There can be few people ever to have lived in Ballymore to be held within the esteem and affection as was Paddy Monaghan, who sadly passed away over the June Bank Holiday weekend. His funeral brought friends and neighbours out en masse and from the world of handball, generations of locals players the late Paddy had coached; leading national players including Tom O'Rourke and Duxie Walsh (Kilkenny) with President of the Irish Handball Association, Tony Hannon and Lorcan O'Rourke (Riarthoir) and Pat Hipwell of Moone Handball Club also in attendance. It was fitting that one of Paddy's protegees, Tom O'Rourke, former World and National singles title holder gave an oration at the funeral service. As a neighbour and close family friend, Tom spoke affectionately of the late man's kindness, humour and dedication to handball, not only in coaching the medal winners but travelling the length and breadth of the country with youngsters who would never win a national title but would learn to love the art of handball. ln 1953, Paddy partnered with Bill Lawlor, won the All Ireland Hardball Doubles; in 1974, the Central Handball Council awarded Paddy the Willwood Tailteann Medal for his dedication and service to juvenile handball; in 1981, he became the first Kildare man ever to win the Leinster 40 x 20 Golden Masters Singles Title; in 1991, Ballymore Handball Club made a special presentation to Paddy in recognition of his overwhelming contribution to the sport and in 2003, Paddy was deservedly chosen as Ballymore Person of The Year 2003 - his nomination drew the largest number of submissions ever for an individual for this award. Tom O'Rourke in his homily pointed out that Paddy also contributed to many other groups and activities in Ballymore, amongst them Meals on Wheels, St Vincent de Paul, Red Cross, the Drama Society, the Wolfe Tone Brass and Reed Band, the Church, Badminton Club, Boxing Club, evely major fundraiser in the parish for decades, including fashion shows for Scoil Mhuire, Parish Hall renovations in thc seventies right up to the opening of the new Resource Centre in 2002, parish field days, visiting the sick, former physio to the local GAA and, of course, swimming lessons at the old "Pike Hole"! Despite not having married, Paddy's house was a second home to his sister Rita Toner and her children who came home regularly for holidays, most of whom travelled from Scotland for the funeral and removal. (Paddy was predeceased by his other sister Mary). He will be missed by many dear friends and sporting associates The Late Paddy Monaghan - a true son of Ballymore - may he rest in peace, amen. Courtesy of the Leinster Leader 12 June 2008 Tweet

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