Dawson, Patsy
February 01, 2013
Patsy Dawson
On Monday 19th November 2012 the sad news filtered through to his beloved Freshford, his adopted Parish of Loughboy and to his many friends in Fairymount, Roscommon, Patsy Dawson had died suddenly.
Patsy grew up in Freshford, a "Square" man always. He loved to recall his schooldays such as the day we had a donkey as an "unexpected" visitor in the classroom or the infamous street leagues as "The Square" battled tooth and nail with the "Culchies" or Kilkenny Street or famed Ballylarkin. The "Square" Panto always got a mention, held annually in the old stables down the Brewery Lane or in Paddy Barnaville's workshop. Patsy's Panto party piece was the Freshford version of "The Wife of the Bold Tenant Fanner".
He had an abiding love of sport and performed with distinction in a number of codes. He won U-14 and U-16 County Finals with St. Lachtains and narrowly lost out to James Stephens in a Minor Final. He later graduated to the Senior team. He was an avid Soccer supporter and founder member of Wellbrook later to become Freshford Town. He was a tireless worker for the club, often spending hours preparing the pitch for matches, there were no shortcuts it had to be done properly. As a player he made the full back spot his own. When Wellbrook fell foul of the league because of some "administrative difficulties" and were expelled Patsy played for a number of years with Brookville, Ballyragget.
When he wasn't hurling or playing soccer he loved nothing better than a spot of fishing on the local Nuenna or Nore rivers. Wet fly fishing, an art he learned from his grandfather Pat was his favourite. After "emigrating" to Loughboy he took up Badminton with the St. Canice's Club and played for a number of years. In latter years he was a regular visitor to Freshford on Sunday nights for a game of 25's in the Hurling Club. His presence always guaranteed a few laughs. If he arrived early during the Summer months he would always spend a while having a few pucks with some younger hurling enthusiasts.
Patsy always had a strong work ethic and in his young days thinned beet and saved hay for a number of fanners mainly in the BIackwood area. He later pulled a few pints in Staunton's Bar before joining Kilkenny County Council in 1971 for whom he worked until his retirement in 2012. He was both a well respected and popular member of the workforce.
He will be sadly missed by the Communities he served so well, in his typical quiet and unassuming way. Only the week before he died he was out cleaning and tidying in Ardnore. He will be missed by all as a loyal, utterly dependable, fun loving mischief making friend.
However the greatest loss is borne by his beloved wife Carmel and son Alan whose musical accomplishments filled him with pride. To them we offer our deepest sympathy.
Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dflis. May the sod rest lightly on him.
Courtesy of The Kilkenny People.
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