Finneran, Paddy
January 24, 2012Paddy was arguably the most loyal and dedicated follower of Roscommon football and hurling teams of all time. In his 97th year, I always regarded Paddy as a Patriarch of Roscommon GAA. He had a life long involvement in the Association and he was a true GAA man to the very end. His loyal to the GAA was second only to his undoubted devotion to his family and his deep religious faith.
He was a county minor selector throughout the 1960s and 1970s. His fellow selector at that time, Danny Burke, remembers him as, "a thorough gentleman who was always fair and always ensured that the best players were picked regardless of geographical location."
It is a loyal supporter of the primrose and blue that most of us will remember Paddy. Whether it was a challenge game in Cork or a league game in Tyrone, Paddy was sure to be there. Distance was no problem. Weather conditions didn't matter. He was there regardless of hail, rain or storm. In fact, I doubt if the Irish climate was capable of producing the type of weather conditions that would keep Paddy Finneran away from a Roscommon match. He was there for all the big moments for county teams down through the years. He shared in the joy of the county's triumphs and he experienced the sorrows of defeat.
Paddy Finneran was widely respected throughout the length and breadth of the county and far beyond. Not only was he dedicated GAA man, but he was a man of the utmost integrity and lived by the highest principals and values. The respect and esteem in which he was held was reflected in the huge crowd that filed past his remains in Hamrock's Funeral Home in Brideswell on Friday evening and again at his funeral Mass in Taughmaconnell on Saturday.
His son, Fr Michael was the chief celebrant of the Mass that was attended by Bishop John Kirby, of Clonfert Diocese, and many priests from the dioceses of Clonfert and Elphin.
In his homily, an emotional Fr. Michael paid fulsome tribute to his father. He began by quoting Mark Antony from the Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar not praise him. But it would be impossible", he said, "not to praise him because for me he was a 'mighty man'".
The last time that phrase was used to describe the deceased was in Monsignor Eoin Thynne's homily at the funeral Mass for the late Dermot Earley in Newbridge.
Fr. Michael went on to speak of his father's great love for people particularly young people. He was delighted to be a selector for county minor teams and it gave him great satisfaction to see young players getting a call to training for county teams. Nothing gave him greater satisfaction than helping other people. he was, above all, a great family man and he went on to speak of his great love for all his grandchildren. It was obvious during the Mass that this love was returned in spades.
As I extend sympathies to his bereaved family, sons Fr. Michael, Ned and Pat, and daughters Phil Kenny and Sally Brooks, his in-laws and grandchildren, I think it is true to say that we all share their grief at this sad time. I am sure his family had many fond and treasured memories of a great man who shaped and formed their lives by the noble values and principles by which he lived his.
We have lost a legend in Roscommon GAA circles. Sadly, as Roscommon teams line out in the future, whether it be league or championship of challenge games, one staunch supporter will be missing. He will, no doubt, be there in spirit. Thankfully, the spirit and inspiration that people like Paddy generate never dies. Sadly, people like Paddy Finneran are getting scarce but he has left great memories to his family and the wider family of Roscommon GAA. Ní bheidh a léithéid ann arís. May his gentle soul rest in peace.
Courtesy of the Roscommon Herald
24th January 2012 Tweet
