Paddywasaninspirationtohis familyandwasactiveinparish
PADDY McGuinness, Marian Park, Dundalk who died peacefully in Moorhall Lodge Nursing Home on May 22nd worked as a printer in the local newspaper industry all of his life.
Aged 86, Paddy who had been a patient in Moorehall for a number of years died peacefully surrounded by his loving family.
He was the youngest and last surviving member of a family of three of James and Mary McGuinness. His father who was the postman in Kilkerley died when Paddy was just 2, and afterwards the family moved to live in Dundalk, settling in Seatown.
Educated by the Christian Brothers in Chapel Street, Paddy worked as a paper boy for a time, and also on deliveries before securing an apprenticeship as a printer with Dundealgan Press (H. Tempest Ltd.) in their Francis Street premises.
Apprenticeship complete, Paddy had to search for work and he found an opening in Mcgowans Ltd., whose printing works were located on the Ramparts.
Paddy then secured employment in the newspaper industry, first with the Drogheda Independent-Argus, working from their Shop Street works in Drogheda, and later he joined the Dundalk Democrat where he worked for twenty years until his retirement in 1994
In his youth Paddy boxed for a short time, although few would have guessed that from his demeanour in later life for he was a quiet, unassuming man, respectful of others and their views.
His life was built round his family and his wife, Colette of 46 years to whom he was devoted, and a light seemed to fade in Paddy’s life when she died in 2000.
The family moved to Marian Park soon after Paddy and Colette married and they quickly became actively involved in the vibrant community that was promoted by the Tenants Association in the estate.
Paddy played an active part in the committee that pioneered a wide variety of social and sporting activities, and even dipped into the political arena for a time to promote greater rights for tenants.
Religion was paramount in Paddy’s life, and he believed in supporting his local church, the Redeemer as a collector and a Eucharistic minister, while he also had a great affinity with the Redemptorist Fathers and helped out at St. Gerard’s Novena time.
Even when his health was deteriorating, Paddy made his way to daily Mass in St. Nicholas, and his family are in do doubt that in the hours before he passed away he defied medical opinion and waited until the Angelus bell sounded.
To his family he was an inspiration for the manner that he lived his life, and always put their interests first.
Paddy is survived by sons, Anthony (Newry), Raymond, Aiden and Declan (all Dundalk), daughters, Fiona Mulpeter and Áine Reilly (both Dundalk), 23 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his wife, Colette (née Allen) from Mulholland Avenue in 2000 and by brother, Sam who resided in Fatima and sister, Kathleen Griffin who resided in the home house in Seatown.
Having reposed at his home, Paddy’s remains were taken to Church of the Holy Redeemer where Requiem Mass was celebrated by Very rev. Eamon Hoey, C.Ss.R., St. Joseph’s who gave the eulogy. The Readings were given by granddaughters, Amy Reilly and Kelly Marie Mulpeter, while the Prayers of the Faithful were read by granddaughters, Laura Halpenny, Emma Reilly, Colleen Mulpeter, and Kim and Selina McGuinness.
Two of Paddy’s paintings that he drew while in Moorehall were presented before Mass and the Offertory Gifts were presented by his daughters, Fiona and Áine.
The beautiful music was provided by soloist, Sarah McCourt, accompanied by Brendan McCourt.
Paddy’s nurse in Moorehall, Jackie Edwards read the alysmers’ poem, ‘Slipping Away”.
After Mass, Paddy’s remains were brought to St. Patrick’s cemetery for burial and the large attendance at the Mass and interment reflected the family’s strong links with the town and the deep regard by which Paddy and his family are held.
Month’s Mind Mass on June 19th in St. Joseph’s Redemptorist Church at 12.30 p.m.