The Late Pat O'Hanlon

The past week has been a lonely one for our club members for, instead of debating the ups and downs of the just-finished playing era for 2010, we were all in a state of shock following the news of the sudden death of a man who was genuinely passionate about Gaelic games. As a man who came to reside in town almost twenty years ago, he has certainly left an indelible mark on almost everyone in the club with whom he came in contact over those years that will not easily be rubbed out.

Pat O'Hanlon came to Fermoy after spending many years in London where he followed his love of GAA games which he had inherited from his native parish in Clare called Labbasheeda. Pat spent many years with the Sean McDermotts club in London which is probably one of the strongest clubs in that city. He was a player and an administrator with the club but he also found time to follow his great passion- Irish music and dancing, which I suppose, coming from a county like Clare, is not hard to understand.

Life in London must have been good for Pat, for while he was there he met and married the love of his life, Fermoy lady Margaret Hurley. Their love and respect for each other was always evident since they came back to live in Fermoy some years ago.

They could be seen almost every day walking the various routes around Fermoy or whenever there would be a table quiz on offer, they would support it along with their 'team mates' Dr Paddy, Bill Barry and Joan Lysaght. A great couple to support anything local but perhaps it was local GAA club which benefited most from Pat's support and help.

Always willing to help out, Pat was very quickly into action with the minor and juvenile club with whom he acted as coach, selector and mentor for several years. I was glad to read they very fine tribute paid to him in last weeks juvenile club notes by colleagues Ralph.

It will be recalled that he was always on standby to help out at adult level also; in fact he was listed as one of the team attendants with the junior hurlers during their successful campaign to win county honours.

As a clubman he was about as good as they come. When the word went out that help was wanted to such as stewarding etc., for matches played in Fitzgerald Park, Pat would be there, always willingly, in fact he manned the gate only a few short weeks ago for the Newtown/Cloyne game in company with Terry Baker.

Yes, Pat will be missed around the club by all sections of it. Always in good from, he was readily available to listen and advise no matter what the problem was, but of course it will be Margaret who will miss him most of all and it is to her that we extend our sincere sympathies on this very sad occasion for her, and to Pat's sister Anna, and to all their relations and to all their relations and many friends in Fermoy, Clare, London etc

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis.

Courtesy of The Avondhu
16th September 2010 Tweet

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