MILLSTREET’S FOND MEMORIES OF THE LATE DR PAT CASEY
MILLSTREET, DUHALLOW AND, ESPECIALLY, CULLEN SPECIAL NEEDS ASSOCIATION MOURN THE LOSS OF DR PATRICK CASEY
MILLSTREET and Duhallow suffered a sad loss during the past week on the death of highly respected GP Dr. Patrick Casey.
His gentle and affable presence will be missed by the Cullen and District Special Needs Association where Dr. Pat became a man of action who used his drive and energy to support a vibrant group.
The passing of the Limerick native met with an outpouring of tributes and Cullen Secretary Moira O’Keeffe spoke of Dr. Casey delivering monumental service.
“Dr. Casey attended the first meeting of the Cullen and District Special Needs Association on May 14, 1979. Since then he has been an active member, a tower of strength and a wonderful friend to us all. His sound advice, enthusiasm and positive outlook proved invaluable over the years”, she said.
“Dr Pat served many roles within the association, president, chairman and vice-chairman. He never shied away from hard work and was hands-on in any preparations that were required for our events, such as preparing the hall for the Christmas party, serving teas and preparing the facilities for the annual harvest afternoon”, said Moira.
The diverse fund-raising of the Cullen Association has helped numerous and worthy causes in Rathmore, Charleville, Kanturk, Mallow, Millstreet and Beaufort with the annual Christmas party emerging a special event each year.
“1981 was the International Year of the Handicapped Person, this set the seeds for the first children’s party hosted on Sunday, March 1st that in subsequent years became our annual Christmas Mass and party. Every year, at this party, the joy and excitement was visibly felt as each guest eagerly waited in anticipation for Dr. Pat to call their name - it meant that they were about to receive a gift, Santa would have been in the shade”, said Moira.
Of course, Dr. Casey became a central figure behind the Cullen Annual Sponsored Weigh-In and it became a success story with participants drawn from western Duhallow and east Kerry.
“Our annual sponsored weighin commenced on January 20th 1986; from that date up until Dr. Pat’s retirement in 2019, his commitment, dedication, words of advice and encouragement contributed in no small way to the success of the weigh-in. His opening remarks each year to the participants were ‘ the purpose of the weigh-in is to raise funds, lose weight and have fun’ and, for sure, a hearty laugh was regularly heard as Dr. Pat and others enjoyed a joke, some craic and a bit of friendly banter”, said Moira.
The towering legacy of Dr. Casey became evident in his profession also, through attentiveness to patients and working tirelessly for the Cullen and District Special Needs Association.
“Dr Pat’s loss will be immensely felt in our association. We were truly honoured to have worked together and we will always be indebted to him for his tremendous contribution.
“We extend our sincere sympathies to all of the Casey Family on their sad loss”, said Moira