Paddy McDonnell

Paddy passed away peacefully at his home in Furrigal on March 31, 2014 just a month short of his 100th birthday. Paddy was born on May 1, 1914 and was the son of William McDonnell (Furrigal) and Bridget Jennings (Kilgeever). He was the third eldest in a family of eight children.  Paddy was predeceased by his two brothers William and James and his sisters, Maggie, Mary, Bridie and Nora and is survived by one sister Kathleen. Paddy’s father passed away in 1928 which necessitated Paddy working on the land from an early age in order to support the family. He was fortunate to have the help and support of his uncle James and his neighbours and relations. His father had been a Weaver by trade and Paddy sometimes expressed regret that he was too young to take on and continue in that trade.
Paddy married Mary Anne Gibbons (Cregganroe) in 1955 and raised a family of two sons and four daughters. They enjoyed almost 53 years of married life until Mary Anne passed away in 2008. They were devoted parents and worked hard to raise and educate their family.
Both enjoyed the simple pleasures of life – the company of their family, relatives, friends and neighbours, the beauty of their home place, the changing seasons and the fruits of their work in the fields. Both had a special interest in and knowledge of their own ancestry and that of their neighbours and friends. They were always very happy to welcome relatives and friends for a visit to their home and many family members came to stay for a holiday over the years. Paddy especially loved to tell a story and to share his memories and local history with family and friends.
Paddy was blessed with good health and strength and courage and was able to help out around the farm when in his eighties. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to relatives and neighbours in his younger days. He remained interested in the land, the livestock and farming right to the end of his life.
When he began to take it easy in recent years, he enjoyed the daily newspaper, the TV, watching and reading about all sport, in particular GAA, rugby and horseracing and his daily walk. He especially enjoyed the company of his grandchildren and had a particular interest in all their activities. He also enjoyed holidays with his family.
Paddy was highly respected and held in high esteem by all who knew him across the generations. This was evident from the large numbers, of all ages, who came to pay their respects at the wake in his family home, in Sweeney’s Funeral Home, at his removal, funeral Mass and burial. Paddy’s faith and attendance at Mass was a very important part of his life. He was blessed to be able to attend Mass until he reached his 99th birthday.
His funeral Mass was concelebrated by Fr Paddy Gill, Lecanvey and Fr Seán Grady, Murrisk and England. Family members took part in the funeral liturgy, reading the lessons, prayers of the faithful and bringing the offertory gifts and symbols of Paddy’s life. Fr Gill paid tribute to Paddy for the good, long and happy life which he led and his devotion to his faith.
Paddy was laid to rest in Murrisk Abbey Cemetery. May his gentle soul have peaceful rest.
Paddy is survived by his sons William and James; daughters Bernadette, Mary, Kathleen and Christina; daughters-in-law Orla and Mary; sons-in-law Tom, Eamonn and Richard, sister Kathleen; grandchildren Brendan, Eimear, Bronagh and Martin; Seán, Michael and Patrick; Cathal and Dónal, his brother-in-law Thomas, nieces and nephews, cousins, neighbours and friends.