A true Gael - who travelled from the UK for Limerick matches - goes to his God

SOME complain about having to travel to Cork for GAA matches but the late Paddy Quinlan thought nothing of flying in from England to see his beloved Limerick play before returning that very night.

His friend and distant relation, John Quinlan said the hurlers’ exploits in the last five years gave Paddy immense pleasure.

He was born to parents Pat and Mary of the Blackboy, Cappamore, on March 9, 1934. Paddy had one sister, Kitty, born two years later. He attended Cappamore Convent of Mercy and the boys national school before spending a year at the Christian Brothers secondary school in Doon.

Upon leaving school Paddy cut and saved turf in the local bog in the summer months as well as working with farmers. He then took up employment with Cappamore contractor Michael Madden, before deciding to move to Birmingham in 1953.

He found work in the steel factory and also became a bus conductor.

Paddy eventually decided to move to London, where he met up with his boyhood pals, Con McGrath and the Hourigan brothers, Jimmy, Jerry and Pakie, to go working on the buildings.

He subsequently was employed by a local box factory and spent 33 happy years there. It was while there that he met a Scottish girl, Margaret, and they married in 1961. They were blessed with two daughters, Teresa and Ann. Sadly Ann passed away at the young age of 33 after a brief illness.

Limerick off to a winning start in the All-Ireland Ladies Football Championship

Paddy was a founder member of the famous Sean Treacy's hurling club along with the aforementioned Con McGrath and Pakie Hourigan, and served as secretary for a few years before taking up the chairmanship. He was also honoured with life presidency a number of years ago.

John Quinlan, also from Cappamore, said Paddy was an avid supporter of Limerick hurling.

“He returned every year to see them play in the Munster and All-Ireland championships, often returning to London the same day. The last five years has given him immense pleasure, having seen them win four All-Ireland and Munster titles. He had arrangements made since early February to attend the recent Limerick-Cork game and he would have been home for theMunster final against Clare too.

“Alas it was not to be as Paddy passed to his eternal reward unexpectedly on April 13,” said John.

His funeral only took place in recent weeks as is the custom in England. There are plans to bring his ashes back to east Limerick with some being spread at the Blackboy Bridge where he was born and raised.

Paddy is survived by his wife Margaret, daughter Teresa, three grandsons Max, Louis and Oliver and his many, many friends in London, Doon and Cappamore.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.