preference for our studies and awarded Newbridge a bye - the injustice of it all!
Thereafter Johnny had a ding-dong battle with Kevin McGowan for the no.9 jersey, and even after College there remained a link, for when Kevin subsequently played out-half for Leinster, his partner at scrum-half was none other than Johnny's brother Jimmy. Johnny after Knock also returned to his St. Mary's roots serving as Honorary Treasurer for 1978-87 and as of one of the four stalwarts who launched the James Maguire Archive of that fine club.
Johnny's was a life well lived. To his family and many friends, we offer our heartfelt condolences.
Requiescat in Pace.