Ballyshannon mourns loss of greatly respected retired paramedic

There was a large number of mourners in attendance at the Funeral Mass of the late Ted Kennedy, Erne Dale Heights, Ballyshannon at St Patrick’s Church in Ballyshannon on Monday following his peaceful death at the North West Hospice in Sligo the previous Thursday, June 29, 2023.

At the start of his Funeral Mass, a presentation of items were brought to the altar that reflected Ted’s life journey which included a photo of the family, a memory of his career of driving buses both in the U.K. and later the length and breadth of Ireland.

There was also recognition of what was his most important contribution to his working career, when he later became an ambulance driver and a paramedic.

This was represented by two hats, which reflected both his work career and his love of fishing and the sea, as well as some work created in stained glass representing the Book of Kells.

Chief celebrant Fr Dermot Burke who was assisted by Fr John Carroll from Sligo added:

“And he gave great service and support to thousands of people.”

Fr Burke said they would also be remembering his late wife Eileen, who had only passed, four months previously to Ted, along with his deceased parents and other members of his family that had passed.

Later in his homily, he recalled a man of many traits and talents:

“Ted’s earthly journey began 82 years ago. He was born near Strandhill.

And he seems to have taken ill. He was visiting his Aunt Maggie in Cliffoney and for some reason, he became ill.

It was a long visit but he wasn't allowed to leave his Aunt until he was better. But it seems that he remained on with her even after he recovered and I am told that he was spoiled rotten, while he was there.

He grew up and in adulthood he emigrated to Coventry in search of employment and he soon got employed with Coventry Transport as a bus driver and later as an Inspector, the youngest to hold this rank at the time. But he disliked this job as he loved driving the buses.

Also on the buses at the time was a young lady from Ballyshannon, Eileen McDermott, whom he married and they were later blessed with five children, all of whom were born in Coventry.

In 1962, they family arrived back in Ireland, deceased working fora time on the buildings along with his brothers, but then went back to driving when he secured a job as a bus driver with CIE.

He enjoyed driving tours all around the country and it gave him the opportunity to see all the beautiful spots of Donegal. Ted loved meeting people and showing them all the landmarks of the towns and villages.

But staying with driving he later became an ambulance driver and went on to train as a paramedic, where he remained until his retirement until 2006.

He had a great and lengthy career with the ambulance service and did numerous training courses during his career. He was very dedicated and knowledgeable in his line of work and was very interested in continuous training and learning.

During his time with the ambulance service, Ted encountered many tragedies, including the Mountbatten tragedy in his beloved Mullaghmore. And he attended the scene on that day.

He also attended at the horrific fire at the Central Hotel in Bundoran, where many lives were lost. He often spoke of these horrific incidents during his lifetime and they most certainly left a scar.

However there were many good news stories, like how he delivered babies successfully in the ambulance and also stories of lives being saved through CPR and defib on casualties. Ted and Eileen had 14 grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

And Ted regularly recounted his life stories to his family and they loved to hear all the tales as Ted had a unique way of storytelling and told many funny stories relating to his younger life in Cliffoney and his school life. He told stories of his life in the country and the work he carried out, saving the turf, making the hay and planting vegetables.

He also had stories of his mischief that he got up to, stealing apples seems to be one of them from Major Eccles orchard and how the ‘criminal’ was caught and he had to pay the penalty of one penny per apple.

Life went on and Ted retired but he also continued his hobby of being artistic - in his paintings, his stained glass, his etchings, woodwork and generally making and repairing things. He painted pictures for family and friends and his neighbours during the wake told how Ted was called upon to use his first aid knowledge in helping his neighbours and was called to help fix washing machines and other electrical problems also.

He could turn his hand to anything and had many skills and talents. He also did a class fr a few years for local groups, women groups and active age groups.

After retiring he bought a boat which enabled him to spend many hours in his beloved Mullaghmore fishing and we are told that he made a special friendship with a seagull or maybe the seagull made it with him.

This particular seagull is supposed to have followed him whenever he went out in his boat and Ted gave him extra special food, so the seagull knew he was on to a good thing.

He also brought the family out on many occasions, sometimes visiting Inishmurray.

In earlier times, living in Ballyshannon, he was involved with the Fine Gael party and served as a member of the Ballyshannon Town Commissioners for a number of years.

Ted lived a life of service, to his family and community and a wider area of friends.

His life was a life of service and many many people are all the better for meeting Ted Kennedy, Fr Burke said.

Ted is predeceased by his wife Eileen, his brothers Mick, Johnny and James.

Ted will be forever remembered by his family Trisha (Chris), Deirdre (Paul), Christopher (Catherine RIP), Claire (Sean) and Gary (Marina).

He was much loved by his grandchildren Darren, Leigh, Bryan, Kealan, Evie, Hazel, Marcella, Katie, Greg, Lynsey, Jack, Rebecca, Conor and Odhran and great-grandchildren, Ciaran, Michael, Teddy, Alex, Emmet, Isla, Ava, Lewis, Bobby and Jamie.

He will also be forever missed by his brothers Padraic (Moira), Tom (Pauline), sister Bridie (Michael) and extended family and friends to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

Following Mass of the Resurrection at St. Patrick’s church, Ballyshannon this was followed by interment in St. Joseph’s cemetery, The Rock, Ballyshannon.

Donations in lieu of flowers if so desired to the Northwest Hospice, The Mall, Sligo c/o Patrick McKenna Funeral Directors, Ballyshannon or any family member.