The death took place on December 28th of Mr Patrick Connaughton (Pat) of Ballinpark, Bunclody, County Wexford, after a short illness and formerly from Corboley, Knockcroghery. Pat was aged 57 years and was a member of a family of four, two boys and two girls, born to the late Patrick and Annie Connaughton. Pat attended Knockcroghery National School, CBS Secondary School, Roscommon and from there he studied at the University College, Galway, where he qualified as a secondary school teacher.

After qualifying he taught at the Convent of Mercy, Roscommon, before taking a full time post at FCJ mixed secondary school, Bunclody and had been there for over 30 years, where he taught English and Economics and was regarded as one of the most diligent teachers. He was well respected and thought well of by teaching staff, students and parents. He was involved in many musical productions for the school. During his college years in Galway he became involved with the Druid Theatre Company and took part in many of their productions. As a result of his involvement he developed a strong passion for drama. He competed as both actor and director at the All-Ireland Drama Festivals in Athlone with Enniscorthy Theatre Group and more recently with Bunclody/Kilmyshall Theatre Group. It was with Enniscorthy Theatre Group that Pat achieved his greatest dramatic success.

The group dominated the festivals during 80's and 90's winning the All-Ireland title on three occasions in 1996,1997 and again in 1998. These were the years of the Esso Trophy. Pat was the group's winning director in 1999 and this was Esso's last year as main sponsor and Pat had the distinction of being the last winning director to lift the iconic trophy. Enniscorthy's last appearance at Athlone was 2004, but Pat was back in 2007 with Bunclody/Kilmyshall Drama Group, winning the All-Ireland confined. He continued to bring award winning productions on the open section, reaching the final in Athlone in 2009 and again in 2012.

He was a major face in amateur drama. St.Patrick's GAA has also many memories of Pat. He was one of the first competitors to take to the stage competing in the Scor competitions. He competed in figure dancing, solo singing, novelty act and question time. From his performances it was inevitable he would rise to the top. His passing is a huge loss. He and his wife Eilis had retired from teaching in 2012 and his ambition to continue in the drama were high. He is sadly missed by his wife, Eilis; sons, Paul, Eoin and Timmy; daughter, Mairead; sisters, Mrs Mary Fallen, Corbally, Knockcroghery, Mrs. Ann Carty, Donamon, Roscommon, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and many friends. Following Mass of the Resurrection in Bunclody Church on December 31st he was laid to rest in the nearby cemetery. A number of his relatives, friends and parishioners from the parish and surrounding areas travelled to his removal and burial. May he rest in peace.

Courtesy of The Roscommon Tweet

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