Ex-army man Pat (77) always quick to give a helping hand to others
FAMILY AND friends gathered at St Laurence’s Church on Wednesday last (September 26) in Glynn to bid farewell to Patrick (Pat) O’Rourke following his sad passing at the age of 77.
Originally from Dublin, Pat settled in Mountainmuck, Killurin with his wife Bridget over 50 years ago.
Born in 1941, Pat went to school in Railway 14 before going on to join the Army, in which he served for 44 years. He was stationed in the army barracks in Wexford, and was over the local FCA when he met his wife Bridget at a dance in Glynn.
They married in 1966 and made a life together in Bridget’s home parish of Killurin.
Pat served on three different UN Peacekeeping tours which brought him to the Congo, Cyprus and Lebanon.
He retired from the army in 2001 and found plenty of things to keep him busy in the local community.
He was a part-time farmer, looking after flocks of sheep. He took part in local tractor runs and was very involved in community events.
He worked for a time in the Citizen’s Advice centre in Wexford town and was also instrumental in starting a swimming club in the local primary school in Glynn.
One of his great loves was the GAA, and he followed both Wexford and Dublin, enjoying many great days over the years from both his home and adopted county’s success. He also followed Wexford GAA, particularly his local club Glynn Barntown.
He had a strong sense of faith and it was something that got him through difficult times in his life. He never missed Mass at the weekends.
He enjoyed socialising in the local community and was a very outgoing, ‘life and soul of the party’ character who helped people when they needed it; he would never see anyone stuck.
He enjoyed playing cards, particularly Whist and would always compete in Christmas competitions.
Members of the Defence Forces attended the funeral to perform a military send-off as a mark of tribute for Pat’s 44 years of service.
Pat is survived by his wife Bridget; his sons John and Liam; his daughters Bernadette, Noeleen, Grace and Erin; his sisters Susan, Sarah, Rose, Margaret, Elizabeth and Marian; his brothers Eugene and Benny; his sons-in-law Eoin, Paul and Colin; his daughter-in-law Yvonne; his grandchildren Ceolla, Oisin, Alannah, Sean, Amy, Lauren, Aoibheann and CJ, and extended family and friends. He is predeceased by his daughter Siobhan and son Dan.