Carroll, Paddy
November 10, 2010
Ardfert loses a true character
The late Paddy Carroll
1947 -2010
The term 'Character' may be an overused phrase now but it was the one uttered by most people in the village of Ardfert as the sad news of the death of Paddy Carroll at the untimely age of 63 filtered through.
There was profound sense of shock and dismay as one of the village's true characters departed this life. "They broke the mould", said one close friend , "when they made Paddy". Everyone nodded.
Paddy was born in April, 1947 to Tadgh Carroll and Hannah Godley. He went to school in Ardfert National before launching himself into farming.
In the 1960's, when ownership of tractors was rare, Paddy would hire one to help others in the intermediate area. In the pre-breathalyser era he was slower to return but his great ploughing skills were evident up to this year.
A neighbour, struggling to maximise his crops in harder times found Paddy a great help as he furrowed neatly to ensure the plot produced a maximum return. The small plot was ploughed with such precision it resembled a work of art.
This extraordinary talent was recongnised not just in the village, for whom he ploughed, but also in Kerry. He represented his county proudly in the national ploughing championships in the 1970's.
Paddy was also interested in sports. He hurled for Ardfert winning a minor county medal in 1962 and an under-21 in 1964. He also won a junior championship with Banna and thoroughly enjoyed the neighbourly battles playing in the parish League for Corcas Rangers.
Paddy loved to discuss the GAA generally and willingly debated the best footballers and hurlers around. He had a terrific memory for players, dates and times. His intellect far outweighed his physical stature.
One of Paddy's key roles in the village was local historian. Any enquiry on lineage was directed to Paddy. A furrowed brow and then the answer. A complicated mind map became simpler as Paddy explained the exact relationships between the parties.
But one of his greatest attributes was to treat all alike. Paddy was no different to priest nor pauper. Neither rank nor claim to fame would impress. He was his own man treated people accordingly.
Young and old enjoyed his company because he was simply fascinating to listen to. And no better companion for the day out - once it was only the day.
Coursing, outings, trips up country would find Paddy a willing front seat passenger - once you guaranteed his safe return - but not necessarily before midnight!
Not for him the bright lights/ big city nor foreign holidays and hotels. Paddy thoroughly enjoyed his own home.
His kind nature saw him quite often look after stray dogs in the area and he could be generous to a fault always offering to deliver the odd turnip or suggesting you came down to pick the mushrooms.
His outstanding intellect and joy of the company of others will be sorely missed not least by his surviving brother Johnny to whom he was very close.
The massive turn-out for his funeral spoke volumes for the love deeply held by all in the community for a truly extraordinary man.
We were blessed to know him.
Courtesy to the Kerryman 10/11/10
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