Patsy caught unawares for first time in his life
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Patsy Gunning blowing out the candles on his 90th birthday cake.Image 2 of 21
Sally and Stephen Lynam – Sally is Patsy’s granddaughter.Image 3 of 21
John O’Rourke, Donal McNamara and Johnny Cahill on Tuesday evening.Image 4 of 21
RIGHT: Eamon Gorman and Enda Cassidy at Bagnall’s for Patsy’s 90th birthday party.Image 5 of 21
Kay and Patsy Gunning.Image 6 of 21
Sharon Geraghty, James Geraghty and Noel Farry from Tyrrellspass.Image 7 of 21
Ollie Kennedy from Mullingar with Kay and Patsy Gunning.Image 8 of 21
Katie Gunning, Grace Gunning and Andrea Flynn from Rochfortbridge.Image 9 of 21
Leigh Gunning, Amiee Gunning, Eoin Gorman and Ken Gunning at Patsy’s party.Image 10 of 21
Dessie and Ann Gunning with John Cummins.Image 11 of 21
Greta Cahill from Castlejordan with Chris McNamara and Peggy O’Rourke from Rochfortbridge.Image 12 of 21
Ken Gunning, Kay Gunning, Patsy Gunning, Dessie Gunning and Joan Gorman.Image 13 of 21
Tommy and Ann Dunne from Rochfortbridge.Image 14 of 21
Trisha and Dermot Gorman from Milltownpass.Image 15 of 21
Chris Blythe, Ciara Heavey and Patsy Gunning.Image 16 of 21
John and Geraldine Cocoman from Croghan.Image 17 of 21
Davy Fallon with Mick Foster at Bagnall’s.Image 18 of 21
Joe Connaire, Ellen Arthur and Rose Carey took part in the session.Image 19 of 21
Moyra Fraser and Mary O’Reilly, and (inset) John and Geraldine Cocoman from Croghan at the 90th birthday party.Image 20 of 21
Thomas Reynolds from Castletown Geoghegan, Matty Henley from Gaybrook and Declan Fox from Rochfortbridge.Image 21 of 21
Liam Maher and Barney Whelehan from Tyrrellspass.Local legend Patsy Gunning celebrated his 90th birthday last Tuesday with a surprise session in Bagnall’s pub, Rochfortbridge. Family, friends and neighbours gathered to raise a glass to Patsy, who for the first time in his life, was actually caught unawares!
Patsy is a regular in Áras an Mhuilinn, where he plays the mouth organ with the Comhaltas group.
About 15 musicians from the Mullingar branch descended on Bagnall’s to play a few tunes with Patsy on the night. There was plenty of ceol, caint, agus craic. His good friends Mick Foster, Noel Battle, and Declan Fox also made an appearance.
Patsy’s biggest passion in life is music, and in particular, trad music. He has competed in several Fleadh Cheoil competitions over the years, travelling the length and breath of the country with his many harmonicas.
He loves a good gadget and is a great handyman, who has a flair for DIY. He is always on call in Derrygreenagh Park if anyone needs a helping hand.
In his spare time, Patsy is most likely to be found tinkering in his garden shed, which can only be compared to Aladdin’s Cave, a treasure trove of tools, and turf.
Patsy worked in Bord na Móna his whole life, and practically grew up on the bog.
He has been married to his beloved wife Kathleen for more than 60 years, and they have three children, Joan, Dessie and Kenneth. He is adored by his eight grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.
The Rhode native is a proud Offaly supporter, so Westmeath’s Leinster final win last week was a bitter pill to swallow.
Happy Birthday Patsy!