Hello Paddy Cole:it"s Paddy Cole!

They have each entertained thousands; both are legends in their own field, they have the same name and last week Westmeath Examiner columnist, Bernie Comaskey, succeeded in bringing the two Paddy Coles together for the very first time.The get-together was just a lovely enjoyable occasion, with the two men getting on 'like a house on fire.' They both are warm, witty, articulate and terrific raconteurs. Westmeath"s Paddy summed it up on the way back when he remarked to Bernie; 'We were talking so much that we could have gone on holiday!'Actually, they have a fair bit in common, having each done a stint in America, before reaching the conclusion that there is nowhere like Ireland to live.Both have one daughter who settled in The States although Mullingar"s Nicole Cole, a microbiologist, has returned to live with her husband and two children in Malahide, while Castleblaney"s Karen (she"s probably a Dub!) and family reside in Boston.We are talking about one Paddy Cole who played hurling and football for Westmeath and distinguished himself in the Leinster jersey. Son of the European renowned Chris Cole (who incidentally beat 'The Gorgeous Gael', Jack Doyle) it is hardly surprising that Paddy excelled in sport and actually became a more than useful boxer. He tells amusing stories of weekends where GAA clashed with boxing tournaments and how he juggled to take part in both.Monaghan"s favourite son is one of the country"s most popular, most talented, most enduring and most entertaining of musicians. He claims to have been a footballer, but Mullingar Paddy had the good grace not to claim to be a musician! He is a radio show host and an author having published his autobiography, 'Tell Roy Rogers I"m not in.' The amusing title was coined when Mr Rogers became a fan of the band during The Capital Showband"s stint in Las Vegas and wore out Paddy with after-show drinking sessions.One night an exhausted Paddy announced; 'If that"s Roy Rogers tell him I"m not in' and a catch phrase was born.Our two Paddy"s were hugely influenced by their respective fathers in sport and music: Westmeath"s Paddy inherited the natural sporting ability and steely determination of Chris, while music was always going to be in the blood of Monaghan"s Paddy so much so that he actually played the sax in his father"s band (also Paddy) when he was only twelve years old. After more than half a century on the road Paddy Cole retains all his enthusiasm.The Cork Jazz Festival would not be the same without Paddy Cole and the good news for fans is that he is already booked there for next year. His 10am Sunday morning radio programme on Country Mix 106.8FM this year achieved the highest rating of increased listenership. Paddy is married to lifelong soulmate, Helen and as well as daughter Karen, they have two sons, Paddy and Pierce, who live in Ireland.There is great celebration these days as only last week grandson Paddy Cole 4th was born.Paddy the footballer retired this month from The Midland Health Board, but this means no more than another chapter in his noteworthy life. Next in his aim is golf and I forecast a steady drop in the handicap of the man who once beat Dublin with a late goal and pushed Kerry to the wire in the 1969 National League Semi-Final. Paddy likes the farm and the great outdoors. He has done much useful charitable work in his own quiet and unassuming manner.In his personal life the fighter in him brought him back from the despair and heartache of losing his beloved wife, Attracta, in 2002. Paddy speaks with such gratitude of his great friends who helped him through those dark days. Those said same friends are now delighted that there is a new lady in Paddy Cole"s life and we all join them in wishing Paddy and Alva many years of happiness together.We could have talked forever or as the man said; 'gone on holiday'! The two Paddy"s were thrilled with the meet after watching each other from a distance over many years. They have agreed to meet again for a game of golf or whatever: There is always something new for great men, always the next challenge, always looking aheadThings change but quality lasts!!