Proud Portlaoise man will be mourned by many in Laois

A Portlaoise man who was known to many in his native town and around the county has passed away peacefully in his 90s at his home in the town.

Paddy Connolly of the Stradbally Road died at home on December 1, surrounded by his loving children

Beloved husband of the late Lena, Paddy was a loving father to Martin, Eugene, Dolores, Veronica, Jody and Patricia. He was also a cherished grandfather to Jordan, Dylan, Nathan, Oisin, John, Lisa, Evelyn, Niamh, Saoirse, Iarnan and his great-grandchild Ailbhe.

Predeceased by his brothers John, Tom, Ned, Frank and sister Kathleen. Deeply regretted by his brother Jim, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, friends and his former colleagues in the printing industry. 

Originally from the Mountmellick Road, Paddy spent many happy years raising his family in Portlaoise near SS Peter & Paul's Parish Church with his beloved wife Lena.

The couple were well known down the years for being involved in various local organisations such as the PTAA and local choirs. Lena was a noted singer, while the couple were a noted waltzing couple.  MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Paddy and Lena Connolly, Portlaoise celebrating their 60th Wedding Anniversary at Portlaoise Parish Centre in 2018. Picture: Alf Harvey.

Paddy himself had a great love and respect for Irish culture, particularly traditional Irish song and dance. He advanced the growth in Laois over many years through his involvement with Laois Scór.

He was also lover of Gaelic games, attending countless games in Croke Park down the decades. He was a massive supporter of hurling and football involving Laois teams and he was most proud of the achievements of many Portlaoise GAA teams down the years. 

From a family of skilled tradespeople, Paddy chose the printing profession as his vocation and he gave a lifetime to the career. He began working on the printing presses as a young man with the Leinster Express, firstly in Coote Street, before relocating to the Leinster Express Business Park on the Dublin Road. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Pictured Paddy, centre, with Matt and Timmy Sinnott.

During his time with the Express, he was the senior printer managing a state-of-the-art printworks, which at one point operated on an almost 24/7 basis, producing for local, national and international customers. Apart from the Leinster Express, he led the printing of a wide variety of publications such as the Sunday Tribune, Marvel Comics,  the Irish Catholic and An Phoblacht.

A dedicated trade unionist, Paddy was noted for his ability to stand up for himself and others during the ownership of several different owners. 

During his later years, Paddy travelled the highroads and byroads of Laois, distributing papers when needed and collecting the handwritten local notes for inclusion in the publication.

In truth, he never retired from printing as he worked with his son and printer Martin into his 90s, just weeks before suffering an illness that led to his passing aged 92. More below photo.

Paddy, on right, operates the famous Hunter Press.

Paddy's remains will be reposing at his home Eircode R32X4RY on Wednesday, December 3, from 4 pm until 8 pm with Rosary at 7.30 pm.

Removal on Thursday, December 4 to SS Peter & Pauls Church, Portlaoise, for Requiem Mass at 11 am. Internment will follow afterwards to SS Peter and Paul's Cemetery, Portlaoise. Mass can be viewed via webcam.

May he rest in peace.