The Late Paddy Donnelly The death took place at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe of Mr Paddy Donnelly, St Jude's, Bonavalley, Athlone who was one of the foremost GAA activists within the St. Brigid's GAA Club extending over five decades. A native of Corraclough, Kiltoom, his football skills first came to the fore when he was selected as a member of the Roscommon All-Ireland winning minor panel which brought the first All-Ireland title to the county in 1939. He continued his playing career with the St. Brigid's Club up until the mid-fifties. He was captain of the side which brought the first County Junior title to St Birgid's in 1952 and vice-captain of the senior panel the following year which brought the first senior championship to the club in 1953. He was also a referee within the club scene for some years and was a trustee of the Newpark GAA pitch for many years. On the work scene the deceased was a nationally known agricultural contractor for upwards of fifty years and he operated an extensive range of machinery including a thrasher and a combine harvester. He was noted for his tact and easy familiarity with his extensive range of rural customers and was respected for his natural affability as a business person and for his genuine nature and straight forward honesty at all times. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and his innumerable acts of kindness and neighbourly deeds were often spoken of fondly. His health saw him take up residence at the Retreat Private Nursing Home in Athlone for some time. He was a member of the Secular Franciscan's at St Anthony's Friary, Athlone for many decades and he also supported all church linked activities in his residential parish of St Mary's in Athlone. He is survived by his wife Annie (nee Kelly, Athlone) sons, Aidan and Joe, daughters Marie and Dorothy. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, sisters, Sister Miriam, Order of the Franciscan Missionaries, Boston; Mrs Rosie Walsh, Curnaseer, Kiltoom and Mrs Winifred Mannion, Ballyline, Curraghboy, nieces, nephews and innumerable other relatives. His remains were removed from St. Brigid's Funeral Home, Brideswell to the Church of the Risen Christ, Kiltoom on Saturday evening and following 11.30 Mass on Sunday the funeral took place to Kiltoom Cemetery. The principal celebrant of the Mass was Very Rev. John Cullen, PP, Kiltoom. The other celebrants were Rev. Liam Murray, CC, St Mary's Athlone, Very Rev. G. Canon Donnelly retired PP, Ballygar, a native of Curnaseer, Kiltoom; Rev Tom Byrne, Kockstad, Africa, a native of Corroelough, Kiltoom and Rev. Hugh Lee, CC, Curraghboy. His colleagues in the St. Brigid's GAA Club formed a guard of honour at both the removal and funeral. Courtesy of the Roscommon Herald August 2003 Tweet

Most Read Stories