It was with great sadness that the Kilbride GFC learned of the passing of Patsy Farrell.

Patsy’s name has been synonymous with the Club for many decades, first as a player and then as both adult team coach and member of the Club’s Executive. Recent club successes would not be possible without the efforts of Patsy and others in leaner times for the Club.

Patsy was also a great supporter of Meath and served as Chairman of the Supporters Club for many years. Along with his wife Ann, he would often be the first to greet supporters in the car park of Pairc Tailteann on match days.

In recent times, his illness meant that he could not travel to Meath or Kilbride games however, his interest and support of the teams never waned. 

At dheis De go raibh a anam

Meath GAA

I regret to inform you of the sad passing of Patsy Farrell, Kilbride GAA Club, one of the most dedicated supporters of Meath GAA and a great Gael. 

On behalf of Meath GAA, we extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Ann and to all the Farrell family at this very difficult time.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Patsy played a leading role in the Golden times of Kilbride

In 1964, only sixteen years after their official foundation, Kilbride won their first senior championship title, defeating Gaeil Colmcille in the final by 1-8 to 0-8. It was a wonderful victory, greeted with wondrous, wild celebrations, but it was only the beginning of a dominance that would render the Kilbride name immortal in the annals of Royal County sport. 

While they lost the final in 1966, they bounced back the following year with renewed determination to claim their second title. It was a great year for both club and county. Indeed both were distinctly intertwined. 

On the Meath team that defeated Cork in that year's All-Ireland final were six men from Kilbride - Pat Rooney, Pat Bruton, Murty Sullivan and the Quinn brothers, Martin, Gerry and the legendary Jack who the following year was named Meath Personality of the Year for his outstanding contribution to the game. All six travelled with Meath to Australia in 1968. When they came back for the following season's championship the sextet were hungry for utter supremacy with Kilbride. 

Their hunger was sated with three championship triumphs in succession, from '69 to '71. So many factors contributed to this remarkable success story. Great players, fierce loyalty, friendship. Their determination and desire to succeed was such that when allied to their innate talent, they became almost unbeatable. Such players as the Quinns, the Sullivans, the Reillys, the Brutons, the Clarkes, Sean Hickey, Pat Rooney, Jack O'Neill, Austin Reddin, Tommy Mahon, Val White, George Glynn, Mick Bohane, Tony Ryan, Patsy Farrell and Ray Murtagh all made massive contributions. 

Then there were the mentors and selectors who guided and advised these great players, John Marmiam, Kevin Sutton, Packie Lynch, David Colfer, Tommy Manning, Sean Rothwell and Kieran O'Farrell. Local publican Jack Sweeney also played his part during this period. The goalkeeper on the triumphant junior and intermediate team supplied 'spirit' in more ways than one, always motivating the players in the pre-match warm-ups and during games. .What Kilbride achieved in those days was marvellous for such a small parish. Royal County Meath Yearbook 1998

Funeral Details

Reposing at his home on Wednesday the 13th of May from 2pm to 8pm. Funeral on Thursday at 11am in St Brigid’s Church, Kilbride followed by burial in Rooske cemetery, Dunboyne.

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