A sporting legend, loving family man and a highly-regarded educator, former Kerry star Paudie O Donoghue's death on Monday after a long illness has resulted in a flood of tributes- to his great talents and his beloved character.Full back for Kerry in both years of the 1969/1970 double, Mr O Donoghue's skill on the pitch was lauded as an integral part of the All-Ireland victories on those occasions. But, despite the praise and garlands, he remained a quiet and unassuming man all his life- one of the many traits for which he is remembered this week with great affection. A teacher of business studies, accounting and maths by profession, he spent most of his career overseeing the education of his students at Causeway Comprehensive Secondary School until his retirement four years ago. Mr O donoghue also held the chairmanship of the Fine Gael party branch in the Asdee and Ballylongford District for many years. He died after a long battle with cancer in the early hours of Tuesday morning and is survived by his loving wife Phyllis and children Hugh and Nuala. Mr O Donoghue was 64. "He was a lovely man and his death is a great loss to North Kerry," his friend political ally and fellow Kerry player , Jimmy Deenihan , told Te Kerryman. " Paudie was a very quiet and modest man always, and he was hugely resected as both a football player and a teacher. "He was also an integral part of Fine Gael in North Kerry and played a key role in our successes here. His death, which came far too soon, is a cause for deep sadness and my thoughts and condolences are with his family now," Deputy Deenihan added. Close personal friend and fellow Ballylongford star, Alan Kennelly, said he was a 'gentleman on and off the pitch.' "Paudie had no enemies whatsoever, such was his character and we miss him deeply.He was sound as a rock as full back always, and for all his achievements was a very modest, quiet man. He was highly respected in Ballylongford and he had his own place in our bar; whenever he came in and if somebody was sitting there, they would quietly vacate it for him, such was the esteem in which he was held." Principal of Causeway Comprehensive, John O Regan also paid tribute to his modesty and 'humility.' "It was a privilege to work with him as a colleague." He was very widely read outside the scope of his own subjects and brought his massive knowledge to bear on all his teaching. "He was highly respected by all the students and staff and is deeply missed." The Kerryman 23/07/08 Tweet

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