Man with strong Mayo roots celebrates celebrates 90th birthday in London

MILL Hill Golf Club in London was the lovely setting for a celebration to mark the 90th birthday of Pat McNicholas, a man with strong connections to the Kiltimagh area. He was surrounded by family and friends, past pupils and a host of golfing associates for the big party.

Pat was born in University Hospital, London, on June 24, 1935. His parents lived in Cricklewood where his mother, Nance, was a barmaid and his father Tom was a labouring man.

“My childhood was very much influenced by the advent of the Second World War. It was the topic of conversation at that time. My mother was from Kilcommon, near Thurles, and my father was from Treenagleragh, Kiltimagh,” said Pat.

“As a child I lived in Temple Road, Cricklewood. Our home was receptive to people from their homeland and Temple Road was an open house to those who needed a place to stay and settle in London.

“During the War it was home to many a lonely American soldier on leave in the London area. When the American soldiers left after the War, in return for the generosity of my parents, they gifted my mother a small accordion, which was her request, when she said ‘I would like Pat to play music.’

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“I was conscripted to National Service at the age of 19, in 1954 for two years and served in Austria and Cyprus before entering the teaching profession, training as a primary school teacher in St Mary’s Teacher Training College in Strawberry Hill, Twickenham. I was married to Eileen McCarthy whose parents, Joseph and Nano, hailed from Liscannor. Wonderful people!

“Most of my teaching years were spent in St James, the Annunciation and St Martin’s in Burnt Oak with the wonderful Dominican Sisters and amazing people and teachers before retiring and taking up golf and travel. My key hobbies have always been playing music in bands and events across the Irish scene.”

Now residing in Ireland, Pat returned to Mill Hill Golf Club to meet up with many friends who remain special in his life since his time in London. “I was overwhelmed by the response. We had a wonderful gathering. I want to thank all who made it possible and especially Lucia Butler from Wexford for the tremendous effort she put into organising and coordinating so much of the celebration party.”

Pat was joined by his family of seven, Fiona, Elaine, Pat, Brendan, Des, Siobhan, and Matthew, along with 17 grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, and a host of friends for this memorable occasion in London. The Kiltimagh relations join in the good wishes too. Well done, Pat!