Paddy Prendergast, who had been the final man standing from the Mayo staff that gained the 1951 All-Eire soccer remaining, lived “a life properly price celebrating”, his funeral Mass has heard.
Mr Prendergast, who died on Sunday aged 95, was remembered on the Mass in St John’s Parish, Tralee, Co Kerry as a storyteller, “a bigger than life character” and somebody with an amazing love for all times.
Celebrant Fr Tadhg Fitzgerald stated Mr Prendergast had an excellent ease about him and was a megnetic character who drew folks to him.
“In reality he had a beautiful life, a life properly price celebrating,” he stated.
The priest stated Mr Prendergast was “really blessed” in life along with his spouse of 57 years Irene, and his youngsters and grandchildren.
Fr Fitzgerald stated Mr Prendergast was a public determine however that in his ministry to him in latest occasions he had change into aware he had a personal life and was surrounded by the folks he beloved most on this planet.
“As a household you gave fantastic witness by standing in prayer and intimacy with him,” the priest stated.
A lone piper in a Mayo GAA jersey performed as his coffin was introduced into the church and a Mayo flag, despatched by the county GAA board, was draped over the coffin because it left to the tune of The West’s Awake.
There was a guard of honour from Mayo GAA after the Mass and the chairman of the cou nty’s GAA board Liam Moffatt offered a flag to the household.
‘Privilege and honour’
Seán Lyons, one other Mayo man dwelling in Tralee, advised the congregation that he grew up in Castlebar steeped within the lore and legend of Paddy Prendergast.
“They are saying you shouldn’t meet your heroes, however for me it was a privilege and an honour to change into pals with Paddy,” he stated.
He stated Mr Prendergast by no means forgot Castlebar of his hometown of Ballintubber, which for him was a mixture of “Tír na nÓg and the Promised Land”. Mr Lyons stated recalled how Mr Prendergast had in 1937 contributed a 62-page doc, in Irish and English, on native historical past to the Irish Folklore Fee.
Mark Prendergast, Paddy’s son, thanked GP Dr Joe Arthur and all those that cared for his father. He stated it was very onerous to sum up “Paddy P” however he was a soccer god, a fisherman, a card participant and a raconteur.
He stated his father felt very welcome in Co Kerry, which was a really particular place for him. He was “an unbelievable father” and an excellent pal and the household worshipped him, Mark added.
Mr Prendergast is survived by his spouse Irene; son Mark; daughters Petra and Siobhán; sisters Carmel and Barbara; grandchildren Will, Callum, Patrick and Helena; sons-in-law William and Andy; daughter-in-law Dayna; and prolonged household and pals.
His stays have been introduced for cremation after the Mass and the funeral discover stated there can be additional celebration of Mr Prendergast’s life in Ballintubber Abbey and on the shores of Lough Carra subsequent summer time.