The untimely death has occurred of Fenian Billy Purcell, aged 58. Billy represented his club, The Fenians at the various age levels for over 3 decades, finishing his playing career as a sprightly 47 year old. He terrorised Full backs the length and breadth of the county for two of the three decades when Fenians were competing strongly at Senior Grade in the county. He had sublime hands and was the clubs most consistent forward for many years.
Indeed Billy Purcell never played any game at Senior level for the club without having his name on the Kilkenny People as a Fenian scorer, a testament to his accuracy from placed balls and open play and against some of the strongest full backs of the times. He thoroughly enjoyed the social side of training and games, and just loved playing the game, making him a very popular and valued member of the hurling and wider community.
Billy played in 2 Minor All-Irelands , two U21 All-Irelands , and 5 Senior Hurling County Finals. He also hurled for the Kilkenny Senior Hurling team in National League and Leinster campaigns, culminating in winning 2 National Hurling League Titles ,2 Senior Hurling All-Irelands with the Kilkenny Teams of 1982 and 1983 , the team which completed the famous Double Double.
Billy is survived , an will be sorely missed, by by his wife Annette, sons Martin, Timmy and Enda, His daughter-in-law Phang, his sister Mary, his grandchild, relations, his neighbours, and his very large circle of friends.
Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam dílis
The death has occurred of William (Billy) Purcell
The Bungalow House, Bawnmore, Johnstown, Kilkenny
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William (Billy) died suddenly at Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny. Deeply regretted by his heartbroken wife Annette, sons Martin, Timmy and Enda, daughter-in-law Phang, granddaughter Ellie, sister Mary, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and the wider G.A.A. Community. Rest in peace. Reposing at Doyle’s Funeral Home, Urlingford on Saturday evening from 5 o’clock until 8 o’clock. Removal takes place on Monday morning to St. Michaels Church, Crosspatrick arriving for Requiem Mass at 11 o’clock. Interment afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to Dog Trust Ireland. House private on Sunday and Monday please. |
