GAA tributes to Fr Paddy
TRIBUTES have been paid to a local priest in south Sligo who played a stellar role in the GAA in the county.
Fr Paddy Kilcoyne, from Ougham, Tubbercurry, died on Friday. Coming from a well known GAA family, Fr Paddy played football for Sligo and Tubbercurry up to minor level. He was a regular supporter at matches and followed both Sligo and Tubbercurry closely.
A Guard of Honour was held on Saturday in Tubbercurry at his removal. He was a priest for 53 years and there were many tributes on his passing. Tubbercurry GAA said Fr Paddy will be deeply missed. “It was with sadness the people of Tubbercurry learned of the death of Fr. Paddy Kilcoyne. Fr. Paddy is a member of one of Sligo’s better known GAA families. Fr. Paddy played football with Tubbercurry and Sligo up to minor level when he answered a higher calling and entered Maynooth.
“He spent most of his ministry in parishes in Co Mayo but at all times remained a staunch Tubbercurry and Sligo supporter. He was seen at almost every match in which both teams participated. He will be greatly missed, we send our condolences to the Kilcoyne family at this sad time. Ar dheis laimh De go raibh se.” Fr Paddy was also the founding member of the St Nathy’s Ladies Senior Club, and he managed their first Senior team. The St Nathy’s club said everyone was deeply saddened to hear of Fr Paddy’s death. The club said: “It is with great sadness that we the members of the St. Nathys ladies club learned of the death of Fr. Paddy Kilcoyne earlier today.
“Fr. Paddy was the founding member of our club in 1993 and was also the manager of the first senior team in the club. Throughout the years he remained a proud supporter of the Club and followed the success of the club with great admiration. “We send our condolences to the Kilcoyne family at this sad time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.” Fr Paddy will also be missed in the Coolaney/ Mullinabreena GAA Club who carried out a Guard of Honour on Saturday at his removal. The club said: “Our Club learned this morning the very sad news of the death of Fr. Paddy Kilcoyne RIP. Fr. Paddy was Parish Priest of Coolaney and former Chairperson of our Club during the ‘90s. He left an indelible legacy in the community and especially in our Club during that time and was an avid supporter ever since.
“A gentleman to the core, he was a tremendous coach to so many youngsters. We’ve lost a great Club servant who was revered and highly respected by all who knew him. We extend our sincerest sympathy to all of the Kilcoyne family, Tubbercurry and beyond. May Fr. Paddy rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.” Fr Paddy was predeceased by his father Michael F, mother Mary Kate, sister Bridgie and brother Tommy. Deeply regretted by his sisters Maura and Anne Walsh (Limerick) and brothers Luke, Mickie and Joe, his sisters-in-law, his twenty eight nieces and nephews, his fifty one grand nieces and nephews, cousins, the priests and people of the diocese of Achonry and a wide circle of friends.