MMRA learned with regret of the death at the age of 87 of its former Vice-President Noel Kennedy, a resident of Foster Avenue since 1983. Although born in Kildare, he always considered himself a Galway man. Noel joined CIE straight from school, rose steadily up the ranks and finished his distinguished career as CEO of the CIE Group. He was responsible for the delivery of the DART and the introduction of the national school bus service.
His business expertise was evident in his work as a member of the MMRA committee for more than 20 years. Initially involved through the halting site issue. he threw himself wholeheartedly into the activities of the association His interests included traffic and planning and he was a rock during the controversy about road closures which threatened to destroy the association. Noel was also passionate in the protection and preservation of the UCD woodlands beside his home.
Noel was a man of innate dignity and courtesy. He had high principles to which he adhered. He was a leader who, above all, valued loyalty. He held strong views which he wasn’t afraid to express He could appear placid and genial but here was steel underneath. He had an avid interest in politics, national events and sport especially Gaelic games.
Noel was a family man, a pater familias, who supported his children and grand-children in every way and who rejoiced in becoming a great-grandfather. Above all was his devotion to Jo, to whom he was married for more than 60 years.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam