The Late Paddy Sheehy With the passing of Paddy Sheehy, Toberadora, on 26th November the parish of Boherlahan Dulla lost one of its most respected parishioner. The many tributes that were heard at his funeral bore ample testimony to the popularity of a man became synonymous with Boherlahan and Toberadora especially during his lifetime. His passing severed yet another family link with the legendary Toberadora hurling side of the 1890s. Paddy's grandfather, Johnny Connolly won All Ireland medals with Toberadora in 1895, '96 and '98, a heritage that he was justly proud of. Although not destined for hurling fame himself, Paddy's talents shone in other areas. If you wanted an example of community involvement than Paddy was surely the role model. His interests were wide ranging but whatever the cause he served, his enthusiasm was infectious, offering inspiration to those around him. The GAA and the fortunes of his native Boherlahan/Dualla especially, was a cause that was very dear when he received a Sean Gael award from the President of the Association, Sean Kelly at an awards ceremony in Bru Boru, Cashel. But his sporting interests went beyond hurling to embrace athletics and above all else greyhounds. The fact that his greyhound names were inevitably prefixed with the word Toberadora showed where his heart was. What drew people to Paddy Sheehy most of all was probably the old-time virtues of honesty, decency and above all neighbourliness, qualities where he embodied. He was big in stature but more importantly bighearted, a man who gave freely of himself to serve his community in whatever way he could. On the political front Fianna Fail was his particular passion and at election time he was the most sought-after canvasser in the area. The reason was simple; if Paddy knocked at a door the reception was guaranteed to be warm and that high regard went way beyond party politics. It was no surprise then that Paddy served for many years on Boherlahan Parish Council. It was the ideal platform for one imbued with such community spirit. He would never seek or accept office but instead would work diligently in the background. With Paddy on board things happened as with he spearheaded the construction of the grotto at St. Brigid's Well on the Toberadora river. It's a venture that he was especially proud of; religion too was a guiding force in his life. On November 26 at Arkeen Hospital in Waterford this spirit of Toberadora passed away. He had been in declining health in recent years but his death nonetheless came too suddenly in his eighty-second year. His passing was particularly poignant because it came just seven months after his only sibling, Mary Keane and her husband, Denis died with a week of each other. Paddy had missed the funerals because of illness, which kept him hospitalised in Cork. For the family it's been a traumatic year. The tributes to Paddy Sheehy at his funeral service were warm and sincere, especially a very moving graveside oration delivered by Seamus Leahy, Clonmel, a fellow Toberadora man who was particularly kind to Paddy in his final illness. Toberadora united that day at Ardmayle Cemetery to bid farewell to one of the old stock of the townland. Paddy Sheedy is missed and mourned by a large circle of family and friends, especially his wife, Nell, his nieces, nephews, cousin Betty and the extended family. May he rest in peace. Courtesy of the Tipperary Star 5th January 2008 Tweet

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