TRIBUTE TO THE LATE ROBERT HENNESSY
A MEMBER & FRIEND OF BLESSINGTON GOLF SOCIETY
23 JANUARY 1991 – 12 MAY 2011
A MEMBER & FRIEND OF BLESSINGTON GOLF SOCIETY
23 JANUARY 1991 – 12 MAY 2011
Robert, son of one of our inaugural members, Tom Hennessy, was part of Blessington Golf Society from a very young age. Prior to becoming a member of the society he travelled with his Mam & Dad to the annual pilgrimage known as “The Weekend Away”.From the age of about 5 Rob & his cousins were an important part of this weekend as were all the children. They were encouraged to come along to this family weekend; this tradition has stood the test of time. As Robert got a bit older he became “Caddy” for his Dad, and what a chore that was!! He suffered long and hard trying to get through to his Dad the finer elements of the game of “good” golf. (The jury is out on whether he succeeded or not!!)
Robert was one of the most pleasant young men the Society has encountered over its 25 years. Despite his long term illness, Cystic Fibrosis, Robert was a fantastic overall sportsman. He excelled firstly in Gaelic Football, and when that sport became a little difficult for him he took up his greatest passion, the game of Golf. He became a Juvenile member of Craddockstown Golf Club and quickly became “the one to watch”. One of his first prizes at the club was second place on Junior Captains Day, followed the very next year with The Overall First, Junior Captains Prize, fighting off very talented players at the club. He continued his success with
Blessington Golf Society playing alongside his friend and cousin Paul O’Neill, who publically confessed, at his funeral mass, “ No matter how many times we
played, I could never get the upper hand”.
He won the coveted Ballinatona Cup, against players who had years of experience and was as always gracious in his success. Such was the determination and fighting spirit of this fine young man, taken from us at the age of 20 years.
Robert continued to play right up until the age of 18 when he started to find the long walk and the effort of the game too much. Even though he could not play he was sure to keep himself right up to date with all the society outings and events. He was well known for his quick wit and humour and when there was a “slag” Rob was right there in the middle of it. During one of his longer stays in hospital he decided to have fun by texting certain members of the Society, with little nuggets of information that he knew would get their “dander” up and he succeeded in his endeavours!!
While in Tallaght Hospital, his nurses contacted the”Make a Wish foundation”, it was through this organisation he met his greatest golfing hero, Padraig Harrington. Robert was so grateful for the opportunity to spend the day in the company of Padraig & his Wife Caroline at their home near Stackstown. He played with Padraig on his private green and came away with fantastic gifts and memories of a truly wonderful day. He got the opportunity again to meet Harrington who called to visit him in Tallaght Hospital, when Robert’s health deteriorated. Tom & Helen were most grateful to Padraig for taking time out of his busy schedule to come and visit Robert.
We all can recall many stories of the fun times with Robert. We treasure these memories. He touched the hearts of all who knew him.
Rena & Frank O'Neill
Robert was one of the most pleasant young men the Society has encountered over its 25 years. Despite his long term illness, Cystic Fibrosis, Robert was a fantastic overall sportsman. He excelled firstly in Gaelic Football, and when that sport became a little difficult for him he took up his greatest passion, the game of Golf. He became a Juvenile member of Craddockstown Golf Club and quickly became “the one to watch”. One of his first prizes at the club was second place on Junior Captains Day, followed the very next year with The Overall First, Junior Captains Prize, fighting off very talented players at the club. He continued his success with
Blessington Golf Society playing alongside his friend and cousin Paul O’Neill, who publically confessed, at his funeral mass, “ No matter how many times we
played, I could never get the upper hand”.
He won the coveted Ballinatona Cup, against players who had years of experience and was as always gracious in his success. Such was the determination and fighting spirit of this fine young man, taken from us at the age of 20 years.
Robert continued to play right up until the age of 18 when he started to find the long walk and the effort of the game too much. Even though he could not play he was sure to keep himself right up to date with all the society outings and events. He was well known for his quick wit and humour and when there was a “slag” Rob was right there in the middle of it. During one of his longer stays in hospital he decided to have fun by texting certain members of the Society, with little nuggets of information that he knew would get their “dander” up and he succeeded in his endeavours!!
While in Tallaght Hospital, his nurses contacted the”Make a Wish foundation”, it was through this organisation he met his greatest golfing hero, Padraig Harrington. Robert was so grateful for the opportunity to spend the day in the company of Padraig & his Wife Caroline at their home near Stackstown. He played with Padraig on his private green and came away with fantastic gifts and memories of a truly wonderful day. He got the opportunity again to meet Harrington who called to visit him in Tallaght Hospital, when Robert’s health deteriorated. Tom & Helen were most grateful to Padraig for taking time out of his busy schedule to come and visit Robert.
We all can recall many stories of the fun times with Robert. We treasure these memories. He touched the hearts of all who knew him.
Rena & Frank O'Neill
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