Huge crowd bids fond farewell to former Tipperary ladies football star Rachel Kenneally

A huge crowd turned out in Tipperary town today to bid a fond and sad farewell to former Tipperary ladies football star Rachel Kenneally.

St. Michael’s Church was full to overllowing for her funeral liturgy

Her coffin was draped in the Green and Gold of Aherlow along with the Blue and Gold of Tipperary.

Her sister Laura gave a heartfelt eulogy on Rachel's short but full life.  Laura said Rachel was a very caring and passionate person who always helped everyone else.

Rachel was twenty six.

Thousands of people had also congregated at her residence in Ballyglass, Tipperary town on Wednesday evening and some queued for over seven hours.

Personalities from various sports attended.  These included former managers Sean Donovan and John Leahy. 

Outside Rachel's home four flags flew which represented her life, – Aherlow, Tipperary and Dubai GAA, along with the skyblue of her beloved Kilfeacle RFC.

Rachel first started out playing football as a goal-keeper, at a very young age across the road from her house at Lowry's in Ballyglass.  She soon moved out-field and discovered that her best position was in the backs.  She played her club football from a very young age with her local club Aherlow.

Rachael had a very strong passion for travel and she visited many countries across the globe.  She carried this through to her profession, having taught in Dubai, where she went on to play Gaelic football with the local club.

Rachael was loved by everyone, and people travelled from many countries across the world to attend the funeral.

Her sister Laura thanked all at Kylecourt Clinic in Tipperary town, the staff at Cork University Hospital and the hospice staff for the care attention they showed to her during her illness.