Mark Butler passes away after long illness

ONE OF Kilkenny’s finest has passed away after a long illness. Mark Butler of Nuncio Road, Kilkenny, died after a long and brave battle. He was 63.

In his younger years Mark was an outstanding salesman and travelled throughout the country for Seagrams Whiskey.

In later years he had his own retail fish business and later still he worked as bar manager for his great friend Pat Carroll at Carroll’s Bar, Ballybought Street, Kilkenny.

He was later to join Kilkenny City Football Club as marketing manager. He was a devoted and loyal worker and was involved in collecting advertising for the match programme, also helping to co-ordinate ground hoarding and match sponsorship.

As well as being a committed employee he was also a devout supporter of the club and travelled the length and breadth of the country supporting the team in the First Division of the National League.

He was a big admirer of then Kilkenny City manager Alfie Hale and in 1996 Mark’s faith in the former Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland star was justified when Alfie led the Cats to First Division glory and promotion to the Premier Division.

During a hugely successful sales career he also worked for Scotch Red Hackle Whiskey; Duncannon Fish Company, Kilkenny Trading Company and Kilkenny Design Workshops.

He started his working life as a trainee potter at Kilkenny Design Workshops.

Mark was predeceased by his wife Breda. He is survived by his son David; daughter Roisin; brothers Terry and Billy; sister Mary Skehan. He is also survived by son-in-law, daughter-in-law and grandchildren.

He was son of the late Billy and Mary Butler of Upper New Street, Kilkenny. Billy Snr was a lifelong member of Conradh na Gaeilge in Kilkenny and was an accomplished fiddler. He was a fluent Irish speaker.

Mark passed away at the home of his sister, Mary at Riverview, Kilkenny City.

At the time of going to press, funeral arrangements had not been made.

It is expected that his remains will be removed to St Patrick’s Church, Kilkenny on Sunday evening and burial will be on Monday.

Mark's remains were removed to St Patrick's Church on Sunday evening, from Hehir's Funeral Home. Requiem Mass on Monday was followed by  burial at Foulkstown  Cemetery.