by Bernie English
COLLEAGUES in the armed forces at Sarsfield Barracks and family, friends, and neighbours in Fedamore and Limerick city recently mourned the passing of a soldier and dedicated hurler and sports supporter, Patrick McDonagh.
Patrick (70), who was with the 12th Infantry Battalion, Sarsfield Barracks, passed away on Wednesday August 17.
He spent nine years in the Defence Forces, including six months in Cyprus and seven years in Cork.
Patrick was also a dyed-in-the-wool hurling fan, having played for Fedamore in his youth and coached CBS.
Players he had coached followed his cortège on foot for a mile to the new graveyard in his native Fedamore after concelebrated Mass, which was officiated at by school friends who later entered the priesthood.
After hanging up his boots as a player, Patrick was a regular sight as a supporter and often eastward at matches.
“He had two of the greatest days in his life in his last year,” his sister, Mary Ann told the Limerick Post.
“On January 26 ,he celebrated his 70th birthday and on July 17, he saw Limerick beat Kilkenny.”
“We called him ‘our hero’ because he never once complained or was down, even when he was very sick,” said Mary.
“He couldn’t walk down the street with a dozen people stopping to talk to him and he had a word for everyone. People really loved him,” she said.
Originally from Fanningstwon, Fedamore, Patrick spent his final years living in Watergate Flats, which he helped to build during his time in the construction industry.
He and his brother, Larry, were bosom buddies and were often seen strolling in for a pint together.
“He said when he got the bad news about his illness that he was looking forward to meeting our brothers and sister and our mama and dad again,” said Mary.
“He had wonderful neighbours and we really can’t thank Milford Hospice enough for the amazing care they gave him,” she said.
Patrick is survived by his two sons, Shane and Donagh, and pre-deceased by his son Pat.
He is also survived by his sister Mary Ann, sisters, brothers and extended family.
