Football fan Paddy honoured by family
THE family of local football fan Paddy McLoughlin who sadly died last August is organising a fundraising charity match for Croí this Saturday in his memory.
Paddy, 71, suffered a heart attack in June and sadly died in August, He was sports mad and followed Sligo Rovers all his life.
Paddy worked with the council for years and many of his co-workers, friends and neighbours are also supporting the event.
His family decided to honour Paddy by organising the charity football match in the Showgrounds this Saturday at 5pm and everyone is welcome to come along.
The charity match sees McLoughlin’s AllStars, made up of Paddy’s relatives, taking on local teams Glenview Stars and Carton Cowboys.
Paddy’s nephew Adam said the match is giving all proceeds to Croí, the West of Ireland Cardiac Foundation which cared for Paddy.
Adam said: “Paddy was a massive football fan for many years.
“He was a life-long supporter of Sligo Rovers and also played for Glenview Stars and Cartron Cowboys.
“We wanted to do something to remember and celebrate Paddy.
“He was the eldest of 11 children. He was married to Annie and a father to four children, Tracey, Paula, Jason and Lydia,
“Paddy was a family man through and through and always there if anyone needed him,” Adam said.
During his time in hospital in Galway after having a heart attack in June, the family received great support through Croí.
He added that Paddy’s family and many friends are still very much mourning the popular Sligo man.
“It’s still very raw for everyone. Paddy was cared for in Galway hospital for awhile and that’s why the proceeds of the game are going to Croí because they helped him and the family.
“The family would like to pay them back by raising as much money to help them continue the great work that they do and also to raise awareness of the support system that they have in place.”
He said the McLoughlin’s All-Stars will take on Glenview Stars, who Adam also plays for, and Cartron Cowboys.
“The response has been really good, we’ve been getting a lot of people asking us about it and how they can donate.
“We have a lot of spot prizes and there will a presentation after in the Harp Tavern on the day.
“People can keep an eye out for sponsorship cards from myself and Paddy’s nieces and nephews.
“They can also look at the Facebook page, Paddy McLoughlin Charity Match.
“Paddy was a much-loved family man and is missed by his family and grandkids, Cian, Aaron, Zara, Keeley and Laila and also his great-granddaughter, Mia.
“We’d like to thank our sponsors for the charity match and hope people will come out on Saturday and support the fundraiser.
“We’re hoping to make it an annual charity event,” Adam said.
Showgrounds, Saturday, 5pm.