Westmeath GAA is in mourning following the passing of legendary player and administrator Paddy Flanagan.

A gentleman first and foremost, Flanagan served as president of both St Loman’s, Mullingar and Westmeath GAA. His playing and administrative careers spanned over 60 years, while the Westmeath SFC trophy is named after him. After winning numerous championship medals with his beloved St Loman's (or Mental Hospital as they were then known) and starring for Westmeath, Paddy became county secretary in 1960 - a position he held until 1969.

He also served as county PRO for many years and won many McNamee awards for his production of match programmes, particularly those for Leinster championship games. He became Leinster Council treasurer in 1993, retaining that position until well into the 2000s.

In his capacity as chairman of the Leinster Council's Communications Committee, Paddy edited Leinster championship programmes each year from 1975 to '97. He also oversaw the provincial body's Centenary Celebrations in 2000.

In addition, the Mullingar man wrote a popular GAA column for the Westmeath Examiner for many years under the pseudonym 'Aindrias O'. In more recent times, he penned a column for the Westmeath Topic called ‘GAA Musings with Paddy Flanagan’.

In 2004, he was honoured with a GAA president's award in recognition of his lifetime of service to the Association. He was also selected at full back on the Westmeath Football Team of the Millennium in 2000.

May he rest in peace.

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