Power, Patrick

May 20, 2005
The Late Patrick Power It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of Pat "Bolivar" Power, Kilronan, Butlerstown. Pat was born to Molly and Larry Power at Shagan, Butlerstown, 84 years ago. He attended Butlerstown National School and when he was fourteen he left, as most lads did at the time, and went to work. Recreation and limited to playing hurling and football and telling "stories" at the crossroads about fact and fiction. Pat played minor, junior and senior hurling with his beloved Butlerstown and also donned the county jersey. The team won a minor football championship in 1940 and a junior hurling championship in 1946 where he starred at centre-back. During he forties Pat, like many of his compatriots, left Ireland in search of employment in England and worked there for some time. On his return to Ireland there was no team in Butlerstown due to emigration, so Pat threw in his lot with De La Salle until the end of his playing career in 1956. In 1957 Pat set about reforming the Butlerstown Club with assistance from a few friends. He was associated as mentor, selector and for the last twenty years proudly held the post of honourary president of the club. His input in the affairs of the club was varied and invaluable and his advice was much sought after and at times of stress and argument Pat brought a light hearted but positive air to proceedings. His interest in Waterford's hurlers never wanted and he eagerly looked forward to a trip to Thurles this year. Let us not forget Pat as a family man. He met and married May Hickey sixty years ago, reared a family of five, son Larry and daughters Anne, Christine, Muriel and Marion. All of them gave him great pride and joy. He dearly loved his grandchildren Laurence, Thomas and Katie and took a great interest in their welfare. He is also survived by his brother Larry (England), sisters Statia (England), Mary Kate (Ballycashin), daughter-in-law Joan, sons-in-law Tony and Noel, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. Pat was a man from a more traditional era and carried out his chores in the old-fashioned way, ploughing and sowing and harvesting by horsepower. In his retirement to took great pleasure in exhibiting his farm implements at vintage shows nationally. Prior to his passing his arrangements for the weekend were to attend the vintage show at Clonroche with his long time friend Pakie O'Brien. His remains were received at St. Mary's Church, Butlerstown, by Fr Murphy on Sunday May 1. A guard of honour comprising young and old members of the GAA club attended. A large turnout of colleagues, neighbours and friends bore testament to his popularity. At his burial a large cortege attended. "May the sod of your native Butlerstown rest lightly on your gentle soul". Courtesy of the Waterford News & Star 20th May 2005

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