The Late Patrick Golden The sad death of Patrick Golden took place peacefully in Mayo General Hospital, after a brief illness, on Thursday 31st March, 2005. On 17th May, 1922, Patrick was born on the late Pakie and Julia (nee Mortimer) Golden of Carrowholly. He was the eldest of three children. His sister mag and brother George predeceased him. In 1933, when Patrick was only eleven years old, his late father died. Patrick Golden attended Carrowholly National School and Westport Vocational School. On completion of school, he worked on the family farm and helped his widowed mother to rear the family. He also maintained a keen interest in family. In the early 1950s Patrick started a shellfish business, which involved preparing winkles for export to England, France and Spain. Later in mid-1960s he expanded the business to include the export of other shellfish and salmon to the European market. In 1956 Patrick Golden married Margaret Gavin from Clynish Island in Clew Bay. Together they reared their family of six children, Patrick, George, Hugh, Pauline, Charles and Julie in their family home in Carrowholly on the shores of Clew Bay. Throughout his life Patrick was very involved in the promotion of the welfare of the Carrowholly community. Among the achievements to which he made and exceptional contribution was the development of the local community group water scheme. He was active member of Carrowholly Community Council. His interests extended beyond Carrowholly. He was a founding member of Croagh Patrick Co-Operative, Castlebar St., Westport, and was actively involved in the NFA (the predecessor of the IFA). He had a very positive attitude to democratic politics. A very well-known and respected member of the GAA, Patrick won a West-Mayo Championship Medal, as full-back of the Kilmeena Gaelic football team in 1955. After retiring from playing he continued to work for the club in a voluntary capacity. He served both as club Chairman and as President. He also had the honour of being elected President of the West Mayo GAA Board. In 2001 Patrick Golden was given the Green and Gold Award of his outstanding contribution to the Gaelic Athletic Association. It was most fitting that among those who attended his removal were former GAA President, Dr Michael Loftus, current Mayo Captain, Kieran McDonald, Mayo senior team Manager, John Maughan and selector Liam McHale. Patrick was also a very competent golfer. His wake in his Carrowholly home on the night of Thursday, March 31, 2005 was very well attended by friends and neighbours. A large and representative cortege accompanied his remains from McGing's Funeral Home, Westport, to St. Brendan's Church, Myna, on the following evening. The remains were received in Myna Church by Fr. Declan Carroll, CC, Mulranny. Kilmeena GAA Club formed a Guard of Honour at the removal and burial in recognition of Patrick's outstanding service to the club. The principal celebrant at the Funeral Mass on Saturday, April 2, 2005 was Patrick's cousin, an tAth Micheal Mac Greil, SJ. Fr. Denis Carney, Adm of Westport (who was deputising for Fr Jim Walsh, PP, Myna who was away on pilgrimage), concelebrated and recited the Prayers of Commendation at the end of mass. An tAth MacGreil, in the course of his sermon, said that Patrick Golden's positive life represented the fulfilment of the Christian vocation and people like him provided ideal role models for young people to follow. He was a man of strong faith and was loyal to his religious duties. Patrick is survived by his wife, Margaret, his daughters, Pauline and Julie, his sons, Patrick, George, Hugh and Charles, grandchildren, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. He is also greatly missed by neighbours and friends from near and far. He is laid to rest in Myna Cemetery Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal. Courtesy of the Mayo News April 13th 2005 Tweet

Most Read Stories