Larkin, Paddy
October 18, 2006
The late Paddy Larkin
The death occurred of one of the guiding lights behind Tullamore Hurling club. Paddy Larkin passed away peacefully in his sleep after a lengthy illness.
Throughout his illness, which eh bore with great fortitude and quiet good humour, Mr. Larkin was cared for by his devoted wife Kathleen and family members.
A founder member of Tullamore Harriers Club, Mr. Larkin held his position of Honourary Secretary for the past 53 years. In his youth he played hurling with the Tullamore club and was a member of a very strong Offaly Minor Hurling Team in 1950.
But athletics were always his first love and he devoted much of his time to the development of the facilities at the Harriers complex on the Charleville Road. he was the driving force behind the development of the social centre and the regular functions held there which raised funds for the many major undertakings of the club.
A talented sprinter, he went on to coach many successful sprints teams and was always available to help other athletes, coaches and club members.
It was his great foresight that enabled the club to provide all the many facilities at the HArriers, most of which were paid for by the club itself. Mr Larkin was a tremendous influence on all who worked with him in both Salts Ireland and them Offaly County Council.
Described by all as a conscientious and capable person, Mr Larkin was also very modest and unassuming and never craved the limelight although he often found himself in it because of his work with the Harriers.
He was also a great supporter of many local charities and was always ready and willing to make the facilities of the Harriers available for deserving causes.
The great esteem in which he was held in the sporting and charity worlds was obvious from the large attendance at his funeral which included the founder and director of GOAL, John O'Shea.
A Guard of Honour of members of the Tullamore Harriers Club flanked the cortege at the funeral while Mr Larkin's coffin was draped in the blue and white club colours.
Mr Larkin is survived by his wife Kathleen, sons Michael and Adrian and daughters Paula and Denise.
At a meeting of the Offaly County Council, Councillor Tommy McKeigue paid tribute to the late Paddy Larkin. He said that he had been a clerk of worked with the Council for sometime.
He said that he did much charitable work, without seeking the limelight. He recalled the development of the tartan track, saying that it was done at a time when there was no money in Ireland.
Councillor Johnny Butterfield said that the deceased was a man of "quiet commitment and total dedication", who was "quiet and unassuming".
Councillor Molly Buckley said that many had benefited from the work of the Harriers.
Mr Niall Sweeney, County Manager, said that Mr Larkin was a valued member of the staff for many years.
Courtesy of The Offaly Express
18 October 2006
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