Pat had an amazing enthusiasm for life
PATRICIA (Pat) Rowsome passed away peacefully on April 19, surrounded by her loving family, husband Declan, daughters Johanna, Eileen, Edel, sons Paddy and Liam.
Born in Drinagh on June 1, 1956, as a twin with her brother Liam Codd who passed away last year, to parents Paddy and Eileen Codd, Pat was the loving sister of Johnny, Frank, James, Caroline, Georgina, Toni and Mairead.
She grew up in Drinagh and in her teens moved with her family to Ferrycarrig, Wexford. She attended Piercestown National School and Loreto Covent Wexford for her secondary education. Pat then went on to study in Waterford Regional College.
Pat was a passionate person with a great love and enthusiasm for life, in particular her love for her family and friends. From an early age Pat was a keen sportsperson and participated in camogie, Gaelic football, hockey, rowing, basketball and golf. She played hockey for Loreto Convent Secondary School Wexford and eventually represented her locality on the Leinster Interprovincial team. She also played Gaelic football at club level for Shelmaliers and proudly lined out for Wexford at senior level. While attending Waterford Regional College (WIT) Pat also played for the ladies’ team and was later honoured as an All Star on the 25-year anniversary team by WIT in 2006.
She married her husband Declan in 1981 and lived briefly in Camolin and Wexford town before settling in New Ross. There Pat and Declan had five children, Johanna, Eileen, Edel, Paddy and Liam. When Pat arrived in New Ross she immediately embedded herself into the community, where she lived for over 30 years.
Pat played with and was a founding member of Geraldine O’Hanrahan ladies football club. She later became a coach of many teams at adult and underage level with the club.
Pat displayed great pride and enthusiasm for the sport and encouraged many young female players to take up Gaelic football. She was also very actively involved for many years with local youth clubs and with the church, where she served as a Eucharistic Minister for the Augustinian Church.
She took up golf with New Ross Golf Club. Before long, Pat was an avid golfer playing regularly and enjoying success in club competitions and eventually becoming Lady Captain in 2008. Pat was always fit and active and even gave bowels a try in the last year.
From her youth Pat was immersed in horses and had an avid interested in following National Hunt racing. She also enjoyed following all GAA and rugby teams, in particular attending Wexford hurling matches with her husband Declan and children.
She embraced the social aspect that sport brought and she developed great friendships through these endeavours.
Pat always had a keen eye for art; she could see the beauty in something and portray in her own artwork. She attended local art classes, loved learning and sharing a passion for painting with great friends.
She also enjoyed gardening and loved to spend time caring, planting and growing flowers in her garden.
Pat lived her life with passion, enthusiasm and love. Perhaps, Pat’s greatest demonstration of her gusto for life was how she always greeted people with warmth, love and a beautiful smile. You would always feel better after meeting Pat Rowsome.
Her most notable quality was her love and attention for those closest to her the forefront of her mind. She loved her family as much as she loved life.
She will be sadly missed by her loving husband Declan; daughters Johanna, Eileen, Edel; sons Paddy and Liam; sons-in-law Michael and Conor, extended family and friends.