Tributes to a 'considerate and gentle' man

Billy Aspell and the tree planted in his honour last July.

Recollections of a caring, considerate and gentle man were just some of the tributes paid during Billy Aspell's funeral mass today, writes Brian Byrne. He was also described as kind but strong-willed and determined and with a work ethic held throughout his life that was bedded in consistency and loyalty. 

Those in the parish church to honour Billy, who passed away at the age of 94, were reminded of a man who had dedicated his life to Kilcullen in many ways, most notably through his love of GAA and boxing, and by introducing and mentoring young people of the town in both. 

James Nolan recalled his early memories of Billy, when he would pick him up from James's home and bring him to Nicholastown Green to play Gaelic football, later advancing to the club pitch in Castlemartin. “I was always a sick child, in and out of hospital, but he introduced me to Gaelic games and other sports which to this day I love, and he was a gentle influence on my life which I appreciate every day.” 

James also spoke of travelling with him when Billy worked in Nolans, making deliveries to homes, businesses, and horse training establishments. “His impeccably courteous nature endeared him to all our customers, and I learned from him how to handle many different situations. In essence, just to try and get on with everyone, because Billy was certainly able to do that. He also had an incredible knowledge of nature and the countryside, which he was teaching me about as we herded cattle.”

Billy's brother Paddy spoke of a man whose work ethic meant that he never missed a day of the 34 years he had worked with Irish Ropes before that business closed, afterwards joining the Nolan family which became such an important part of his life. He also remembered Billy's wife, Babs. “When he met her he found the love of his life. Though she would say that when she married him she became a musician, playing second fiddle to Kilcullen GAA as he dedicated all his spare time and energy in fundraising, and mentoring and encouraging young players.” Noting that those same players had shown their appreciation for him by recently planting a tree in his honour, he thanked Billy for enriching the lives of family and friends, with dignity to the last. 

Longtime friend Christy Howard reflected on 'a perfect gentleman' who had devoted his life to helping establish facilities for young people in Kilcullen, to be able to participate in sports and enjoy themselves and be happy. “I first met Billy through boxing, and it wasn't long before he saw the potential in some of us and we were in hard training.” Christy also recalled how Billy had been one of the key people behind the building of the Boxing Club's JFK Hall in the 1960s, “which for many years was also the only community centre we had in Kilcullen, used for many other sports, dances and celebrations.”

When Kilcullen GAA bought its own grounds 30 years ago it was one of Billy's ‘biggest proud moments', Christy added. “The official opening of the clubhouse in the year 2000 was an historic day. It was a most exciting day for Billy and the rest of the club and its members.” Recently the club celebrated the 25th anniversary of winning the Junior A Championship under Billy's leadership, 'bringing it from juvenile to adult', as Christy put it. “And just four weeks ago we walked around the new Field of Dreams and he commented on the hard work, commitment and determination of so many, past and present, who have delivered one of the best club facilities in Ireland.”

Christy concluded by expressing thanks for Billy's love for and promotion of the national games. “For all that, and for these new community facilities that will be opened in the next few weeks, we were very lucky and honoured to have Billy.”

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