The Late Patrick D. Colbert Patrick D. Colbert, affectionately known as Pa, was truely one of nature's gentlemen. Born and reared in Abbeyfeale he was educated at the local primary school, St. Ita's College and later at Clonakilty Agricultural College. Later he worked for the Department of Agriculture and was mainly headquartered in Tralee District Veterinary Office. As a supervisory agricultural officer he was held in high esteem by his work colleagues and the farming community he served. He carrid out his duties in a most professional manner, always being courteous and compassionate in his dealings with farmers. He retired in 1990 after 40 years of dedicated service. As a sporting man, Pa dedicated his leisure time to football and greyhounds. While at agricultural college, he had the honour and distinctionin winning Cork Senior Championship football medal with Clonakilty's star-studded team in 1946. I witnessed the reverence with which Pa's name was held in Clon when we visited Clonakilty coursing meeting in later years. In 1947 he was a proud wearer of the no. 7 blue and white jersey of his beloved Fr. Casey's to capture the Limerick Senior Championship, thus completing an unusual double. Up until recent years Pa could be seen walking his greyhounds up Glenashrone and the Hill. Many coursing lovers spent night after night listening to Pa's exploits in the tracks and coursing fields of Munster; the stories and gambles were legendary. He owned and trained many fine greyhounds over the years such as Davy the KIng, Davy the Gurrier and Prince of Roses, the Burmah Castrol Puppy Derby winner. Pa loved coursing and his local Abbeyfeale meeting and he won numerous stakes over the years. The proudest possession on his sideboard was the Gold Flake Cup presented to the Abbeyfeale Parish Stake winner in 1970, Davy's Darkie with co-trainers, his son Ned and Francis McGill. He attended all coursing meetings around Munster, culminating each year with the National Meeting in Clonmel and the Irish Cup. All who knew him were touched by the essence of the man that was Pa Colbert. His kindness, good nature, his intrest in and goodwill towards his fellow man was ever evident in his daily life. His generosity knew no bounds and indeed he was rather shy and unceremonious in his giving. He passed on his wisdom and counsel to those of us who sought his advice over the years. He is survived by his beloved wife Sheila, sons Ned, Jimmy and Paddy, daughter Margaret and grand-daughter Cliodhna, son-in-law Tony, daughters-in-law Joan, Evelyn, Trish, brother JIm, sisters Phil and Maureen and sister-in-law, Joan. As we bid farewell to Pa on his final journey we pray that his gentle spirit will rest in the everlasting happiness that he so truly deserves. Courtesy of the Kerry Eye 27 March 2008 Tweet

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