The Late Paddy Madden The unexpected death took place on Wednesday June 27th at Nenagh General Hospital of Paddy Madden, Grange, Lorrha. Paddy Madden was born on 27th October 1934 in Grange, Lorrha into a farming family of five sisters, where he remained all his life. He attended Lorrha NS and afterwards, like many of the time he continued a career from a young age on the family farm. From a young age he developed a great love of hurling and music which he retained all his life. In 1965 he married Bridget Keane from West Clare and together they raised a family of seven, four daughters and three sons. He was a great family man and was determined to pass on his traditions of farming, music and sportsmanship. He was a man of strong principles even in the tough times throughout his life. He worked many jobs to support his family and ensure all his children had the opportunity for a good education. In latter years he loved the summers in the bog where he made many friends. His great love was hurling and this he learned from his father John Joe, a native of Gortanumera in Galway and his mother Mary Guinane a native of Toomevara. He was also influenced by Tony Reddin who stayed in their home for two years during his prime. In the absence of a designated Hurling pitch there could be upwards of 50 hurlers in his father's front field training, with locals hanging over the wall in awe of Tony's brilliance. He hurled for Lorrha & Dorrha and played his first senior game at the age of 16. He played in nearly every position and was fortunate to line out with some great teams with North Championships won in '56 and '66. He often spoke of how close they came to beating the Sarsfields team in the 1956 county final and how critical the absence of his great friend Johnny O'Meara was on the day. But he also spoke fondly of the many other great games and great names he played against and the annual trips to and from Dublin for games with the renowned St.Vincent's club. As Chairman of the revitalised juvenile club in the mid 70's he took great pride in his contribution to the underage successes Lorrha had and watched the progress of many young hurlers through to victories in Senior in 1984 and 1989. No age group was ever too much time for him, no team was ever turned away. He also enjoyed his involvement with North Tipperary U-16 teams from 1984-1991 winning Munster championships on three occasions. Finally he took no greater joy than to fulfill an ambition and see a third generation play for Lorrha and claim North Championship honours in 1989. He was also a great lover of traditional music and took as much joy from a session with old friends as any sporting occasion. In his youth, he was a member of the Echo Ceili band and travelled the dance halls of the area playing the accordion for many a person's enjoyment. This was his way to relax against the fast pace of life and sport. His door was always open and there was always room for a musician. Like sport, he was determined that the next generation would continue his traditions and was a great organiser of successful local Scor and Comhaltas Ceolteoiri where music and dance and all things traditional were encouraged and enjoyed. His traditions live on through his daughters and grandchildren who continue to play and enjoy traditional music. He was an ever present figure in the local community and no occasion was lessened by his presence. He always made time for people and was there to lend a helping hand when required. He was a man of tremendous faith and despite the untimely death, he has lived a complete and happy life, well prepared for his final journey. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and came in contact with him but in particular his wife Bridget, sons John, Thomas, Padraig, daughters Mary, Breda, Ainthrese, Audrey, sisters Una, and Biddy, daughter in law Theresa, sons in law Ashres and David, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of friends. His remains were removed from his home to St.Ruadhan's Church Lorrha and after a funeral mass Paddy was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam Courtesy of the Midland Tribune July 4th, 2007 Tweet

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