THE LATE MR. PATRICK KEARNEY, DISTRICT SECRETARY OF THE H.A.C.B. SOCIETY.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVI, Issue 5, 3 June 1898, Page 28

THE LATE MR. PATRICK KEARNEY, DISTRICT SECRETARY OF THE H.A.C.B. SOCIETY.

(From our Auckland Correspondent.)

As announced previously by wire in the Tablet Mr. Patr'ck Kearney died at his residence, Newton, on Sunday morning, May l.">. His illness was short and severe, and his comparatively early demise at the age of 46 leaves his beloved wife and his young family of nine in deep sorrow, and, unfortunately, none too well provided for. Born in Tipperary, County Tipperary, he, with his late brother Richard, who died but a few weeks ago, arrived from Ireland at Auckland at the age of 18. From the very outlet the two young Irish lads closely identified themselves with Church matters and every Sunday taught catechiem under Father Walter at St Patrick's, the genial Monsignore recalling the fact on the day of the funeral. When the Hibernian Society was first mooted in Auckland in the seventies, one of the first to throw into it all his energy and ability was Patrick Kearney. He soon became in it a recognised leader. In those days some of our countrymen fought shy of identifying themselves with the " wearin' o' the green," the " shoneen " element — and they are with us to-day too — but this fact but tended to arouse in young Kearney and kindred spirits all their latent love of Faith and Fatherland. " Catholic and Irish " before everything else, was their motto. In the Auckland branch Brother Kearney became a leader. His capacity and ability pushed him there whether he wished it or not. In time the Society by expansion •wisely federated in reality — they were already in sentiment — throughout New Zealand, and the District Board being located in Auckland the onerous and all important office of District Secretary was entrusted to the late Bro. Patrick Kearney. He was the man for the office. Genial, kindly, goodnatured Pat. To know him was but to love, esteem, and admire him. •In him the warm Celtic nature overflowed. By virtue of his office he was brought into contact with his brother Hibernians throughout New Zealand and also in the other colonies as well. He worthily represented a worthy Society. His loss is an irreparable one. On Sunday when the news spread through Catholic and Hibernian circles in the city profound indeed was the grief expressed at the death of Patrick Kearney. That same evening it was conveyed by wire to the Hibernians throughout the Colony. The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon, May 17. The coffin was borne from the house to the hearse by the four District Officers, Bros. Nerheny, D.P., Patterson, D.V.P., Kane, D.T.. Sheahan, P.D.P., who acted as pall-bearers. The hearse was preceded by fully sixty members of the local branch on foot. By instruction, the Dunedin branch was represented by P.D.P. Bro. Little and Bro. James O'Brien ; Hastings, by Bro. D. Flynn, P.D.P. ; Thames, by Bros. Harney and Corbett ; Charleston, West Coast, by Bro. M. D. Lavery ; Auckland, by Bros. M. O'Sullivan, P., and D. O'Sullivan, V.P. The cortege moved to St. Benedict's Church, where the service was read by the Rev. Father Brodie. Monsignor McDonald came all the way from Panmure to attend and pay his respects to the memory of the deceased. The four District Officers bore the coffin from the church, and the mournful procession was headed by the Hibernians in regalia and Father Brodie and the altar boys. Following the hearse were two young sons of the deceased, a brother, two nephews, and a brother-in-law, as chief mourners, then fully thirty carriages. The interment took place at Waikuraete Cemetery. Father Brodie in an impressive manner read the burial service over the grave. Numbers of beautiful floral wreaths were placed upon the grave by the family, friends, and brother Hibernians. The Dunedin branch placed a lovely one with the comprehensive aphorism, * A true son of Erin." The Auckland branch's was in the form of a large harp, while the female branch, Sancta Maria, Auckland, also placed a very pretty wreath. Telegraphed messages of condolence were sent by the Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Thames, and Hastings branches of the H.A.C.B. Society. Never was regret more sincere and widespread, and deservedly so, for no truer Catholic and Irishman ever breathed than the kindly-natured and whole-hearted Patrick Kearney. May God grant him eternal life and happiness.