The Late Padraig Houlihan Padraig Houlihan who had died aged 68 was a true GAA fan who was actively involved in clubs in London and at home in Cahersiveen. Born in Coomaspeera, Dromid, Waterville on January 28, 1937 he was one of three children of John and Cathy Houlihan from Dromid and Glencar who were farmers. John emigrated to England in the 1950s and began working with Murphy's construction company. Throughout his years in England he worked for a number of construction companies. He often came home on holidays and while on one of these trips he met his wife Cait Curran from Castlequin, Cahersiveen who was also home on holidays at the time. They were married in 1972 in Cahesiveen and set up home in London and had one son, Sean. Padraig always dreamed of coming home but it wasn't until 1997 that his dream came through and the family returned to live first in Carhan, Cahersiveen and then to Woodbrock, Cahersiveen. He had intend to travel back and forth for work but this became impossible when he became ill. Padraig's one main passion or love in life was the GAA and he was involved in clubs in London and at home in Cahersiveen. He was one of the founding members of the Kerry Gaels which he set up with his friends Gerald Hussey from Sneem and Eddie Sheehan from Dromid. After Gerald Hussey died in 1995 Padraig became Chairman of the club, a position he kept until he returned home. He was also responsible for setting up a ladies team within Kerry Gaels along with Eddie Sheehan. It did not take Padraig long before he got involved in the local GAA scene after he moved back to Kerry and he was Vice-President of the Dromid Pearses. Last January he also became Vice-President of the South Kerry GAA board. He was very proud of Dromid Pearse and was absolutely thrilled when they won the South Kerry Championship for the first time last year. He was also delighted that a local man Jack O'Connor managed the Kerry team to the All Ireland final. Padraig also had an interest in hunting, something which he developed strongly over the last few years of his life. A religious man, he always tried to attend mass even after he became ill. In his spare time he also enjoying listening to Radio Kerry and especially enjoyed programmes like 'Kingdom Ceile and 'Terrace Talk". A sociable and outgoing man he made time for everyone and loved to chat. He was also a hard working man who made sure his family were looked after and he will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace. Courtesy of The Kerryman 11th August 2005 Tweet

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