Council family in final farewell to Billy

By Dan Walsh at Ballyfad

Wexford County Council work colleagues, officials and public representatives formed a guard of honour and lead the tributes to Billy Kinsella, (59), who was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery following Funeral Mass in The Church of Our Lady of the Nativity, Ballyfad this afternoon.

The Wexford County Council worker from Clonroe lost his life while clearing debris and fallen trees following Storm Eunice in the Ballythomas area.

The incident occurred within a mile of his residence around 11am last Friday which makes the tragedy even more poignant.

Celebrant Fr. Richard Lawless told the overflowing congregation that “Billy’s good work in life came to a sudden end last Friday. He was a quiet, selfless character and a rock of good sense. He was a proud family man and would give his time to anybody.”

On behalf of the community Fr Lawless expressed sincere and heartfelt condolences to Billy’s sorrowing wife, Rita; their son Conor; brothers and sisters Patrick, Elizabeth, Shay, Sean and Aileen; aunts, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, grandnephews, grandnieces and extended family,

Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach, Wexford County Council, Tom Enright, Chief Executive Officer, Tony Larkin, Deputy CEO, Cllr Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council and Cllr Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Leas-Cathaoirleach Gorey-Kilmuckridge Municipal District Council, lead a legion from Wexford County Council in attendance at Billy’s funeral.

As a mark of respect Wexford County Council closed all its offices from 1pm today.

Colonel Stephen Howard, Aide-de-Camp represented President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina. James Browne T.D., Minister of Law Reform at the Department of Justice represented the Government.

There was also a guard of honour by members of Kilanerin GAA Club and he was remembered by his friends in the local Vintage Club – a model of a Massey Ferguson tractor was one of the gifts placed on his coffin during the Mass.

Billy Kinsella was laid to rest in Ballyfad Cemetery where Fr. Lawless recited the final prayers and the sad occasion ended with a solo rendition of Boolavogue. May He Rest in Peace.