Family and friends were saddened by the passing of Patrick 'Paddy Hard' Curran on the 31st August, 2008, at his home in Harrow Weald, London, after a long illness. Paddy was born on the 3rd of November, 1929, to Con and Hanna Curran in Coiscumeragh, Dromid. He was the youngest boy in a family of five, three boys and two girls. He was predeceased by his brothers Seanin 1997 and Michael in January, 2008. Paddy learned his trade as a carpenter and worked in Ireland until the mid 60's when he emigrated to England with his wife and family. The love of his life was Lil Regan from Bunadree, Mastergeehy, who he first met when she was only two years of age. They were married on the 3rd of November 1959, on Paddy's 30the birthday.They had two daughters and two sons and later had eight grandchildren. Sadly Lil passed away suddenly while on holiday in Ireland in 1987. Paddy has so many qualities to talk about. One of which was his ability to motivate people with his blazing enthusiasm. In London, he organised the Dr Crokes gaelic football team,meeting and encouraging young men into the team, giving them warmth, contact, friendship and help finding work. Paddy never minded how many played under the same fictitious name so long as they could play.- it was all bout winning. The welcome he showed to all these young men and their families was clearly shown by the hundreds who came to his 70the birthday party in Harrow and again by all those who travelled to the funeral. Another one of Paddy's passions was his work. he was a fine, clever and skilled craftsman. 'No problem' was how he approached things in work and in life. A man who found solutions, not problem, Paddy would try everything and succeed against the odds. Paddy loved the craic, which extended to dancing and joy in his visits to his family in America and he laughed that their halls were bigger than his whole house. He was a devil at pool and at cards and swift to joke and tease. Apart from his family, Paddy's great passion was Ireland and particularly Kerry, which was centred around Dromid. It was here he got to display his great love and passion for Gaelic football when he stopped playing and managing teams in Harrow. He adored going to the matches with his nephew Michael, and Suzanne and Saoirse. It didnt matter what age group or club were playing as long as it was football. He was adamant, only a week before his death, that Kerry would win the All-Ireland. Paddy was determined that he would visit Ireland again before he died, despite not being able to fly due to his illness. He was brought back, most lovingly- by his daughter Clare and her husband Dave by boat. Despite his weakness, he was on site at 8am, full of interest and plans for the house he was building in Tarmons, Waterville, for Dr Ellie O Sullivan- his life long friend and employee. Everyone has special memories of Paddy, especially his beloved children; Clare who cared for him so closely., also Anthony, John and Cindy who all supported him in his illness, which he bore with amazing bravery. His final comment, when asked how he was- when really ill- was simply, "I could be better." But he never complained. All who knew and loved Paddy have every reason to be proud and glad to have shared in his life. Paddy's family were greatly touched by the outpouring of support they have received and their hearts have been lifted, knowing how important Paddy was to his friends and neighbours both in England and Ireland. He will be sadly missed by his daughters Clare and Cindy, sons Anthony and John, son-in-law Dave and daughters-in-law JUlie and Amanda and his eight grandchildren, his sisters Maureen (Florida) and Sheila (Clare), many nieces and nephews and all his extended family and friends. At the arrival of Paddy's remains to St Joseph's church, Harrow Weald on September 7the, a guard of honour was formed by the players of the Dr Crokes GAA Club, Harrow, while his coffin was draped with jerseys from his native club., Piarsaigh Na Dromoda and the Dr Crokes Club. Paddy was laid to rest in Harrow Weald cemetery on September 8th, next to his wife Lil. A Memorial Mass was held in Our Lady of the Valley Church, Cillian Liath, on September 12the, at 8pm. "Where Paddy was- was always the better for him and where he is not will be the worst without him" May his gentle soul rest in peace. Kerry's Eye 18/09/08 Tweet

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