The passing of Dublin county board chairman Andy Kettle on Tuesday has led to shock, grief and warm memories emanating throughout GAA circles for a man who put “sterling” work into the association he loved.
The Fingal Ravens clubman was at 68 heading into his fifth year as county chairman, having overseen a period in which Dublin won two All-Ireland football titles, numerous Leinster titles in football, a first hurling title in 52 years and league titles in both codes.
He had survived a bout of prostate cancer around 14 years ago and had been in good health ever since, although in October things turned for the worse when a routine check-up showed the return of the cancer.
The GAA President Liam Ó Néill says that the news of his passing was a shock to him.
“He was an extremely popular figure within the wider GAA family but of course was particularly active with his native Dublin. His warm, friendly, inclusive demeanour struck a chord with people and drew people easily to his company.
“His infectious enthusiasm could be seen on match days at Croke Park but of course much of his sterling work was overseen away from the glare down through the various other ranks of Gaelic games in the capital city."
Former Dublin player and chief executive of the Gaelic Players Association Dessie Farrell added that "Andy was deeply committed to the development of Gaelic games both in his club Fingal Ravens and his county; he was a staunch ally of all the county's teams in hurling and football.
“He wore his heart on his sleeve and his affection and public support for players will be remembered fondly by those with whom he served.”
In his role as Dublin minor and under-21 football manager Farrell had worked closely with Kettle, as had current county senior football manager Jim Gavin.
Talking to RTÉ Radio One Gavin said that “he leaves behind a legacy of service and influence in the GAA".
Going to battle
“We’d a very open and honest relationship with Andy. He was a man of integrity. He was very principled.
“He had a great passion for the association and for developing Gaelic games in Dublin, both hurling and football, and I do recall, after some of our games sharing a meal with Andy, that he talked with great pride about the Fingal hurling team.
“He attended our training sessions, he attended team meetings, he came with the players on the bus, he was in the dressing room at our shoulder in victory and defeat. If one was going to battle, Andy Kettle is someone that you would want at your side.”
Others to offer their condolences to his wife Phyllis, sons Patrick, Peter and Eoin and his daughters Niamh, Orla and Ciara was Dublin Lord Mayor Christy Burke, along with a litany of players passed and present.
Life can be so cruel
Dublin footballer Philly McMahon was one of the throngs of social media users to express their dejection at the sudden news.
"Life can be so cruel. RIP Andy Kettle," he said. While Bernard Brogan referred to him as "a gent and a true blue".
All Star Paul Flynn added "very sad to hear of Andy Kettle passing away", as former county player Paul Clarke referenced the "brilliant worker, ambassador and representative of Dublin GAA" that Kettle so truly was.
As much as Dublin football had prospered under his stewardship, the development of hurling within the county was a constant target of his. In recent times he had heralded the county's acquisition of new hurling manager Ger Cunningham, while he memorably donned the number 12 jersey of Conal Keaney ahead of the All-Ireland quarter-final in 2011 as an offering of support for the player who was at the time being treated in hospital after a motorcycle accident.
“Terrible news about Andy Kettle a true gentleman that loved Dublin GAA. May he rest in peace. I don’t think any other chairman would have done this for a player on such an important fixture. A True Dublin Hero,” he tweeted.
After undergoing chemotherapy for a couple of months and seemingly recovering well, sometimes heading off to catch matches in the county championship afterwards, his health went downhill rapidly three weeks ago.
A suspected infection turned out to be pneumonia and he has been in intensive care ever since.
“Everything that Andy did was totally focused on the best for Dublin GAA and the association at large,” added Jim Gavin.
Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a anam dhílis.
