Paddy Downey, in Memoriam
Patrick (Paddy) Downey of Mount Bagnal died peacefully in Carlingford nursing home on 19 February 2009 aged 91. Paddy formerly of Kilcullen Co Kildare is survived by his wife of 63 years Anne, sons Anthony and Patrick and daughters Mary and Gabrielle, 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
Paddy met his wife Anne (nee O’Doherty) in Kildare where she was working and they married on 13 June 1945 in St. Mary’s Church Lordship. Paddy and Anne lived most of their lives around Kilcullen where his four children were born and raised. Paddy had a great love for his family and always made time for his children. He worked long hours in the difficult post war years often adding part time jobs to give them the best. This love of children continued all his life and extended to his nieces and nephews and ultimately his grandchildren and great grandchildren. All were welcome in his house as evidenced by a constant stream of visitors from his and Anne’s family. He will be sadly missed by all of them.
After his family Paddy’s great love in life was the horses racing industry. He was not a gambling man but he loved the excitement of the races and attended some of the world’s great races including Ascot, the Melbourne Cup, the Aintree Grand National and all of Ireland’s major races. His knowledge of the industry was enjoyed by all who attended the races with him and his visit to the corporate marquee at the Melbourne Cup was long remembered. He particularly enjoyed meetings where his daughter Mary’s horse was running. Although he always had a small bet I doubt he caused the bookies any great stress nor them him.
Paddy was also a great lover of people and enjoyed parties, dances and the ‘craic’ in general even if it were no more than a simple chat in the street from a chance meeting. As a result he was widely known in Kilcullen and in the Gyles’ Quay area where Paddy retired some 9 years ago.
Paddy was a knowledgeable gardener and together with his wife Anne won many awards for his vegetables and flowers at local shows including the top overall award on several occasions. His garden in Kilcullen was renowned and he was presented with a special award by the Kilcullen Tidy Town Committee. He grew all his own vegetables and strongly believed in the value of clean organic food.
Paddy always had an interest in fishing and took it up in earnest when he retired to Mount Bagnal. He was a regular at the Greenore foreshore fishing spot where he landed many a fine mackerel.
Paddy’s children grew up and in the classic Irish fashion and all four emigrated and are spread across the world from England to Australia, Germany to the Netherlands. As a result Paddy travelled widely to visit his family with visits to England, Iran, USA, Australia and other European countries. Paddy enjoyed relating colourful tale of visits to Tehran, Bangkok, Singapore, China, Australia and biking through The Netherlands.
Paddy enjoyed a long healthy life and was still driving as he approached his ninetieth birthday. His funeral mass in St. Mary’s Church Lordship, with its choice of music was well attended and deeply moving. The subsequent horse drawn hearse to the cemetery reflected Paddy’s love of life. He will be remembered with affection and a smile and deeply missed by his extended family.
Paddy’s Month’s Mind Mass will be held in St Mary’s Church Lordship on Friday 20 March 2009 at 7.30pm.
Tony Downey.
