Tributes pour in for rally driver Paudie
TRIBUTES have been paid to the late Paudie Casey following his sudden death while attending the Donegal International Rally last week, in a tragedy that rocked Kerry motorsport circles and the communities of Abbeydorney, Ardfert and Ballyheigue.
Originally from Cliff Road in Ballyheigue, Paudie was widely known through his business, Casey Motors, in Ardfert, where he spent his days talking all things cars, which were as much a hobby as a livelihood to him.
Paudie’s brother Kieran thanked everyone for their kind messages of sympathy which have come from all quarters since his passing.
“It’s still difficult to talk about it but I just want to say thank you to everyone for their kind wishes,” Kieran told The Kerryman.
“I think the Kerry Motor Club and Abbeydorney Vintage Society paid lovely tributes to him. It really summed Paudie up,” he added.
An accomplished rally driver, Paudie began motorsport at the hot-rod track in Kilflynn, completing his first Circuit of Kerry Rally in 2001. Kerry Motor Club Secretary Stephen O’Connell described Paudie as a hard worker who was very active in the club: “He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was always the first person to put his name down to help out in whatever way he could,” Stephen said.
Paudie made Abbeydorney his home for over 17 years; he lived there with his wife Helen and their children in Cahernade. He was deeply involved in the community and was part of the Abbeydorney Vintage Society, serving as its Chairperson since its inception in 2013. A message on the club’s Facebook page said that Paudie will be sadly missed.
“It will never be the same without his presence. People of Paudie’s calibre can never be replaced.”
Paudie was buried at Kyrie Eleison Cemetery in Abbeydorney on Friday last amid a massive Funeral.