O'Shea, Pat
March 16, 2011Pat worked for 27 years in the accounts department of The Kerryman Ltd, having joined the company as a young boy of 14 years of age in 1962.
Circumstances dictated the Pat would enter the workforce at such a young age, as his father Jim had died the same year. Pat worked under the tutelage of the late Paddy McElligott in the accounts department.
Being a quick learner and observer he mastered the rudiments of said department.
It was, of course, an ongoing learning experience for accounting practices changed from the pen, paper and ledger to the computer.
Aged 62, Pat had lived most of his life in O'Rahilly's Villas and was a committed of Kerins O'Rahillys supporter, but in fact he was born in Keeffe's Lane, Rock Street, which made him a closet Rockie.
He was a only son of Jim and Betty O'Shea (nee Kerins) and had three sisters Margaret, Kay and Betsy Anne.
Pat was reared in Tonevane by his grandparents Tadhg and Kate Kerins and was educated at Blennerville School until he was 12 years old. He spent the next two years at the old Technical School, Moyderwell and joined the staff of The Kerryman there after.
The family moved to O'Rahilly's Villas in 1955 and their house was the nearest to the Low Field. It was there Pat and his soccer loving friends was banned by the GAA at the time.
Pat became a stalwart of Tralee Dynamos and the club is in fact celebrating 50 years in existence, having been founded in 1961. As a player he graced the Low Field on many occasions with Dynamos and as a member of the The Kerryman team during the halcyon days of inter-firm soccer.
He also became a club administrator holding a number of different positions over the years.
He worked tirelessly for Dynamos and his commitment was acknowledged by all club members.
Pat had a encyclopedic mind when it came to sport and all matters pertaining. Many a disagreement over facts and given over to Pat who had the final say and answer on the matter.
His expertise was also called upon when setting the questions for Pub Quizzes which proved extremely popular.
Many charitable organisations benefited with monies generated from these events, helped in no small way by Pat.
Along with Fr Kieran O'Shea. PP., Knocknagoshel, Pat undertook the mammoth task of publishing the records of the Kerry county senior championships hurling and football, 1889 -1998.
'Face the Ball' was the finished product of many years of research and it goes without saying that researching this book was a most enjoyable and fulfiling job for Pat and is a testament to his thoroughness and dedication.,
Former Kerry county board secretary Tony O'Keeffe, acknowledged the importance of Pat's book and all statistics he gathered relating to senior, junior,u-21 and minor teams. It proves to be an invaluable source when researching past county finals.
For a period of time Pat's health was cause for concern for his family and friends.
Being very independent and strong minded he declined all offers of help, preferring instead to care for himself.
Pat was admitted to Kerry General Hospital and then to Cork University Hospital where he passed away.
Pat was pre-deceased by his parents and sister Margaret.
He is survived by his sisters Kay and Betsy Anne, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Removal took place from Gleasure Funeral Home on Friday, March 11 to St John's Church. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Saturday morning with interment afterwards in Old Annagh Cemetery, where he was laid to rest with his grandparents.
Pat's family wishes to acknowledge the help and support offered him, especially by Aidan O'Connor, Paddy Moriarty and Teddy Kerins.
Suaimhneas siorraí dá hanam uasal.
Courtesy of The Kerryman
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