Funeral details published for former Kildare Mayor Rainsford Hendy
The late Rainsford Hendy with Minister Martin Heydon
Former Kildare county councillor Rainsford Hendy will be laid to on Friday.
Mr Hendy will repose at his home in Timolin on Thursday from 3pm - 8pm, concluding with prayers. The funeral service will be held on Friday at 2pm at St Mullin's Church, Timolin after which he will be laid to rest in the adjoining churchyard.
House will be private on Friday morning.
Tributes have been paid to Rainsford Hendy, former member of Kildare Co Council and Mayor of the county, who died over the weekend.
Rainsford was first elected to Kildare Co Council in 1991, serving almost two decades representing the Athy electoral area up to 2009 when he retired. He proudly held the position of Mayor of the county and also contested two general elections.
A minute’s silence was held at Monday's meeting of Athy Municipal District, which heard that the Timolin man was a huge character in south Kildare and a great community man.
“During his time as a member of KCC, he delivered locally for individuals, local businesses and community groups. He was passionate about public service and continued to highlight local issues and campaign long after his own career in local government had ended,” said Kildare South TD and Minister Martin Heydon.
“Rainsford was a great friend, mentor and supporter of mine, encouraging me to go into politics when he decided to retire in 2009. Ever since he has been a constant support to me in my political career.
“He was a proud supporter of the Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day in memory of his wife Hazel and sold daffodils in the area for 44 years up to 2024.
“He was also a great family man who will be sorely missed by his children Robert, Elizabeth, Sandra, Jill and their families.”
Senator Victor Boyhan said Rainsford was a very committed member of the Church of Ireland, active in the parishes of Timolin, Narraghmore, Fontstown, Castledermot, Kinnagh as well as the Diocesan Synod.
“A great character, robust debater and community activist, he loved his county and country, a proud and active member of Fine Gael, we will miss him greatly,” he said.
