The village of Freshford were numbed and saddened at the weekend of learn of the passing of Joe Morrissey, late of Woodview, Freshford, one of its trojan community. Joe, who was in his early 70s had been unwell in recent months but nevertheless his passing caused widespread sorrow and regret. He bore his illness with such courage and bravery and always had a smiling face. He was predeceased by his father and mother Paddy and Mary Morrissey and his brother Michael, Kilkenny Street. Joe was heavily involved in the community since his retirement and was one of the leaders in the Freshford Tidy towns since its revival in 2016 with his wonderful ideas, craftsmanship and dedication to the village and beyond. He was always smiling and loved the jokes and the craic. READ NEXT: "Gorgeous couple" - Kilkenny work colleagues announce engagement No job was too big or too small for Joe and the village benefited in so many ways from his knowledge, skills and unwavering commitment. He was also involved in the Loop Community café in the village and thanks to his magic hands the place was transformed in the wonderful community café it is today. There was nothing he could not design, build create, fix, salvage or cajole and he even had a say in naming the café. He would be seen each Wednesday evening on the village green with the Tidy Towns crew painting or cleaning and at Christmas time he would be there putting up the Christmas tree or crib on the village green. He was a keen GAA supporter and member of St Lachtains GAA teams over the years and Freshford Town Soccer team. He was an ardent member of Freshford Fire Services for many years also. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, neighbour, and friend, he will be sadly missed by all in the village. He is mourned by his wife Marian, sons Pat and Eoin, daughter Louise, grandchildren, sisters, his aunt, brothers in law, sisters in law, nephew, nieces and extended family to whom deepest sympathy is extended. FOR MORE KILKENNY COMMUNITY NEWS, CLICK HERE