Joe Flynn |

Joe Flynn has this week lost his brave battle with cancer.

TRALEE’S Joe Flynn, who captured and inspired the hearts of the town with his strength, attitude and wonderfully unique views on his battle with cancer, has sadly passed away.

Joe, a resident of Rahoonane here in town came to the attentions of the wider community after he conducted a very personal, inspirational and moving interview with a local paper about his battle with terminal cancer (click here to read).

During this interview he talked about his diagnosis, what he hoped to experience in his final few months and about how he was determined to be out and about and enjoying life as much as he could.

This writer never had the pleasure to meet the man himself, but from the stories I had from my those that did knew him well, you really couldn’t ever meet a nicer person.

After news of his passing spread today, there was one post by ‘The Castle Bar’ that stood out for this writer which I think summed up the man that Joe was:

“[There are} not enough nice words to describe Joe, but simply the nicest person I have ever met and maybe ever will.”

If we can all aspire to be remembered in such a simple, moving and wonderful way as Joe is being remembered today, then I think we’ll doing alright.

This writers thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and anyone lucky enough to have known him.

Reposing at Mc Elligott’s Funeral Home, Tralee on Friday evening from 4.00PM to 6.30PM followed by removal at 6.30PM to Our Lady and St. Brendan’s Parish Church.

Requiem Mass will take place on Saturday at 11AM followed by burial in New Rath Cemetery.

Family flowers only. Donations in lieu to The Palliative Care Unit, Kerry General Hospital.

House strictly private.

Joe Flynn pictured with Ray D’Arcy and Joe’s two daughters Joanne and Bernie. Photo Credit: RTÉ

TRALEE Dynamos are getting set to host a very special match this coming Sunday November 29th in honour of their former player Joe Flynn, who is suffering from terminal oesophageal cancer and who has been given just a few months to live.

Joe is a well known and much loved character around the town whose profound strength and courage in the face of his illness have garnered him nationwide support (see article here).

His former club therefore have taken it upon themselves to host their very special ‘Kick it For Joe’ legends game at their pitch at noon on Sunday.

They are inviting players of all ages to come out and play in the game, with no limits on the number of players on each side and with the use of rolling substitutions, fitness should not be a concern for those who are worried.

Donations will be taken at the game with all money collected going straight towards the Kerry Cork Health Link Bus which is a free service that takes those that are suffering from cancer and who might not have any other way of getting to their treatment, up to Cork University Hospital (CUH) and back again.

Anyone wishing to help out on the day can contact Noel White on 083 1165199.