Dunne, Patrick (Pa)
April 03, 2013The late Patrick (Pa) Dunne
1959 - 2013
Patrick (Pa) Dunne, a highly respected and much loved member of the Stacks Villas community in Tralee, died unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, March 21.
Known to everybody as Pa, many Tralee residents would have met him when he was working with the Outdoor Maintenance Department of Tralee Town Council.
Aged 54, Pa was born on January 4, 1959 to parents Sean and Molly Dunne (nee Mullins), the fourth of six children. His siblings were brothers Johnny and Mike and sisters Mary, Noreen and Eileen.
Pa didn't have to travel far for his primary education which he received from the Sisters of Mercy at Balloonagh School, just a stone's throw from his house. Further education was received from the Christian Brothers at CBS Clounalour and at the old Technical School, Moyderwell.
Pa started his working life at O'Sullivan's Marine, Rock-Street, following which he worked with Fitzgerald Bros in the building of Shanakill housing estate. Subsequently he was employed by Tralee UDC where he worked for the past 30 years, before his untimely death at the age of 54 years.
A lifelong GAA supporter, Pa was a member of the Kerry Supporters Club, traveling to all games at home and away. Most recently he headed off to Donegal, accompanied by his good friend and neighbour, Tommy Dowling, to cheer on Kerry in the National League game against the reigning All-Ireland champions. When his beloved Austin Stacks were on the championship trail Pa was among the band of Rockies who supported them in victory and defeat.
He was also a great follower of Liverpool FC, traveling to Anfield on a regular basis, accompanied by his brother Mike, niece Tina, grand-nephew Cillian and fellow supporters on the bus.
Golf was another sporting interest for Pa, being a member of the Greyhound Bar Golf Society he always looked forward to the away weekends. No matter where Pa went, his camera was always at the ready and the vast number of photos he took told their own story.
At the back of his house Pa could be found pottering in the garden and in his glasshouse. He grew a large number of tomato plants, lettuce and spring onions, which he shared amongst his family and friends.
The high regard in which Pa was held was reflected on the large attendance at his removal from Hogan's Funeral Home to the Church of Our Lady and St Brendan on Saturday, March 23. Following Requiem Mass on Sunday at 10am, burial took place afterwards in New Rath Cemetery.
Pa's family would like to express their thanks to neighbours and friends who offered support and all will be remembered in their prayers.
Pa is deeply regretted by his loving brothers Johnny and Mike, sisters Mary, Noreen and Eileen, nephews, nieces, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, relatives and friends.
May he rest in peace.
Courtesy of The Kerryman. Tweet
