Death of former Offaly Footballer and Selector Paddy Fenlon, a former Offaly footballer and selector passed to his eternal reward. A native of Ballycumber, he lived in Edenderry for most of his life and was a supremely talented footballer in his youth. A forward of strength, skill and accuracy, he was full forward on the first Offaly senior football team to win a trophy, the 1954 O'Byrne Cup. That final was played in March 1955, and the previous year, he played on the Offaly team that lost 4-7 to 2-10 to Meath in the Leinster final. He has retired from intercounty football by the time Offaly won the Leinster SFC for the first time in 1960. Paddy had the unique distinction of captaining the Irish Universities team at a time when this was a huge honour. He was also a member of the Offaly team that won the Leinster Minor Football Championship in 1947 - The first time Offaly won that competition. Perhaps his greatest legacy to Offaly football was as a selector on the great team of the early '80s. Paddy was one of Eugene McGee's selectors as Offaly won Leinster titles in 1980, '81 and '82, culminating in the All-Ireland win in '82. A shrewd judge of football, his contribution to the 1982 success was significant. Many of the 1982 team were present at the removal last Wednesday evening and funeral on Thursday. They performed a guard of honour along with Edenderry GAA members and former intercounty team mates of the 1950s, as the coffin was brought to Larkin's Funeral Home to St Mary's Church. Eugene McGee was among the large gathering of mourners. A Vet, Paddy Fenlon was a gentleman who was considerate and well spoken. Sincere sympathy is extended to his family and friends. Kevin Corrigan Courtesy of Midland Tribune 24 December 2005 Tweet

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