McTigue, Paddy
October 30, 2012It is often said that God looks down on his people as though they are flowers in a garden and so, when we wonder why the legendary Paddy McTigue was taken before his time, we should remember that God is far more likely to pick one of the nicest and brightest flowers from his garden.
Paddy McTigue from Funshona, Cross, was born on October 12, 1943 and grew up in a family of four. His two sisters Maureen and Ann both live in America and sadly, his only brother Mickey has also gone to his eternal rest. On Thursday, October 18, six days after reaching his 69th birthday, Paddy breathed his last, surrounded at home by his devoted family. Last March, Paddy was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease and his condition deteriorated quite rapidly. At his funeral in Cross, Fr Paddy Gilligan poke of Paddy's great faith. "He trusted in God in good times and in bad and because of this, he had no fear of dying. In fact, he said that very expressly. Paddy realised there was no cure for his condition and was resigned to let go. All who journeyed with him through his illness were touched profoundly by his courage and resignation," he told the large congregation. As well as his faith, Paddy's family were his world. After spending a number of years in England, he married the love of his life, Mary Teresa on October 16, 1969.
The couple had eight children who they both doted upon - Anne-Marie, Patricia, Hazel, Tony, Patrick, Catriona, Sarah and Jason, Paddy was always very much a hands-on-parent and in later years, a proud grandfather. Whenever anyone wanted to go somewhere, Paddy was always by their side. His family returned that love and devotion and in recent months, as his health deteriorated, they did everything they could to make him comfortable. His wife Mary Teresa and their youngest son Jason in particular, were his rock over the past number of months. They were with him 24 hours a day, knowing instinctively what he needed when talking became difficult. Paddy also possessed great community spirit and he'd be first at a card game in the local community centre, especially if it was for some cause that needed help. As well as farming at home, he worked for the Inland Fisheries. Paddy loved his job, the people he worked with and all he met along the way. He retired a few years after 40 years of service and according to himself, never missed a day sick in four decades.
Paddy's other big love in life was football and he had just as much passion at a local match as he had in Croke Park shouting for Mayo. As a player, he played with passion for both the Neale and Glencorrib. He played with the Glencorrib team that won the South Mayo Final in 1979 and moved to management for the 1985 and '86 seasons, bringing the team to the final each year. Paddy was very involved with underage teams at the Neale GAA Club up until a few years ago and held numerous positions in the club. When he became Uachtaráin of the Neale GAA Club, it was an office he took very seriously and was extremely proud to hold. Paddy never missed a match or a club meeting and was constantly striving to better the club, both on and off the field. Paddy's passion as a supporter for both club and county was legendary - albeit close to self- destructive at times! His support for all levels, both men and women, was immense. As his children grew up, he toured the country with them, bringing them to all the matches. At his funeral Mass, Fr Gilligan joked that some of the family thought the sum total of Castlebar was McHale Park. And, he went on to say that the McTigue children were so familiar with Croke Park; it was a bit like going to a birthday party in a neighbour's back garden. Paddy also followed the Mayo ladies with great interest and during the team's period of dominance, he followed them far and wide, never missing a game. As people came to Cross to pay their final respects to Paddy.
Many stories and tales were recalled about Paddy's exploits as a supporter. Undoubtedly, the family have lots of fabulous memories and were delighted to hear the stories - whether it was the time he was umpire for an underage game and burst onto the pitch to defend his son's honour; receiving a Garda escort from the pitch in McHale Park after a league game with Dublin; and famously scaling the clock tower in the old Croke Park during the 1989 All-Ireland final against Cork. Tales of Paddy's escapades will, no doubt go down in Mayo GAA history. His last outing to a match was to the South Mayo Minor Final in Ballinrobe, where Jason was on the team. They won and after the match, the entire team walked up to Paddy, who was sitting in the car on the sideline. In their turns, the players greeted him and handed him the cup. This year, before the All-Ireland Final, Mayo star Aidan O'Shea came to visit Paddy at home - a really special moment for him. Mayo couldn't send home off with Sam Maguire but maybe he'll pull some strings from upstairs next year!
The last seven months have been a roller coaster for both Paddy and his family but his strength of character and faith supported him every step of the way. Mary Teresa was a tower of strength right through his illness, while Jason- who turned 18 the day before Paddy passed away - showed maturity way beyond his years. Indeed, Paddy's entire family were a wonderful comfort to him in his last few days and weeks and when he knew the end was near, he made sure to spend time with each and every one of them individually, telling them how proud he was and saying one last goodbye. Paddy McTigue was loved by everyone who knew him ad he will long be remembered in Cross, all across Mayo and beyond. Sincere sympathy is extended to Paddy's devoted wife Mary Teresa; his loving children Anne-Marie, Trish, Hazel, Tony, Pac, Dena, Sarah and Jason; his grandchildren; sisters Anne and Maureen; relatives and many, many friends. May his kind and gentle soul rest in peace. C.E.
(Text courtesy of Western People 30/10/12) Tweet
