Paddy’s ‘acts of kindness and love’ will be remembered

The Mullingar community will remember 73-year-old Paddy Gilgan with kindness following his passing on Wednesday October 8. A native of Grand Parade, he later moved to Grange Heights, Mullingar, where he lived with his wife and family, the most treasured people in his life.

Paddy’s passing means the sport of darts in Mullingar and Westmeath lost a well-respected character. He was an ever-present with the Clarke’s Bar darts team and one of the most popular and friendly faces of the venue when away teams arrived for games over the years. He was a man of genial disposition and he enjoyed many memorable moments with Clarke’s Bar darts teams, proudly playing alongside his two sons, Allen and Davey.

It was only in May of last year that Paddy and his Clarke’s Bar colleagues won the Westmeath Darts Cup title for the fourth time, beating McHugh’s (Raharney), Shamrocks (Mullingar) and The Maypole (Collinstown) on a remarkable day. It was a terrific source of joy for Paddy, who bravely battled ill health for a long time.

His sporting acumen wasn’t strictly confined to darts - he was a general enthusiast, taking in horse racing, football, hurling, et al, and was well-informed and always willing to share a view. Racing trips to places such as Galway, Cheltenham and even Longchamp in Paris were enjoyed.

James Wade was his favourite darts star, and he had interests in snooker also. He followed Notts Forest in football. Reading and TV were other big hobbies, and he always enjoyed his holidays in Lanzarote.

Paddy’s passing will also have an impact on his former working colleagues at the Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar, where he was such a popular member of staff for so many years, his work as a porter revolving around helping patients at difficult times. Mourners at his Funeral Mass heard the words of poet William Wordsworth which summed up Paddy’s working days: ‘The best portion of a good man’s life: his little, nameless unremembered acts of kindness and love.’

In former years, Paddy also worked in Reynolds’ Jewellers, Mullingar, among other jobs before he found his true calling.

Paddy passed away peacefully at home, after a trial met with great strength and dignity, and in the company of his loving and devoted wife and family. He will be fondly remembered and forever adored by his beloved wife and best friend Andrina, who was always by his side and was a pillar of support in challenging times. He will be mourned by his loving children Allen, David, Rebecca, Niamh and Tara, partners Laura, Darren, Paddy and Gary; his cherished grandchildren Ellie, Zoë, Rian, Jake, Baxter, Isobel, Tyler, Cooper, Remi, Alex and Penny – all his little buddies. He will be sadly missed by his brothers and sisters, Brian, Gerry, John, Helen, Monica and Carmel, his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces and wide circle of friends.

The symbols brought forward at the start of Paddy’s Funeral Mass told much about a simple life - a cardigan, cigarettes, darts, a telly bingo ticket and a bookies pen. He was remembered as a man of wit and humour, someone who enjoyed life and made the most of the time with his family.

In a measure of just how popular he was on the darts scene, the new committee has chosen to name the knockout cup in his memory and teams will compete for the Paddy Gilgan Cup this season, which will no doubt have a special and poignant meaning for all of the Clarke’s Bar side.

Westmeath Darts has paid the following tribute: ‘The Westmeath Darts League committee would like to pass on our deepest condolences to the Gilgan Family on the passing of Paddy Gilgan.

Paddy was a staple on the Clarke’s Bar team for the last 15 years, playing and captaining many variations of the ‘A’ and ‘B’ sides. With four Knockout Cup wins, a ‘B’ League and two Shield titles among multiple other finals, he has a career many players would love.

Paddy could only be described as a pure gentleman and his loss not only will affect friends and family, but the wider darting community in Westmeath

In Paddy’s honour, the committee has decided it is only right that we rename the Knockout Cup, ‘The Paddy Gilgan Memorial Cup’, and that his name sits alongside this tournament now, and for many years to come. RIP Paddy Gilgan.’

A guard of honour was provided at his funeral by his Clarke’s Bar team mates and other darts players. Paddy reposed at Gilsenan’s Funeral Home, Mullingar and his Funeral Mass was in the Cathedral of Christ the King, followed by cremation at Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan.