Limerick's Paddy Reidy remembered as ‘always a kind man’ and ‘very popular’

A LIMERICK businessman and Fine Gael stalwart has been remembered as a “man for all seasons” by one of his lifelong friends.

Paddy Reidy, the son of ex-TD James Reidy, and a former coal merchant has sadly gone to his God.

But he leaves behind some great memories among his friends.

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Artist Jim O’Farrell recalled as a youngster taking apples from Paddy’s family plot in Corbally Road.

“Our groups of young lads from the Old Park Road took great pleasure in rawkin their apples and nothing pleased us more than being hunted by Paddy!

“He never wanted to catch up with us, but enjoyed the fun of the chase,” said Jim.

In later life, Jim recalls Paddy - who was a decade older than him - from the beach in Kilkee, with his friends.

“Any time I went for a swim at Byrnes’ Cove in Kilkee, Paddy and his friends, Frank Prendergast, Gerry O’Brien, Joe O’Connor and a few more were lying out in the sun like Roman Senators debating all the affairs of the day and putting the world to rights.

“Roman Senators debating all the affairs of the day and putting the world to rights. That's one of my fondest memories of him,” said Jim.

Paddy was hugely involved in Fine Gael locally.

“He was a man for all seasons. Always a kind man, very popular,” Jim recalls.

Sitting Fine Gael councillor Peter Doyle recalled Paddy as an active member of St Vincent de Paul, plus a supporter of former Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald and Finance Minister Michael Noonan.

Paddy, who is predeceased by wife Ann, died peacefully in Milford Care Centre on November 5 last.

He was laid to rest following funeral Mass at St Mary’s Church, in Athlunkard Street.

He will live long in the memories of his and Ann’s wide circle of friends in business and politics in Limerick and those he shared good times with around his beloved Kilkee.