The late Paddy Smith It took God eight-three years to finally catch Paddy Smith on a quiet day, and that lull in Wicklow might take just as long to fill. However, in its silence, the town can finally express its admiration of the man it knew as Paddy, the man that was Patrick J Smith, PC of Bayview Road, Wicklow who died on August 21st, 2006. Renowned for his innovation, he improved television reception throughout the county; and through hard graft, he expanded his family's shop into a major contacting business. In this endeavour, he gave many a young apprentice the tools to go on to become successful in the trade. But this was just a facet of Paddy. Paddy was deeply religious, supportive of the local clergy of St Patrick's Church, and the religious orders of the De La Salle and the Dominican Convent. He was a member of the Knights Columbanus, and a pioneer who proudly wore his gold medal celebrating 50 years of abstinence. George Bernard Shaw once wrote " The best place to seek God is in the garden' and although Paddy was fanatical about his garden, everything Paddy did and said exemplified his faith and humanity. Paddy, who was an honoury president of the St Patrick's GAA, had been involved from an early age. From player on the field, to representative on the County Board, and most prominently, being a county hurling selector at the time when Wicklow won their first Leinster Championship in 1954. Fifty years later, he was presented with his most cherished Cu Chulainn trophy, in commemoration of that historical triumph. He was involved in the fundraising and the building of St Pat's clubhouse, and could always be relied on for sideline support. Few could cross his threshold without the customary 'Ah sure I remember driving your Granddad, or dad, or uncle around the country to matches in the 40s. 50s, 60s or 70s!" He had a wealth of stories to share on how the game should be played, or on how teams could improve, both physically and psychologically. As a GAA man, he tiled his shop front with special bolts of electricity in the County colours! As a business man, he was involved with The Wicklow Chamber of Commerce. This consistent enthusiasm led him to the arena of local politics. Election time, he'd launch into action; canvassing and ensuring people got voting. Attendance at the count would often find him predicting results with accuracy, hours before the final results were public. Many had different political persuasions to Paddy, but few could fault his drive and honesty. In his appreciation of the sea, he strongly supported the Wicklow Swimming Club, and became a trustee of the 7th Wicklow Sea Scouts. He dedicated years to The Wicklow Harbour Board, carefully considering plans to enhance the harbour and its environs. He loved his town, and took pleasure in welcoming newcomers into the community. He offered a hand whenever it was needed. And with his vast range of knowledge and skills, his help was always welcomed. In return he was honoured with various awards. An all-time favourite being in 1994, when he strutted as Grand Marshal of the local St Patrick's Day Parade. His LDF manoeuvres from the days of the Emergency, and his St Patrick's Pipe Band's excursions, added a proficient rhythm as he led the parade. We would need a supplement to cover all his achievements and interests; as much of his life was committed to improving Wicklow. But above all else, Paddy held his family up as his greatest accomplishment. And all the love, support and dedication that he poured into every undertaking, he saved tenfold to give his family. He lived a good life; he fought a good fight and he had no regrets. He will be deeply missed by friends and family alike. Paddy is survived by his wife Angela, sons John and Paul, Colm and Frank and Peter and daughters, Tricia and Roseanne; his brothers, John & Tom (Fitzgerald) sisters Pearl (Doherty) and Mary (Brennan). The family would like to take this opportunity to send a special thanks to the WUDC for their unanimous vote of sympathy, and to the Wicklow Port Company for their kind sentiments particularly the minute's silence they observed in Paddy's honour. Ironic, because Paddy was many things, but rarely a quiet man! Courtesy of The Wicklow People 28 September 2006 Tweet

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