Funeral details announced for ‘great human being’ Padraig Nally

PADRAIG Nally, who spent eleven months in prison after shooting John Ward in 2004, will be laid to rest on Monday.

Mr Nally, who lived in Cross, passed away in Galway University Hospital following an illness at the age of 81. 

He sparked a national debate 20 years ago when he shot dead John ‘Frog’ Ward after he entered his property. Years later, Mr Nally said he still feared for his safety after being released from prison after his manslaughter sentence was quashed. 

He will be reposing at Cummins Funeral Home, Ballinrobe (F31 EP63) on Sunday, December 1 from 6 pm with removal at 7.30 pm to Church of The Sacred Heart, Cross. His Funeral Mass will take place on Monday at 11.30 am with burial afterwards in Cross East Cemetery.

In a statement, Mr Nally’s solicitor, Sean Foy, described him as a ‘great human being’.

“I called to see him some weeks ago and he was being cared for by his sister Maura, who was gallantly by his side all throughout his turmoil,” said Mr Foy.

Padraig had a profound effect on me as to his gentle nature, his kindness and understanding.

“This honesty stood to his character, pedigree, he was a great human being.” 

Mr Foy also paid tribute to his legal team before quoting Brendan Graham SC’s closing statement to the jury in his trial: “Padraig Nally did not seek trouble, trouble came to him.” 

He concluded in offering his sympathy to Mr Nally’s sister Maura, adding: “I have no doubt that Padraig will have no trouble where he is gone. May God rest his beautiful kind soul.”