‘A giant of a man in all ways’
The recent passing of former Nenagh CBS Secondary School Principal Vincent Kyne occasioned regret among the great many people in this community who knew him.
Vincent, of Ballymoylan, Carrigatoher and originally from Headford, Co Galway, was renowned not just for his teaching ability but also for his involvement in clay-pigeon shooting, and as a long-time volunteer with Nenagh’s pioneering restorative justice project.
He began his teaching career at the old CBS in John’s Lane in 1964, where he taught Latin, Gaeilge, Commerce, and Accounting. When the school moved to its present home in Summerhill, Vincent played a significant role in its development both as teacher and as member of the senior management team until his retirement in 2002.
‘STRONG PRESENCE’
“Vincent will be fondly remembered for his strong presence and his familiar image walking the corridors with his trademark bunch of keys,” a CBS statement of tribute read. “Even after retirement, he maintained a keen interest in school life and took great pride in seeing his grandsons attend St Joseph’s CBS.
“A passionate GAA supporter and proud Galway man, Vincent inspired many students to take part in hurling and Gaelic football, coaching many school teams and took great joy in the school’s recent successes in the Dean Ryan and Dr Harty Cup competitions.
“Outside of school, Vincent had a deep appreciation for nature and wildlife. He reared pheasants, geese, and ducks, and was a strong advocate for conservation. He shared his interests generously, guiding many on outings to Illaunmore Island on Lough Derg and enjoying the camaraderie of those days. He was an active member of Portroe Gun Club and represented Tipperary in clay-pigeon shooting. As Firearms Proficiency Officer for Tipperary, he introduced many young people to shooting in a safe and responsible manner.”
The school noted that Vincent also gave his time to the Nenagh Community Reparation Project (now Restorative Justice in the Community), where he supported and mentored individuals working to make positive changes in their lives.
‘COLOSSUS IN NENAGH CBS’
Many past pupils joining in tribute spoke of Vincent’s towering physical stature, which was matched by his gentlemanly nature and the energy he put into everything he did. He was, as Tim O’Brien wrote, “a giant of a man in all ways”.
Deputy Alan Kelly described Vincent as “a colossus in Nenagh CBS, who had such a positive impact on so many families, my own included. I can still see him walking around the school at lunch time with a cup of soup in hand as he roared on about Galway in the hurling!”
Former TD and teacher Máire Hoctor said her late CBS colleague “brought wisdom, knowledge and laughter wherever he went. We were all the better, both pupils and teachers, for knowing him. He also made a great contribution to the Restorative Justice in the Community project in Nenagh, where we worked together again.”
RJC Manager Emily Sheary added a tribute that Vincent was “generous with his time and in offering support to those people we worked with who were trying to make changes in their lives. We are so grateful to have had his support over many years.”
‘FIRM BUT VERY FAIR’
Many of the tributes acknowledged the great respect that Mr Kyne always commanded. He was, in the words of John A Hogan, “firm but very fair”.
This sentiment was echoed by Martin Grace: “He was tough but always fair. The deal was simple - work with him to realise your potential.”
For Eugene Hogan, Mr Kyne would be remembered “by the thousands who sat in his classrooms - fully attentive, mind you - at Nenagh CBS, learning accountancy and about things that mattered even more, like respect and showing up”.
Donal Ryan joined in extending sympathy to the Kyne family, suitably summing up Vincent: “Great teacher, straight man, you got what you deserved and it was dealt with no grudges”.
‘WARM, WITTY AND WISE’
The family of one of Vincent’s CBS colleagues, the late Martin Hudner, remembered him as “warm, witty and wise. We enjoyed many a pheasant dinner after his hunting escapades!
“Vincent was a mine of information on so many topics. He was a proud Galway sheep farmer turned idolised teacher (with infinite talents in between).”
North Tipperary Working Gundog Club left a tribute on rip.ie describing Vincent as “a gentleman who provided this club with great assistance on Illaunmore over the years”.
The North Tipperary Regional Game Council had the privilege of Vincent’s involvement for many years. “He dedicated his life to helping people to get involved in hunting and was always on hand for safety courses and clay shoots.
“His passing has left a hole in our association which will never be filled. His knowledge and passion for what he did will never be matched.”
Vincent was also interested in angling on Lough Derg. A tribute from Garrykennedy Fishing Club acknowledged the deceased as “a highly valued member of our club”.
A condolence from Thurles RFC stated that Vincent would long be remembered for the time he played with the club in the early ‘90s.
‘UTTERLY IRREPLACEABLE’
For Killoran Community Centre, Vincent Kyne was “one of our loyal and cherished supporters.
“The warmth and friendship he brought to our Monday night card games will leave a void that simply cannot be filled.
“He was, in every sense of the word, a true gentleman, kind, genuine, and utterly irreplaceable. We will carry fond memories of him with us always.”
Vincent died peacefully on Wednesday, May 20, in the wonderful care of the staff in Nenagh hospital, surrounded by his family.
He will be sadly missed and remembered with love by his wife Bridie (née Ryan Long), sons David and Kieran, daughters Maureen, Síle, and Deirdre; grandchildren Darragh, Joe, Michael, Danielle, Cathal, Aidan, Treasa, Róisín, Aoibhínn, Tadhg, Kieran and Conor; sister Mai O’Brien, daughters-in-law Geraldine and Genevieve, sons-in-law Padraig Hogan and Michael McDonnell, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended family, neighbours and many friends.