Michael Jennings

Michael Christopher Jennings "Jennings Lad" of Ocean Grove, NJ formerly of Claremorris Co. Mayo passed away on Thursday February 6th 2020. He was 52 years old. Michael was born in Lenox Hospital Manhattan to William and Mary Jennings. He had one older sister Angela. He was raised in Manhattan until he was three years of age. He would then move back to Claremorris with his parents and sister. He attended Scoil Cholmain Naofa in Tuaugheen before graduating from St Coleman's College in 1985. He was an avid Gaelic footballer. He would play corner forward for St. Coleman's College and Caramore Hollymount.

Michael was a very social person. He loved to attend the dances and meet friends and was very popular with the ladies. It was one evening while attending the Beaten Path in Claremorris he would meet the love of his life Catherine Moran. It was love at first sight, but Michael had to play cool. They met on the dance floor and Michael got up the courage to ask Catherine back. The couple would marry July 8th 1991 at Our Lady's Help of Christians, Swinford, Co. Mayo.

Michael adored Soccer. A loyal Arsenal Fan Michael loved to watch and attend some of the games. If he was not watching Arsenal you could find him watching the Mayo games. He introduced lady soccer in Swinford and established the Swinford Girls Soccer team. He also loved listening to music. Anything by the Saw Doctors, the Smiths, Fleetwood Mac and Christy Moore.

Although Michael loved Ireland his heart was in America. He would always make people aware he was an American citizen. In August 2012 Michael and his family moved back to America where they settled in Ocean Grove. His first job's were with the breakers hotel and Radio Shack in Ocean Grove before working at Clancy's Tavern, Johnny Mac's and Kim Maries Eat and Drink Away in Asbury Park. He thoroughly enjoyed his work as a bar tender. Always happy to greet people and make them feel at home. He would always say "People forget what you say, but never how you make them feel"

Michael will be remembered as a family man who was reliable, witty, caring, positive and always had a great sense of humor. He always saw the funny side in everything and would make a joke out of it. He would do anything for his wife and two girls Siobhan and Danielle.

Michael is survived by his wife Catherine, his daughters; Siobhan and Danielle, his sister Angela, his mother Mary and his Uncles, Aunts and many cousins. He will be missed by his many friends that became family, the Irish Community and patrons of Johnny Mac's.

A Celebration of Michaels Life will take place at the Orender Funeral Home 2643 Old Bridge Road, Manasquan, New Jersey 08736 on Thursday February 13th from 4-8 PM. Micheal's remains will be repatriated home to Swinford, Co Mayo. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Michaels name to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust. For more information or to leave a condolence please visit www.pelhamfuneral.com