Today, 9th February 2018, Leitrim Hurling was left shaken and in disbelief by the news of the death of Leitrim Hurling legend, Patrick (Paddy) Phelan. One of the great players, managers, committee members, and characters the GAA has ever seen, Paddy will forever be a legend, especially within the Leitrim hurling family.

It is hard to know where to begin when it comes to this legend and good friend of mine Paddy Phelan. Paddy was a stalwart, a hero and an inspiration. He encompassed everything that was right about the GAA. Paddy was widely regarded as a people person, always willing to give of his time. There are no words we can say here to do justice to the person that Paddy was. He will be so much missed. He was a real friend and a gentleman. If you’re looking for a real role model, then you look no further than Paddy Phelan.

While Paddy was born and reared in Kilkenny, Leitrim took a huge part of his heart when he moved to the county to work as an engineer in Leitrim County Council.

Approximately 40 years ago, Paddy, Michael Dorrigan and I met and struck up a strong friendship based primarily around hurling which resulted in the three of us commencing hurling within the county. However, it must be said that without Paddy it would never have been the success it was. The three of us soldiered together and never was a bad word said between any of us. Unfortunately today the link has been broken with the loss of Paddy. Ironically, the last time Paddy saw his beloved Leitrim Senior Hurling team tog out in the green and gold was in Croke Park, the hallowed ground in June 2017 when the team reached the Lory Meagher Championship final. This occasion was the first ever time for a Leitrim Senior hurling team to reach Croke Park and what an occasion it was! How proud Paddy was that day watching lads he had coached from a very young age run out onto Croke Park to play in an All Ireland Final. All those days in Park Lane and travelling the county for matches with the bag of helmets, hurls and sliotars had finally come to fruition. I, for one, am delighted Paddy was there with me that day to experience such a marvellous occasion and to offer his constant positive support and guidance not only to me as manager but to every single player on the team. It is impossible to put into words what Paddy means to hurling in Leitrim and the void that has been left by his passing. We can, however, be grateful that his son, Hilary, has taken over from Paddy as Secretary of the Leitrim Hurling Board, while his grandson Liam is on the verge of breaking onto the Leitrim Senior Hurling team, which I know very well Paddy is very very proud of.

Paddy’s involvement in Leitrim GAA and Leitrim hurling, in particular, has been profound. Paddy has been involved on Connacht Council, representing Leitrim hurling, and has also been a member of the Leitrim GAA Executive for a long period of time. Most notably, Paddy has served as Chairperson, Secretary & Treasurer on the Leitrim Hurling Board at different stages over the last 40 years. His work and commitment to all committees he has been involved in is an inspiration and his dedication has been second to none.

The last Leitrim Senior hurling game which Paddy played in was just 25 years ago when Leitrim were short a player against Sligo in a National Hurling League game. Of course, Paddy stood forward and said he would fill the place which he did. He grabbed the green and gold jersey without a word said and played the match. Not many people can say they had such a long hurling career as a player. This showed the character of Paddy as he would never let you down. Similarly, just last year when Paddy was receiving treatment in Galway, he would make sure that he would be home on time to go to training with me in Mullingar. He enjoyed those training sessions and the matches with the boys and the fun that was had.

Over his years involved in Leitrim and the time I have known Paddy, one thing I must say about him is that he never ever criticised a referee or a match official. At the end of a game and if luck wasn’t on our side Paddy always said: “Ye had your chances”. He was exactly spot on!

The memories of Paddy we have are endless and I am sure these memories will continue to be shared for a long time. Paddy brought such joy and happiness to so many people and his presence will be greatly missed. I will greatly miss Paddy’s company going to training sessions and matches with the Leitrim hurling team along with his guidance and constant support. His passing is a huge blow to Leitrim Hurling while the passion he had for his home county and hurling, in general, is inspirational. As manager of the Leitrim Senior Hurling team, the biggest thing this team can do now is to go on and win a National Title in 2018 in Paddy’s honour. And we will for Paddy!

On behalf of Leitrim Hurling, I wish to offer our deepest sympathies to his wife Monica, his sons Alan, Hilary and Patrick, daughters in law, grandchildren, relatives, neighbours and his wide circle of friends.

Thank you for all the good times Paddy. We will never forget you. Rest in Peace.

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.

Compiled by Martin Cunniffe, Chairman Leitrim Hurling.

Death Notice of the late Paddy Phelan (courtesy of RIP.ie)

Patrick Phelan B.E, C.ENG, formerly of Leitrim Co. Council. Patrick late of Station Rd. Carrick-on-Shannon and formerly of Ballinaslee, Attanagh Co. Kilkenny on February 9th, 2018. Deeply regretted and sadly missed by his wife Monica (nee Gleeson), loving sons Alan, Hilary, and Patrick, daughters in law Helen, Karina and Olivia, grandchildren, brothers Donal (Kilkenny) and John (Newbridge), relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends.

Rest in Peace

Reposing at the residence of his son Hilary and daughter in law Karina, opposite Drumsna Church, on Sunday, 11th February, 2018 between the hours of 2pm and 6pm. House strictly private at all other times, please. Funeral Mass on Monday, 12th February, at 2pm in St. Michael’s Church, Drumlion with burial immediately afterwards in Drumlion Cemetery. Family flowers only, please. Donations in lieu to North-West Hospice, Sligo.