Cunnane, Padraig
February 12, 2010An honourary Tullow man in the hearts of all who knew him, hundreds gathered in the Church of the Holy Rosary to celebrate the life of the late Padraig Cunnane, Shillelagh Grove.
Padraig (73) passed away following an illness surrounded by his loving family his wife Bernie, sons Niall, Donncha, Padraig and daughter Cliona.
Padraig's gentle nature, wonderful wit and genuine sense of fun, endeared him to so many throughout his life. A wonderful husband, father and grandfather, his death will leave a huge void in the lives of many, none more so than his family.
Many recalled Padraig's engaging personality and friendly nature, that wonderful twinkle in his eye that always sought the positive in everything.
A much loved teacher at Tullow Community School for four decades, Padraig was also actively involved in St Patrick's GAA in Tullow and several teams at underage, minor and senior level with the county.
His great love of the Irish language, the GAA and community brought him in contact with people of all ages, which was reflected in the huge crowds who attended his funeral services.
A Mayo native, Padraig first started teaching in Bishop Ullathorne Secondary School, Coventry, England in 1957. It was in 1960 that Padraig first introduced himself to Carlow, arriving to take up a teaching post initially in Carlow Vocational School but in 1961 in Tullow Vocational School. Padraig remained at the school when it amalgamated to become Tullow Community School, where he spent the remainder of his career up until his retirement in 2000.
During his time at the school, Padraig trained three All-Ireland winning teams, eight winning Leinster Football teams and eight Junior Leinster winning teams.
His finest hour came in 1992 when Tullow Community School finally won the All-Ireland Senior Football Final, after years of disappointments and near misses. For Padraig the joy of the All-Ireland win was almost as good as Mayo winning an All-Ireland...well, almost!
On the night the winning team returned to Tullow, the huge gathered in The Square hailed Padraig a hero, so much so that the Fr Murphy statue should be removed and replaced with one of Padraig!
Padraig took such plaudits with his usual sense of modesty, avoiding the limelight himself and always putting the young teams in his charge to the fore.
The sporting accolades continued as Padraig trained the local St Patrick's underage teams as well as the senior teams to county championship successes. For a number of years he was also trainer and selector of the minor, under 21 and senior Carlow teams.
Following his 2000 retirement Padraig continued to help out with the schools teams and later ladies football became his focus.
Padraig help start St Anne's, the first ladies juvenile club in Tullow and was also a selector on the County Carlow Ladies' senior team which won the Leinster Final and reached the All-Ireland Junior Semi-Final.
In 2007 Padraig's phenomenal contribution to County Carlow GAA was honoured with a County Carlow People of Year, Hall of Fame Award. Again Padraig's natural modesty and humility was evident on the night of the awards, when he paid tribute to the many volunteers and young people that made the GAA the great organisation it is.
A wonderfully kind and thoughtful teacher, Padraig was hugely popular among students. Never one of the cross word, a disapproving look was enough to put even the most forthright student in his place!
Described his week by many former students as "a legend" and "one of life's true gentlemen" Padraig will always be remembered with genuine affection.
Padraig terrific sense of humour and comedy was seen many times on the stage in Tullow down through the years. Very involved in Tullow tops and pantomimes in years past, Padraig was always the star of the show, his terrific comic timing and humourous expressions sure to bring the house down.
This was also brought to bear in his wonderful story telling. Many people will have fond memories of enjoying Padraig's company and being regaled with his hilarious yarns and funny stories.
Both Padraig and his wife Bernie possessed a strong commitment a strong commitment to community, actively involved in many organisations through the years and good neighbours to all in Shillelagh Grove.
In his Requiem Mass the Church of the Holy Rosary, Tullow was overflowing with people form all over the country.
Tributes were paid to Padraig rewarding life, his many acts of kindness and the many lives he touched through his engaging personality, his energy and his infectious enthusiasm.
Former teaching colleague and friend Robert Keppel gave the eulogy recounting Padraig's life while there was also guards of honour from staff and students from Tullow Community School and St Patrick's GAA.
Burial took place to St. Patrick's Cemetery, Tullow. He is survived by his wife Bernie, sons Niall, Donncha, Padraig, daughter Cliona, grandchildren, extended family and many friends.
Ar dheis Dé go gaibh a anam.
Courtesy of The Nationlist
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