South Liberties honour club legend Paddy Shanahan

THE South Liberties executive unanimously elected stalwart club man Paddy Shanahan as Honorary Life President (Uachtarán Saoil Oinigh) of the GAA club at their AGM.

The Shanahan surname has been synonymous with the familiar Green and Gold hoops of the 'The Souths' as well as the Green and White of Limerick for many decades with Paddy very much to the fore of that glorious chapter.

A talented dual player, Paddy's first taste of success with the club came when he won a minor football championship back in 1948. More silverware was to follow when he won Lloyd Cup medals in 1952 and 1956 and Flood Cup pendants in 1956, 1958 and 1963.

He also won three East Junior hurling championships during the 1950s.  Following on from a successful playing career that saw South Liberties begin their rise to the very pinnacle of Limerick hurling, Paddy served as Club Chairman between 1974 and 1987.

During his tenure he presided over the club's most successful period with several county senior hurling titles being secured.
During this time he  also had a successful stint as Limerick minor hurling selector

To further his contribution to our games he studied First Aid and it was in this particular capacity that he helped the University of Limerick to Fitzgibbon Cup success in 1989.

Paddy's grandsons have continued the great family tradition in modern times with Albert Shanahan and more recently Anthony Nash both serving as net-minders for the club. 

Albert had a stellar career with club and county, winning Intermediate county and Munster club honours in 2009 as well as winning a NHL medal with Limerick in 1997.  He also won the All-Ireland Poc Fada Championship in both 2001 and 2005.

Anthony also had a hugely successful career with Kanturk and Cork before returning "home" to help South Liberties have their most successful senior hurling championship campaign since the club's golden era.

After their quarter final win over Patrickswell earlier this year, Paddy was given pride of place as he was escorted into the dressing room to join in the celebrations of the club reaching its first county senior hurling semi-final for 37 years.

Paddy Shanahan  at 89 years young continues to be a familiar, welcoming face on the sideline at every game.
He has received many awards over the years, the most notable being a "Cospoir Award" for a lifetime of dedication and service.