Laois man had a passion for family, GAA and Portlaoise

Paddy Connolly's lifelong contribution to family, community, culture, GAA and the Leinster Express was remembered fondly when the proud Portlaoise man was laid to rest in last week.

Originally from the Mountmellick Road, Paddy passed away peacefully at his home of many decades on Stradbally Road on December 1, surrounded by his loving children.

Family, friends and former colleagues in the Leinster Express and the GAA gathered at SS Peter and Paul's Church on Thursday, December 4, for his Requiem Mass. Fr Tom O'Reilly, a cousin of Paddy's late wife Lena, was the chief celebrant. Fr Simon Jin and Fr Liam Merrigan concelebrated.

The gifts brought to the altar included a photo of Paddy and his family, the Portlaoise jersey, a Leinster Express clock, and a Scór trophy. The Mass was told these gifts symbolised his great passions in life.

Fr O'Reilly said family was the centre of Paddy's life and was the place he found meaning for his life.

He spoke so of the difficult few years Paddy has had since 2019, when Lena passed away after more than 60 years of marriage.

Fr O'Reilly said Paddy had endured many health issues over the years, and he was grateful for the help he received in the home over the years.

Fr O'Reilly paid tribute to Paddy's daughter Veronica, who was Paddy's main carer.

Fr O'Reilly said he was often on the receiving end of Paddy's kindness and welcome over the years, and his humour and 'witty remarks'. He also said Paddy loved being with people and was someone who would have all the news from Portlaoise, something he said originated in the Leinster Express, where he was a printer.

He also paid tribute to the work Paddy did for community groups and recalled his interest in traditional Irish music, dance and Gaelic Games.
He also recalled Paddy as a man of great faith who made many pilgrimages over the years.

Paddy's sister Jody delivered the eulogy. She said her father was the fourth child of seven children raised by Francis and James Connolly.

She recalled Paddy's career with the Leinster Express, where he worked as a typesetter and printer after spells in the Leinster Leader and Carlow Nationalist. She said his career meant he was an extraordinarily good speller who was a great help when she and her brothers and sisters were doing their homework.

Paddy and Lena Connolly, Portlaoise celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary with Fr Tom O'Reilly, Msgr John Byrne VG PP, and Fr Liam Merrigan at SS Peter and Paul's Church, Portlaoise in 2018. Picture: Alf Harvey

His daughter also remembered her father's prize-winning dancing years and his years of 'waltzing and jiving' with Lena during their courtship, which would lead to a marriage that saw them having six children.

With his passion for dance and her mother's passion for song, Joday recalled many great sessions of song and dance at home in the Stradbally Road, where he would also give set dancing lessons.

She said Paddy's passion for the GAA would see him heading off to matches every weekend and missing just a handful of All-Ireland Finals. She said he was brought to tears when Laois won the National Football League Final in 1986. He was also a big fan of Kilkenny hurling.

She also recalled her father's many years of involvement with the GAA Scór talent competition and his lifetime in the PTAA, recently receiving the Gold pin for 50 years of membership.

She also recalled him giving of his time to countless local causes and committees such as the wheelchair association, fundraising for the blind, and the Lourdes committee.

She recalled her father's great sense of humour but also his willingness to shoot from the hip.

She thanked the many doctors, nurses and carers who have looked after Paddy over the years and especially in recent weeks
Jody paid special tribute to her sister Veronica, who was the chief carer of their father and mother, 'quietly and selflessly'.

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Paddy was loving father to Martin, Eugene, Dolores, Veronica, Jody and Patricia. Cherished grandfather to Jordan, Dylan, Nathan, Oisin, John, Lisa, Evelyn, Niamh, Saoirse, Iarnan and his Great Grandchild Ailbhe.

He is 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.

Paddy was laid to rest in SS Peter and Paul's Cemetery.