Ned Flaherty

Ned died on the 23rd October 2015, just a week after his 79th birthday. He was a long standing, well loved and well respected member of our U3A.

Listening to his many friends speak about him the most frequently repeated phrases about Ned are that he was ‘kind’,  ‘a lovely man’, ‘caring’, ‘a real gentleman’, ‘funny’, ‘witty’ ‘a quietly influential person’, and above all ‘great company’.

Ned also had a very strong sense of social responsibility. There are many who take and few that give; Ned gave of himself unstintingly to three U3As and also to his local Labour Party where he had been active since the 1980s. He helped launch Burton Joyce U3A; he was part of the Carlton & Gedling U3A start-up and was Membership Secretary there until his illness.

Ned cared deeply about the U3A movement; he was always there at the AGM to express his concerns or ideas. He was a Group Leader for us and Carlton & Gedling, having set up and led Walking Groups. He was also very active in Coffee Morning and Pub Lunch groups. He willingly shared his interests and passions with others and generously gave his time and energy to the U3A movement; without such Group Leaders the U3A would not exist.

Our deepest sympathies go out to Kath and family.

“My tribute is to both Kath and Ned, to thank them both for their contribution to the life and fun that they gave us on Wednesday mornings. The pub lunch won't be the same without him. My thoughts are with Kath and I hope to see her soon.” Julia

“I would just like to say how sad I am to hear that Ned has passed away. I always found him to be cheerful, friendly and approachable. I always enjoyed chatting with him at the U3A and will miss seeing him at the Carlton meetings. My deepest sympathy to Kath.” Joy

“Ned was such a kind man, I went on a walk with the group but couldn’t keep up, Ned dropped back to walk with me and slowed the pace. He chatted, made me laugh making me feel as if I wasn’t being a nuisance.” June

“He will be missed by all of us.” Eileen

“He was a great supporter of the U3A and his work was valued. Attendance at Monday coffee mornings was welcomed as his Irish brogue made conversation easy on the ear!” Pat

“He touched so many lives. We will not forget.” Jan