©Photograph: John Reidy 28-2-1999
It’s the late Paddy Maher’s open, warm, honest face and sense of fun that most people will remember about the man I rarely met without a smile.
The news that Paddy (92) passed away this morning will sadden his many friends and neighbours in the locality and many more from the neighbouring parishes and beyond.
He was involved in the affairs of farming and its wide circle of associated events all his life. In recent years he was elected with Vincent Murphy, Jimmy Kearney and Jim Lordan to the position of honorary president of the Castleisland Races Committee.
He was good company and great fun and was part of a plot a decade and a half or so ago at Skevenas Bar. A few of the locals fancied themselves as dancers and hinted that the bands playing there could play for a dancing competition on a couple of Sunday nights.
Paddy and his comrades would drop in on the way home from coursing or racing with their wellingtons on. On one occasion the competition was in full flight and a ‘stranger’ who was in on the plot was appointed as adjudicator.
The dance floor space in the pub was full of competitors and there was a trophy for the winner – but more at stake. In the heel of the hunt the man in the wellingtons won the trophy and there was uproar at the dress code and the result and never a dance was held there again. May God be good to him.
The announcement and funeral arrangements for the late Paddy Maher are as follows.
The death has occurred of Paddy Maher, Kilbanivane, Castleisland, Kerry
January 22nd, 2016. Peacefully, in his 92nd year. Beloved husband of the late Bridget RIP. Sadly missed by his loving son James, daughters Kathleen and Marie, sons-in-law John O’Connor and John Gallagher, daughter-in-law Patricia, his adored grandchildren, Padraig, Sarah and Neil, brother, sisters, all extended family, relatives, neighbours and many friends. Rest In Peace
Reposing at Tangney’s Funeral Home, Castleisland on Sunday evening from 5pm to 7pm followed by removal to Castleisland Parish Church. Requiem Mass on Monday at 11am. Burial afterwards in Kilbanivane Cemetery, Castleisland.
Date Published: Friday 22nd January 2016. Date of Death: Friday 22nd January 2016.
