Horseshoe Pitching community in mourning at the passing of Laois man Paddy Laffen

The Horseshoe Pitching fraternity were saddened to hear of the death of Paddy Laffan R.I.P., Ballycoolan, Stradbally. Paddy, in his 96th year was one of the great stalwarts of the game for more than forty years. As well as playing the game he also wrote reports on it for the Leinster Express for over twenty five years. He travelled the country promoting the game of Horseshoe Pitching and further afield to the Isle of Man and also to England on a few occasions. Paddy served as Treasurer of the Horseshoe Pitchers Association of Ireland (HPAI) for over twenty years and served with distinction in that role.

Paddy Laffan started pitching horseshoes competitively with the Garrons team Stradbally in the mid seventies and when Ballycoolan (his native place) formed a club he rowed in with them and they became one of the top teams in the countrry, winning eight All Ireland Club titles and Paddy Laffan had a big input into those successes as well as many more Competitions held around the country. For his dedication to the sport he was voted Person of the Year by horseshoe pitchers from around the country in 2008, the first recipient of this award and richly deserved. Paddy Laffan was a true gentleman and was held in the highest esteem by all who had the pleasure of making his acquaintance or of being in his company.

Paddy's passing has left a great void most of all in his family, in his own community of Ballycoolan, Stradbally and among horseshoe pitchers countrywide, a void which will be hard to fill. Paddy was laid to rest after Requiem Mass in Stradbally on Sunday 13th November. The Horseshoe Pitchers formed a guard of honour on his final journey to Oakvale Cemetery where he was laid to rest with his beloved wife, Mary. Ar Dheis Dĕ go raibh siad.