Patrick Sampson served in army
THE death last week of Mr. Patrick J. Sampson in a Dublin Nursing Home has removed one of the most accomplished and remarkable figures that one could wish to meet. At, the early age of 48, the late Mr. Sampson, who was a native of Duleek, had numerous friends all of whom will remember his outstanding talents.
Deceased was the eldest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Sampson, well-known Duleek victuallers. He was educated at the C.B.S. in Drogheda and during his early twenties assisted his late father in the butchering business. Subsequently, during the Emergency, he joined the Irish Army in the Supply and Transport Department and it was during this period that he was involved in a road accident which partically incapacitated him.
It was as ironic as it was tragic that a young man, still in his twenties who loved the outdoor life, who lived for fishing, shooting and tennis, should find himself, overnight, confined to a wheelchair. But the late Patrick Sampson, who was thus afflicted until his death a week ago, was not one to throw in the towel. His was a spirit few possessed but many envied and his triumph over adversity was the admiration of all.
His army career at an end the late Mr. Sampson took up a career as courier with a Dublin travel agency and this work brought him to many parts of Ireland and — notwithstanding his disability —to many parts of Europe. However, even for a man of his indomitable spirit, a deteriorating health was the eventual winner and Paddy had to search for a less-exacting occupation.
Encouraged by his fine basic education in the Drogheda C.B.S. he decided to study elocution with the R.I.A.M. and soon secured his degree of L.L.C.M. For some years he taught elocution in the Augustinian College at Rathfarnham, and at the same time found yet another outlet for his versatility by joining the Abbey Theatre Group.
Although he took no active role with the Players he was noted for his splendid recitals of ballads both in the Abbey Theatre in Dublin and during the Company’s itinerary throughout the country.
He was a personal friend of Anew McMaster and was also a valued contributor to many magazines including archaeological journals. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Marguerite Sampson, Enniskerry Co. Wicklow; brothers. Messrs. John (Duleek), Eamonn (do.), and Jim (Dublin); three sisters, Sr. Mary Eugene, Sisters of Charity, Dublin; Mrs. Laura Cullinan, Omagh, and Mrs. Irene Murray, Omagh. The funeral took place to Little Bray cemetery and Rev. Fr. Delany, P.P., Enniskerry, assisted by Rev. Fr. Harmon, O.P., officiated at the graveside.