The late Paddy Dooley The death took place on Saturday morning, January 13, 2007 at his residence, Francroft, Roscrea of Mr Paddy Dooley. He was in his early seventies and although he was in failing health for some time. His untimely passing was received with much regret and sadness, as he had been out and about on the he previous day and had been at a card game the previous Thursday night. He was a very popular member of the community, where he was held in high esteem. He was predeceased by his three brothers, Joe in November 1991, Jack in March 1996 and Martin in 2003. Paddy had many interests in life, he was involved with the Ballyskenach Hurling Club for many years and was on the team, that won the North Tipperary Junior hurling championship in 1959, playing at full forward. In 1961 due to a County Board bye-law which allowed only one hurling and football club in a parish and as a result, they affiliated in Offaly and in that year, the were successful in winning the Offaly Junior Hurling Championship defeating Blackwood Rovers in the final. On this occasion Paddy wore the number three jersey. He also won a Lord Abbott Cup medal in 1953. At all times Paddy was a tough but fair opponent. He also played football. So it was very fitting that at the removal, the club provided a guard of honour and the coffin was draped in the clubs former colour of blue, which Paddy wore with great distinction. He was a deeply religious person who lived the christian life to the full. He had a very great devotion to Our Lady and gave over 50 years service to the Legion of Mary, as a member of Our Lady of Citeaux Presidium, holding various positions down the years and at the time of his death he was secretary. So it was very appropriate that a member of the Junior Presidium provided a guard of honour and at the Funeral Mass one of the items brought to the Altar was the Legion handbook. He was a life long member of the Pioneer Association. As the chairman of Citeaux hall, he organised various events there, but special mention must be made of the Christmas and Easter functions he held for the senior citizens of the area. For many years Paddy and his wife Josephine were involved in the bus business, bringing pupils to and from the various schools, a task he did very well. He was organised and ran outings to various seaside resorts, which were always very enjoyable. He was also responsible for the founding of the Youth Club in Citeaux Hall, called 'The De Montfort Players' they staged very many excellent plays and Paddy took part in most of them. Paddy was a very good neighbour, always there to give a helping hand if required. In his younger days Paddy longed with is brothers Joe and Jack were involved in the building trade, but above all he was a great family man, devoted to his wife Josie and his children and in later years his grandchildren. His funeral Mass, while a sad occasion, was a celebration of his life lived for other people and the grief of his family person Paddy really was. He will be greatly missed. Death had no fear for Paddy, the best had yet to come. It was merely extinguishing the light, because the dawn had come. In the end he said with a smile "Tá mo lá Taghta". Removal took place from his residence to St Cronan's Church, Roscrea and following the funeral Mass there of which the chief celebrant was Very Rev. Fr Tom Corbett, PP Roscrea, along with Rev Fr Pat Treacy, CC Roscrea, Rev Fr Lorcan Kenny, CC Roscrea, Rev Fr Bonaventure, Mount Saint Joseph Abbey, Roscrea, Fr Noel Kennedy, Bournea and Rev. Fr Frank Meehan, PP Shinrone, internment took place in Dungar cemetery. "Ar Dheis De Go Raibh a hAna, Dilis". After the funeral Mass, Sean O'Meara, former Curia President of the Legion of Mary, paid a glowing tribute to Paddy for his very great work for the Legion in the area down through the years, saying his act would be a hard one to follow, and all we could do was our best. Very large crowds from all walks of life were present on both days to pay their final tribute to a really wonderful person. The final prayers at the graveside were said by Rev, Fr Tom Corbett, PP Roscrea. These were followed by the Rosary and LEgion prayers. Sincere sympathy is extended to his wife Josie, son Paudric, daughters Theresa and Aileen, sister May, brother Peter, sons in law Dennis and Jim, grandchildren Eoin, Aidan and Laura, sisters in law, brothers in law, relatives and a large circle of friends. Courtesy of the Leinster Express 24 January 2007 Tweet

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