Carey, Paddy
February 22, 2006
The late Paddy Carey, Ballindine
Paddy Carey, Ballindine, whose death in early January came as a huge shock to the local community, was the third generation of the Carey family involved in the undertaking business in Ballindine. Paddy (57) took ill and died suddenly at the family home.
He was one of five sons born to Willie Carey and May Joyce (formerly of Ballyglass, Scardaune). He spent a few years in England working on the buildings before returning to settle in his native village.
In 1978, Paddy married Noreen Fitzgerald from Coilmore, Claremorris. Fr Paddy Gilligan offciated at the ceremoney in Knock Church. In the years since then, Paddy and Noreen were very much at the heart of the community life of the region. They raised a family of three, Lisa, Paul and Elaine.
Around Ballindine, Paddy was alegendary character. So much so that local poet Joe Reapy composed a few poems in his honour.
One celebrated the occasion a few years ago when Paddy was driving some people to a Connacht minor championship match in Sligo. Mayo were playing Sligo that day and his son Paul was on the Mayo team. But Paddy took a wrong turn on the way and didn't get there until the match was half-over! Being of a witty nature, Paddy could see humour in the whole affair.
Davitts GAA Club was a central part of his life. Though he never played much football after leaving school, he took an abiding interest in Gaelic games. He was involved in various capacities with the Davitts Club and served as a selector in a number of the various underage management teams over the years.
He was passionate about Davitts and could always be seen at their home games in Ballindine as well as at many of the away games too.
Paddy was pleased to see Paul feature prominently for the club and county. Paul played many a fine game for Davitts and also at minor and U-21 grades for Mayo. He was a sub on the Mayo senior team that won the National League in 2001.
Mayo football was dear to Paddy Carey. Some of the local lads would call around to Paddy on a Monday after a match to analyse the game. They would go through it like a fine tooth comb, reminiscent of the same passion that Kerry supporters are famous for displaying when dissecting games int he days after a big encounter.
The Carey family have been associated with the undertaking business in Ballindine for many years. It was established by his grandfather Thomas Carey and carried on by father Willie. Like many undertakers of the era, they made their own coffins in those days.
A gifted carpenter, Paddy could make doors and windows with the best of them. He never learned the trade in any official capacity, he just had a natural aptitute for it.
Paddy was renowned for his help and courtesy towards people during their time of bereavement and his professionalism was a source of comfort to many in their times of deepest grief.
This sense of empathy came from knowing his people and understanding the array of emotions people go through at such moments in their lives.
On a psersonal level, I always found Paddy to be a real gentleman. He was so helpful and courteous to me over the years. Paddy had a great knowledge of the people of the Ballindine, Irishtown, Milltown, Ballyglass and Scaraune regions. This was Paddy's 'home turf' where he knew his people and they knew him.
The last time I spoke to Paddy was outside the family funeral home in Ballindine on the evening of Ned Dixon's funeral. Himself and John Cronin from Kiltimagh were chatting away when I came over to join them. I little thought that it would be the last time I'd see Paddy. A week later, people found it hard to comprehend the sad news of his passing.
To Noreen, Lisa, Paul and Elaine, his brothers and the extended family, we tender our condolences. They will miss him greatly but will also cherish some great memories of a gentleman whose outreach brought solace and comfort to many people. May his gentle soul rest in peace.
Large crowds were present on both days as they bade a fond farewell to Paddy. Removal took place from the family Funeral Home to the nearby St Joseph's Church with burial in Ballindine Cemnetery on friday following Requiem Mass celebrated by Fr Martin O'Connor, PP. Davitts GAA Club members formed a guard of honour as a poignant tribute to their great supporter and loyal friend. Paddy is deeply regretted by his wife Noreen, (nee Fitzgerald), daughters Lisa and Elaine, son Pual, brothers Tom, Laurence, James and Liam, in-laws, uncle Paddy Joyce (Ballyglass) and aunt Sarah Thompson (Churchfield, Knock), relatives, neighbours and many friends.
MC
Courtesy of The Mayo News
22 February 2006
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