Family man Paddy gave his all to everything he put his mind to
THE late Paddy Byrne was a fun-loving man whom his heartbroken family have described as ‘ larger than life’.
He always enjoyed himself and was the life and soul of any gathering.
Paddy, late of Brighton Terrace in Bray, is deeply missed by his partner Maureen, his daughter Victoria, sons Julian and Graham and their mother Barbara, brother Kevin, sister Mary, grandchildren Joshua, Jessica-Daisy, Aoife, Matthew and James, son-inlaw Nigel, daughter-in-law Róisín, Mo’s son Lloyd and her grandchildren Justin and Tisha, brother-in-law Tony, sisters-in-law Mary- Clare and Ursula, extended family and many friends. He died recently following an illness. Paddy was a sociable, sporting man, who played football right up to the age of 68. He also played rugby for Arklow and Greystones.
He loved golf and often played with his friends in Kilcoole. He also went on outings with the golf societies of Jackie O’Driscoll’s and The Ardmore.
His sporting pursuits took him to America, England and France when he was the captain of the thirds at Arklow Rugby Club.
As both a player and a spectator, he revelled in sporting events, including rugby internationals and soccer. He was in Sardinia to support Ireland during the iconic Italia 90 football World Cup. He loved Bray Wanderers first and foremost, and was a loyal and steadfast supporter.
Paddy’s interests extended to snooker, which he enjoyed playing with Bertie Johnston.
A native of Bray’s Putland Road and Mount Norris Villas on Strand Road, Paddy never strayed far from his home town. He went to college in DIT Kevin Street, where he studied electrical engineering.
Paddy had an unrivalled work ethic and he worked part-time from the age of 12 at Eagle’s Nest on Bray Head, where he and his brother Kevin manned the sweet shop.
He was always on the go in business and at home. Paddy would never sit around and would always find something to do in the house or garden. Needless to say, whatever he turned his hand to would be done right.
Paddy was a proud member of the business community in County Wicklow. The family business, Kent and Byrne, sold electrics, TVs, and later white goods. He took things over from his father, John Louis Byrne.
He had great foresight and struck while the iron was hot, opening the first video library in Bray, as the VHS took off. They also had a premises in Arklow. His brother Kevin, sister Mary and brother-in-law Tony all worked with him for many years.
After Kent and Byrne, Paddy opened Vision World electrical goods, before becoming a manager for Clear Vision. He then had VP Electrical, his last business before retiring.
His customers followed him wherever he went, knowing that Paddy would look after them decently and honestly.
He had wonderful staff throughout the years. Many of them attended his funeral. His employees often said that Paddy was the best boss they ever had. He expected people to work as hard as himself, but was always fair and considerate.
Paddy was a brilliant dad to Victoria, Julian and Graham. He was always present and never missed a sports event, play, or anything important in their lives.
He loved his children dearly and went to great lengths to share his life experience with them.
He passed his football boots on to Graham, who plays in his stead in the weekly five-a-side football game.
Paddy was a dapper man, who even turned his hand to a spot of modelling, appearing in a number of advertisements over the years.
He loved music, and particularly enjoyed the music of the showband era and rock n roll. He saw many of the great bands perform in the legendary Arcadia ballroom in its heyday when he and his brother were the ‘it boys’ of Bray.
Paddy shared 30 years with his partner Maureen who said that the two of them had the best of fun together. He adored her and she him.
They enjoyed going abroad together, and loved a day-trip to Dalkey or Dun Laoghaire.
When they went out together it might be to O’Driscolls, Hollands or the Ardmore, or even down to Wicklow and The Forge.
Paddy knew people wherever he went, many of them customers who had been well looked after.
In anything he did, he was meticulous and gave everything. Paddy felt that if you did something, you did it to the best of your ability. That went for his children, his business, his re- lationship with Maureen, sports, DIY or the garden.
He touched the lives of more people than his family even realised. As one dear friend told them on the day of his funeral: ‘I’m a better person for having known him’.
During his illness of some years, he showed immense bravery, strength and positivity throughout and never gave up hope. He was ever pleasant to all staff both in the St Vincent’s Hospital and Blackrock Hospice. One nurse from the hospital when bidding him farewell said ‘it was a privilege to care for you, you are an absolute gentleman’.
There was always laughter in his home and through tough times, he and Maureen remained united and held each other up.
Maureen cared for Paddy 24-seven as he became ill. They also had help from palliative care nurses.
Paddy’s family said that they can’t thank enough the people who looked after him, including his beloved Maureen, the nurses, staff at St Vincent’s and Blackrock Hospital, and his GP Dr David Coffey.
He celebrated his 70th birthday in style with a party, leaving his family with wonderful memories shortly before he passed.
Paddy’s friend Johnny Murphy drove him on his final journey. His funeral took place at the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer in Bray, followed by cremation at Mount Jerome.