The Late Pat Rafferty The death took place of Pat Rafferty, Madden, County Armagh. Pat was the eldest son of Henry and Catherine Rafferty and was predeceased by his sister Mary Beagan. Pat was a great sports person throughout his life. He played football for Madden along with his brother Michael John and Alphonsus; they played on the great Madden team of 1959 that included Jimmy Whan and Frank Hughes went on to win five tournaments in that season. It was a fitting tribute that most of the team formed a guard of honour at his funeral. Pat played Road Bowls and was always very proud when his nephews Philip, Terence, Michael and Paul Rafferty and their cousin Conal brought many titles back to Madden. Pat farmed on the family farm in his early life, but decided to go to a family friend in Doncaster, England and it was in England he lived for most of his life. He worked on the buses, and found time to play football for a team in Leeds. He moved down to Ealing in London and worked at steel fixing and remained there until he came home late last year. Pat also had a great interest in Horse Racing and on many occasions went to Doncaster and Cheltenham races. Rugby was another passion of Pat's and he joined a team in London. Ballroom dancing was another one of Pat's pastimes and he danced on many occasions in ballrooms in London. His love of nature and flowers inspired him to take up gardening in his later years and he made so many friends who enjoyed his sense of humour. Pat was a true gentleman who lived a full life and will be greatly missed by all his family and many friends. He is survived by his brothers Michael John and Alphonsus, sisters Colette and Greta, New York and Patricia Corr, Magheryarville, Armagh, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Joseph's Church, Madden by Monsignor McGrane and interment followed in the adjoining cemetery. May he rest in peace. Courtesy of the Armagh Observer, November 2004. Tweet

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