The term gentle giant is often employed as a euphemism for those who go about their daily lives causing offence to noone, are committed to the greater good of the community as a whole and who command respect because of their demeanour and outlook. This being the case, Paddy Smith fitted the bill perfectly. And his untimely death has now stripped Armagh of one of its most popular personalities. If Paddy was big in stature, then he was equally big in the elements that really matter in life - decency, integrity and commitment. Modest and unassuming, he was blessed with two qualities, too, that sustained him right to the end of his sixty-six years on earth - an inherent ability to strike up a rapport with people of all creeds and classes and a warm sense of humour. A devoted family man, he enjoyed a home life that was the envy of many. It was perhaps in the sporting sphere that his unbridled enthusiasm, single-mindedness and willingness to put his shoulder to the wheel that won him many friends and, indeed, admirers. Initially with Milford Everton and subsequently with Armagh City, Paddy fulfiled a variety of roles that would have tested the stamina and indeed resolve of others of a less dedicated nature. Referee, groundsman, PRO, committee member, linesman, fundraiser - at one time or another, Paddy, in his own inimitable manner, executed all these duties enthusiastically and uncomplainingly. With him, it was invariably a question of asking not what your club can do for you but what you can do for your club. Nor was he ever found wanting when the various sponsorships were being sought or collections being made - Paddy's hand invariably went straight to his pocket. And even prior to his active and fruitful involvement with soccer, his prowess as a GAA referee ensured that those participants who might otherwise have been prone to take liberties wisely decided to err on the side of caution when Paddy was the whistler. If his interest in GAA in latter years was confined to the role of armchair supporter, then his desire to see Armagh overhaul Tyrone in terms of All Ireland trophies was on a par with that of the Orchard county's most vociferous supporters. It is a measure of his talents that sport, while providing the springboard for so much of his pleasure, did not totally dominate his landscape. Gardening, DIY and cooking figured prominently on Paddy's weekly agenda and to suggest that he was fastidious in the execution of all three might well be to delve into the realms of understatement. There were simply no half-measures with him - his philosophy was that if a job was worth doing, it was worth doing well and how well this served him! Country music, too, had its place on his radar and his knowledge of and interest in this particular arena saw him actively involved many years ago in helping to organise a series of successful dances, something that he thoroughly enjoyed. Suffice to say given Paddy's imposing presence, no nonsense approach and quiet diplomacy, the need for doormen was all but negated! He continued to pursue his love of all things country via radio programmes up until his death and was as well-informed on the subject as those more involved in it. Committed to his faith but acutely conscious of the rights of others to practice theirs. Paddy never took the moral high ground - like the rest of us, the occasional colourful adjective peppered his speech, merely lending substance to the sincerity of his views, while his appraisal of events both local and national carried his own individual imprimatur. That was Paddy - very much his own man in every way, yet at the same time a true son of Armagh who took great pride in his family, his club and his city. The loss being experienced by his wife Bridget, son Brian, daughters Orla and Kaye, and family circle is incalculable. The void left in the lives of the rest of us who had the pleasure of knowing him is painful, that feeling tempered, though, by the knowledge that today Paddy is surely enjoying the rich rewards of his labours on so many fronts in Heaven. - Armagh Observer 16th April 2009 Tweet

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