THE heartbroken wife of a 50-year-old Kinawley man who died following a battle with Oesophageal cancer has remembered her husband as a man with “powerful mental and physical strength”.

Frances McKenna paid tribute to her late husband, Raymond McKenna, who died on September 16 following a battle with cancer.

Mrs. McKenna paid tribute alongside her sister-in-law, Helen, who spoke of a “wonderful father, son, and brother".

Raymond was born on July 6, 1970, to Benny and Rosaleen McKenna, in Cornaskeogue, Kinawley.

He was the youngest of eight children. Raymond married Frances McGovern, of Mackan, in 1997.

The two had been “inseparable since their early teens, spending a number of years in New York and enjoying city life, with Raymond playing his Gaelic”, said Helen.

Raymond worked at Ballytherm, Ballyconnell and took over the family farm following his father’s death in 2005.

Frances said: “Raymond loved his job. He had a knack for friendship and developed a connection with people he crossed paths with over the years.

"One of his greatest gifts was his humour and sharp wit. He also took pride in his farming, and developed several close friendships with his neighbours and fellow farmers.”

Gaelic Football was a passion for Raymond, and his family remember “a fine athlete who excelled at all sport”.

Helen said: “Gaelic was his first choice– he represented his county at minor and underage level. He then went on to continue playing with his club, Brian Borus. He was a star midfielder, reaching the 1993 Championship final alongside his brothers, Damian and Paul.”

The pair returned from New York and built their home at Cornaskeogue, Kinawley. They welcomed four children into their lives: Eibhin, Lorcan, Oisin and Rión.

Raymond’s love of GAA has been passed down to three of his four children; Lorcan, Oisin and Rión have followed his legacy and are all current players with Brian Borus.

Raymond had served as the U-14 Girls Manager at Kinawley GAA, alongside Sean Doonan. Frances said: “He had a special interest in the team, as our daughter, Rión, is a member. He had watched them three weeks before his death.”

Raymond first became ill five years ago, and was diagnosed with Oesophageal Cancer. He received his initial treatment in St. James's Hospital, Dublin and underwent major surgery on July 31, 2016.

Helen said: “Raymond was initially misdiagnosed and lost several valuable months with his battle with cancer. He took on his diagnosis, full of determination to beat his illness, but would not let it define him.

"On the night of his major surgery, Raymond’s ICU nurse commented on his physical strength and alertness post-surgery.

"Over his five-year illness, the doctors and nurses often stated that they wished they had more patients like Raymond.

"He always had an exuberant, positive attitude and continued to push himself beyond their expectations after every procedure, including each round of chemo. They admired him, and his courage to overcome illness.”

After his first brush with cancer, Raymond and his family made many memories. The family went on holiday to America, Raymond hired a car, and the family drove from New Jersey to North Carolina, and every state in between.

Of a particular highlight from the trip, Frances said: “It was a beautiful house on a beach, miles away from everything.

"He had to drive on sand for nine miles to get to the house on the beach."

Speaking of Raymond’s resilient spirit, Frances remembers him conquering Croagh Patrick. She said: “Eight months after his surgery, we climbed Croagh Patrick. He was first to the top.”

Raymond and Frances were an active couple and enjoyed daily walks of up to seven miles together each day.

Helen remembers a man with many talents, especially for cooking. She said: “Raymond had a talent for cooking. He was a wonderful cook, always from scratch.”

Raymond enjoyed good health for two and a half years until Summer, 2019, when his cancer returned, more aggressively.

His family said: “He never complained, even thought you could see he was in pain; he was always positive, with plans.

"Raymond took nothing for granted and lived life to its full capacity.”

Frances said: “Raymond had the utmost respect for his doctors and nurses at St. James's. They provided individual care, and involved him in every aspect of his treatment.”

Raymond was a man of deep faith. He had a special affinity for the prayer to the intercession of St. Charles of Mt. Argus, which he would say daily. He received pastoral visits from Fr. McMorrow (St Naile’s, Kinawley) at home and in hospital in Dublin.

Raymond is survived by his wife, Frances; sons, Lorcan, and Óisín; daughters, Eibhin and Rión; his mother, Rosaleen, and his siblings, Patricia, Rosemary, Paul, Helen, Brenda and Damien.

He was predeceased by his father, Benny, and brother, Patrick, who died in infancy.

Raymond's Requiem Mass was in St. Naile’s Church, Kinawley, and he is buried in St. Naile’s new cemetery.