The late Paddy Donohoe Paddy Donohoe died as he had lived - unobtrusively and without a fuss. The 81-year-old gael, from Curracloe, sadly passed away in his armchair at home, after coming in from working in his yard. He wouldn't have wanted it any other way. For the well known man hated fuss. He liked to do things in a quiet and understated fashion. He was never one for a big palaver. Paddy lived in Curracloe Post Office, where he - together with his beloved late wife Chrissie - was post master from 1931 until 1991. A very united couple throughout the 46 years of their married life, Paddy and Chrissie made a great team, and they were known the length and breadth of Curracloe, Screen and beyond. However, while looking after the mailing demands of the parish were one of his life responsibilities, Paddy was also a farmer, renowned for the quality of his Curracloe potatoes. Indeed, his sons continue in the farming tradition, and their new potato crops continue to be legendary amongst discerning potato connoisseurs. A lover of Gaelic Games all of his life, Paddy had hurling running through his veins. He could hardly get out of it, being one of the Donohoes from Kilmacoe, whose father Jim Donohoe was one of the 1910 All-Ireland hurling medalists . One of a family of 13, Paddy won his first County Minor Hurling medal with the Emmets back in 1943. He also played with the St Inbar's in the 40's and was an integral part of the famous Shelmalier Junior hurling champions of 1954. Having retired from the game he continued to serve the club as a team trainer, passing on the skills of the game to the stars of the future. Paddy was very proud of the GAA and never stopped serving the Shelmalier GAA Club in a variety of roles from the first time he took up a hurley and a ball. No prouder man could be seen in Hollymount in recent years, eagerly watching over the next generation of Donohoes displaying their skills on the hurling field. Paddy's sharp wit at GAA meeting ended many a potential conflict, and he had a great ability to comprehend and appreciate the views of many people. A very focused man, he had determination to speak his mind, and get a job done, regardless of any obstacles that lay before him. He was also an exact and meticulous man, who liked a job done right. He always adhered to the correct protocol in every situation. He was a beautiful singer and a tremendous story teller. Paddy liked to entertain with his talents, but would never volunteer himself for the limelight. And his great ability to sing a song, enthralled everyone who had the pleasure of hearing him. An excellent neighbour, and a man with a good community spirit, Paddy involved himself win the village. When they built the new school, St Margaret's in Curracloe in 1985, Paddy was a driving force behind it. He was also involved in the parish committee, that fundraised for the Church renovation and he marked graces and kept an eye on the upkeep of the local cemetery. A life long member of Fianna Fail, he often travelled to the party Ard Fheis. He liked to keep abreast of current affairs, and keep his eye on the issues. However, he was a Fianna Fail man to the core, and his motto was: 'Question everything except what De Valera says'. He was also involved in the foundation of the coastguard in Curracloe, and if there were any emergency land searches in the area, you could be sure that Paddy was involved. He also enjoyed horse-racing - although he would admit that it was more of his late wife Chrissie's passion. Together they were members of the Wexford Racecourse Supporters Club, and he would regularly go to meetings. In his youth, his father kept ponies on their farm, so he had more than just a passing knowledge of the gee-gee's. He was a loving father, a good family man, and a friend to many. He is survived by his sons, Simon, David and Patrick; daughters, Mary Doyle, Kathleen Leacy, Margaret Brennan, Breda O'Connor and Christina Monahan; sister, Bridie; sons in law, daughter in law, 16 grandchildren, brother in law, sisters in law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. His remains were interred in Currracloe cemetery, following Requiem Mass in St Margaret's Church. Courtesy of the Wexford People 04 April 2007 Tweet

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