The Late Paddy Hourigan 'Ni bheidh a leitheid aris ann' might well sum up the esteem in which Paddy Hourigan was held by his family, friends and neighbours. Paddy, who was a native of Old Parish, passed away in April at Waterford Regional Hospital. Born in Old Parish in 1922 to the late Mick and Nora Hourigan, he was predeceased by his sister Kitty and brothers John and Declan and is survived by his brothers Mike and Dave. Paddy married Joan Burke from Kilrossanty in 1957 and they were blessed with four daughters and three sons. They proudly celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in April 2007. Paddy resided in Barranastook in Old Parish for some 77 years before moving to Windgap, near Dungarvan, where he enjoyed retirement and became a treasured member of a close knit community. He was well known and respected in the farming community all his life. His love of the land gave him boundless energy and he never tired of reclaiming mountains, draining bogs, picking stones or nursing sick animals back to health. From a young age, he helped his father in Old Parish Creamery and later went on to work locally on farms. In the early '40s he worked in the Creamery in Dungarvan and often recalled feeling like a prisoner, while inside the Creamery gates on Sunday afternoons watching the crowds head towards the Gaelic Field, wishing he could be with them. From 1945 to 1952, he worked in the Leather Factory in Dungarvan and was a very popular member of staff. Paddy's ability to turn his hand to anything was evident when in his late '30s his brothers Dave and Mike fondly remember how he made a football from a pig's bladder. His determination to play football was a priority from a young age. He was a part of the Sean Phobal team who were a major footballing force in the Western Deise from 1942 to 1952. At the Comoradh Speisialta for the 'Men of '49' in July 1999, Deughlan Turraoin introduced Paddy as the undoubted leader of the gang, an inpirational figure who motivated all his comrades and was regarded as the greatest all round player to ever represent the Shocks. He undoubtedly a hard act to follow. He will be fondly remembered and greatly moourned by his wife, Joan; daughters, Noreen, Alice, Kate and Jean; sons, Bud, Martin and Paddy; brothers Mike and Dave; daughters-in-law Susan and Catherine; daughter-in-law-to-be Aisling; sons-in-law JIm, John, Liam, Seamus; sisters-in-law, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and a wide circle of friends. (Funeral arrangements by Tom Drohan Funeral Directors, Dungarvan). Courtesy of the Waterfords News & Star 18 April 2008 Tweet

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