Paddy O'Gorman was one of Wexford's great characters

Wexford has lost one of its greatest characters, with the sad passing of Patrick (Paddy) O'Gorman.

The Bishopswater man died on Saturday following an illness. He was a father of eleven: Paddy, Ann,Sean, Angela, Kevin, Bernadette, Larry, Christy, Martin, Theresa and the late Francis.

Originally from Corish Park, Paddy and his brother Tommy were raised by their mother, who also took in Michael MacDonald of Crossabeg whose mother died while he was still a child. Michael was so much a part of the family that Paddy called him Michael O'Gorman instead of MacDonald.

Paddy was educated at the CBS before he went to work at Nunn's Grain Store. When he married his beloved wife Eileen, the couple moved to Bishopswater to raise their family. However, he was perhaps best known for his work at Ireland's Own and People Newspapers.
Paddy's son, the Wexford hurling star Larry O'Gorman, has fond memories of his father riding around town on the company's scooter dropping off the newspapers.

And occasionally he would take the scooter home on his days off, to bring the children out on one of his favoured hunting trips. 'I can remember sitting in the box where the papers would go,' said Larry. Paddy enjoyed hunting in Adamstown and would never come home empty handed.

'Even if he couldn't catch any rabbits, he'd come home with a few cabbages or tumips...sure he had to with that many mouths to feed!' joked Larry. Paddy also was a dab hand with a fishing rod and would often fish in Wexford Harbour and at "The Whistler'. In his younger days Paddy was a keen sportsman.

He played hurling with the factory team at Nunn's and The Parnell's. He also played gaelic football with the Volunteers and the Dan O'Connells. Another favourite pastime of his was playing darts. Paddy played in the Town League and even represented Wexford in the All Irelands on one occasion. 'He was competitive, he'd never throw the towel in,' said Larry. He added that all of the family loved a trip to the pub with Paddy because he was always great fun to be around. Paddy is survived by his loving family and dear brother Tommy.
He will be laid to rest today (Tuesday) at St. Ibar's Cemetery, Crosstown, following his requiem mass in the Church of the Assumption Bride Street.

Courtesy of The Wexford People Tweet

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