The late Pat Collins All activity in the Doheny's club last weekend was cancelled due to the untimely death of clubman Pat Collins, after a long illness borne with fortitude. A native of Togher, Pat came to live in Prospect Lawn over 25 years ago. A quiet, unassuming, easy-going man, we quickly got to know him and his wife, Berna, as good neighbours and friends. Living just across the road from the Sam Maguire Park, and with six lively and football-mad sons, Pat developed a keen interest in the club, as he followed the playing fortunes of his sons, as they progressed through under age ranks to the present, where two of them, Pat and John, are vital members of the senior football team. Indeed, there was no prouder man than Pat in 2002, as he watched John win an All-Ireland minor football medal with Cork in Croke Park. Pat's interest in the club brought him on to the executive, where he served for many years. He was a member of the development sub-committee, which in recent years oversaw developments such as the extension of the main pitch, the laying of a running track, the building of dressing rooms, toilets and a ball-alley. Great as was Pat's interest in the Dohenys club, it was perhaps surpassed by his lifelong interest in greyhounds. He was well known in coursing circles and at the Cork Greyhound Track, where he ran many a winner. He was also keenly interested on politics, being an active member of the local Fine Gael cumann. He took great pleasure from the success of his nephew, John, in winning a seat for the party in the last Local Government election. Pat worked as a stone-mason and was renowned for the quality of his workmanship, which can be seen all over West Cork. Pat was also an accomplished singer and was a member of St. Patrick's choir. His favourite party piece was undoubtedly "The clock in the tower" and few in the huge attendance were not moved by the haunting rendition of this song by Charlie Crowley as Pat was laid to rest in St. Joseph's Cemetery on Sunday last alongside his son, Michael who died nine years ago. Yes, the great clock in the sky has struck a final time for Pat, but although Dunmanway will be all the poorer for his passing, his legacy will live long after him. To his wife, Berna, his sons Martin, Finbarr, Pat, John and James, to Annie and Eleanor, his brothers and sisters, his many nephews and nieces, and to his wide circle of relations, the club extend its profound sympathy. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam. Courtesy of the Southern Star, May, 2004. Tweet

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