KERRY publican and leading figure of London’s Irish community, Christy Kissane, has passed away.
The 69-year-old died unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 21, at his home in Dollis Hill, North West London.
Mr Kissane was President of the Kerry Association London (KAL), and most recently attended the organisation’s annual dinner at the Clayton Crown Hotel in Cricklewood on Friday, October 16.
“His death was sudden, it’s a big shock to the community in London,” said KAL Vice Chairman Sean Moriarty.
“I was just in his bar last night and two words come to mind when thinking about Christy. ‘Hero’ and ‘godfather’ of the Kerry community in London.
“He was a pillar of the community, he was known all the way in Buckingham Palace and had the charisma to carry himself and deal with both kings and paupers.”
Mr Kissane first arrived in the England over 50 years ago, working on building sites before becoming a publican.
He owned The Kingdom pub in Kilburn, which was often frequented by Kerry’s GAA stars and the Sam Maguire Cup.
His love for GAA also led him to take on the role as Chairman of Kingdom Kerry Gaels GFC in London.
