McGuire, Paddy
June 17, 2009
Paddy McGuire, retired Local Government Auditor and prominent figure in Irish music and local sporting circles, died peacefully at his home at Larkhill Road, Sligo on June 4th at the age of 84. A man of extraordinary vision and quiet achievement, Paddy made a significant contribution to many aspects of life in Sligo.
Numerous tributes have highlighted his role in the founding, development and chairmanship of Muire Naofa/St.Mary's GAA club. In 1966 he helped to procure a bank loan for the purchase of 9.3 acres of land in Ballydoogan to be used as a playing pitch for the club. His other sporting interests included horse-racing and soccer, he served as secretary to the County Sligo Races and was a loyal Sligo Rovers supporter for many years.
His lifelong love of Irish music, particularly the fiddle music tradition of south Sligo, led him to establish the Fiddler of Dooney competition in 1965. He had wide-ranging musical interests, a deep appreciation of classical music, and more recently was a member of the Sligo Feis Ceoil committee. He cherished the well-written word, and had a long-standing interest in Irish literature. A keen theatre-goer, he regularly attended productions at The Hawk's Well. He passed on his love of music to his family and his sons Seamus and Manus are well-known musicians who have introduced Sligo fiddle music to a wide audience.
In his professional life, he had a distinguished career as a Local Government Auditor with the Department of the Environment. He was appointed to this position in 1950 and was promoted to the post of Inspector of Audits in 1987 which he held until his retirement in 1990.
His colleagues have described him as a man of integrity and fair play in the discharge of his professional duties.
A devoted and proud family man, Paddy is survived by his wife Jo, his children Seamus, Fiona, Manus, Aisling, Orla and Brona, his sisters Freda and Noeline and his grandchildren.
- The Sligo Champion, 17th June 2009
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