O'Loughlin, Patsy
January 19, 2007
The late Patsy O'Loughlin
The death has taken place of Patsy O'Loughlin, 22 Madden's Terrace, Clarecastle and originally from The Turnpike, Ennis. He would have been celebrating his 66th birthday on the day his remains were brought to Clarecastle church, on December 21, 2006.
A tremendously popular and likable person in his adopted Clarecastle and native Ennis, Patsy established his own very successful painting contracting business and was preparing to retire and take a well earned rest when he became ill. He died at his home on December 20, 2006 after spending some time in hospital.
Coming from the area of Ennis that was steeped in the GAA and known as the home of the hurlers in the town, Patsy made his mark as an above average hurler in his school-going days at Ennis CBS primary school. He was the star of the team and the top scorer when the Turnpike beat the Clonroad -St Michael's team in the final of the CBS hurling league in the summer of 1954. He went on to become a valued member of the Ennis Dalcassians, St John's and Eire Og teams in Ennis, before throwing in his lot with Clarecastle where he lived after his marriage to the former Helen McMahon.
On his retirement from hurling, he continued to follow the fortunes of the Clare, Clarecastle and Ennis teams. However, his hurling skills were not lost as his three sons went on to win All-Ireland, provincial and county hurling titles.
He must have been one of the proudest Clare people in Croke Park when one of his sons, Ger 'Sparrow' O'Loughlin, played a starring role for Clare when bridging an 81 year wait by winning the All-Ireland hurling final in 1995 and again in 1997. Another son, Victor, won a Munster minor hurling medal in 1981 and also played with Clare while another son, Fergie, figured prominently with Clarecastle and trained underage and senior teams in Clare and outside the county. In addition, Fergie and his sister's, Loretta and Claire, made a name for themselves in Clare squash circles and went on to become champions of Clare.
His family's achievements must have been a source of great pride to him. Nonetheless, he continued to be the same Patsy O'Loughlin, a person whom it was always a pleasure to meet and be in the company of. His personality, wit and company over a pint in the local will be missed.
Although an Ennis man at heart, he did not fall short when playing his part for the Clarecastle community. His voluntary contribution to the local community hall and all the activities associated with it was always appreciated. He was also prominent in the famous get-togethers in the home of the late Pappy McCready in Main Street when there were many enlivened and entertaining discussions on topics ranging from greyhounds to hurling and politics.
Friends, former hurling colleagues, neighbours and GAA officials from Clare and other counties turned our in big numbers for the removal of his remains from Kennedy's funeral home to Clarecastle church on the evening of December 21, 2006. The coffin was draped in the colours of the Clarecastle GAA club, whose members formed a guard of honour.
The chief celebrant of the funeral mass on the following day was Clarecastle born Fr Donough O'Meara, PP Kilkee and the Bishop of Killaloe, Dr Willie Walsh, was among the concelebrants. The soloist for mass was Monica Frawley, organist was Ada Power and Clive Earley played the accordion. Clarecastle GAA club members again formed a guard of honour as the funeral made its way to Clare Hill cemetery.
Patsy is survived by his wife, Helen; sons Victor, Ger and Fergie; daughters, Loretta, Tara, Claire and Sharon; brother, Victor, sisters; Maura, Betty and Breda; sons in law, daughters in law, grandchildren, nephews and nieces.
Courtesy of The Clare Champion
19 January 2007
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