The Late Paddy Scanlon The news of the death at Listowel District Hospital of Paddy Scanlon, Kipadogue, Tarbert, cast a gloom over the town and district when Paddy was one of its best known and loved personalities. His death after an illness borne with courage and patience, occasioned widespread shock and sadness for his relatives and many friends at home and abroad. All during his illness, he won the admiration of many for his sheer tenacity for life and he continued to come to town most nights of the week to meet and have a chat with his friends. His last visit was to Carmody's knowing that he was going to hospital the next day. All during his illness, Paddy had the support and care of his sister Josie and nephews Mile, Tim and particularly Thomas. Paddy was a gentleman and a true Gael, a man of many qualities, a generous and caring person who will be remembered as a friend by all who knew him. Aged 72 years, Paddy had a life of many interests. During his years at farming, he had the best of milch cows and the fruits of his garden of potatoes and vegetables, he was glad to share with his neighbours and friends. He enjoyed hunting and there was none better at the game of 41. Paddy will be sadly missed from the New Year's Eve parade where he had been the Grand Marshall for the past 13 years when he took over from the late Frank Lavery. Paddy was the heart and soul of the many "Lower Road" nights held down through the years and his eloquent speeches at these nights and other events in the parish will be treasured memoirs for many. All his life, Paddy was a well known and staunch GAA man. The red and black of Tarbert and the green and gold of Kerry were his pride and joy. He was an outstanding corner back in his day for Tarbert and North Kerry and this was confirmed at Paddy's wake in his home by his friend the great Eddie Dowling at the age of 18 in 1948, Paddy won minor and senior North Kerry championship medals with Tarbert and won many further medals in his playing career of over 20 years, including a victory in 1950 with Clounmacon in the Listowel parish league. It was a remarkable coincidence that the final whistle blew for Paddy at 6.15pm on Saturday, July 27 just as the ball was thrown in by the referee for the start of the Kerry v Kildare game in Thurles. Following his retirement from football, Paddy was actively involved at club level. He was chairman for a number of years and was vice-president until his death. Paddy was also instrumental in the purchase and development of the sportsfield, now known as Shannon Park. The esteem in which Paddy Scanlon was held within the GAA was evident in huge turn out of GAA players past and present from Tarbert, Clonmacken and many parts in the guard of honour who flanked the remains as it was shouldered from his residence to St. Mary's Church. The Lower road was a scene of red and black and green and gold flags as a farewell gesture to a kind friend and neighbour. Chief concelebrant at the funeral Mass was Very Rev. Mossy Brick, P.P. Tarbert, Concelebrating also were Bishop Edmond Carmody, Frs. Tim and Martin Buckley, Frs James and Tommy O'Hanlon and Fr. Philip O'Connell. Family members participated in the readings, prayers of the faithful and offertory procession. In what was an extremely moving ceremony. Fr Mossy Brick in his homily, recalled in length, Paddy's life and the many values that he had. At the end of Mass, Bishop Carmody also spoke about Paddy and his great contribution to the local community. Michael Kelly also spoke on behalf of the family and paid thanks to the doctors and nurses who took care of Paddy during his illness and everyone who helped and supported Paddy about Paddy and his great contribution to the local community. Michael Kelly also spoke on behalf of the family and paid thanks to the doctors and nurses who took care of Paddy during his illness and everyone who helped and supported Paddy in any way. After the Mass, family members and friends shouldered the coffin, draped with the Tarbert and Clounmacon jerseys to the entrance of the sportsfield. There was a huge attendance at the burial which took place in Kilnaughton cemetery. Prayers at the graveside were said by Fr. Mossy Brick and Fr. Tommy O'Hanlon. After the burial tributes were paid to Paddy by Anthony Stack, Chairman of the Tarbert GAA club and by Patsy O'Connell, a close friend and neighbour. As a final farewell, Paddy's favourite son "Noreen Bawn" was sung by Finbar Carrig and John Dowling. John also recited "Bowdenstown Churchyard" another one of Paddy's favourites. Paddy is survived by his sister Mrs Josie Mulvihill ( Kilpadogue), nephews Mike, Tim and Thomas Mulvihill (Tarbert and Jimmy Relihan (Duagh), nieces Mrs Sally Rehill (London), Mrs Joan Brennan (Tarbert), Hannah, Breda and Marian Relihan (Duagh) grand nephews, and grand nieces, cousins and many relatives and friends. Many relatives and friends from England and many parts of Ireland attended the funeral on both days. Courtesy of the Limerick Leader December 2002 Tweet

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