Paddy Cole’s medals return to Shamrocks
Image 1 of 2
David Nohilly, chairperson, Mullingar Shamrocks GAA, accepts the Paddy Cole medal and trophy collection from Alva Cole. LEFT: The picture from the Tom Barden collection shows the Mullingar Shamrocks team who, in preparation for the county semi-final, played Moy Davitts for a set of plaques, in Springfield in August 1982, and emerged as 3-7 to 2-7 winners, (back) John Fagan, Paddy Cole, Gerry Nohilly, Joe Brady, Denis Larkin, Liam Leonard, Patsy Fagan, Tom Barden and Paddy Dunne; (front) Tom Maguire, Denis Corroon, Noel Dempsey, Peter Ledwith, John Corroon, Dominic Flynn, Jim Fagan and Michael ‘Spike’ Fagan.Image 2 of 2
The Mullingar Shamrocks team from 1982. Back row: John Fagan, Paddy Cole, Gerry Nohilly, Joe Brady, Denis Larkin, Liam Leonard, Patsy Fagan, Tom Barden, Paddy Dunne. Front row: Tom Maguire, Denis Corroon, Noel Dempsey, Peter Ledwith, John Corroon, Dominic Flynn, Jim Fagan and Michael ‘Spike’ Fagan. This team played Moy Davitts in preparation for the ‘82 final, winning, 3-7 to 2-7, and were presented with a set of plaques.The remarkable sporting legacy of one of Mullingar and Westmeath’s greatest GAA players, Paddy Cole, will have a permanent home at Mullingar Shamrocks following a generous gesture by his wife, Alva.
On Sunday week last, Alva presented Mullingar Shamrocks chairperson David Nohilly with Paddy’s extensive collection of trophies, medals and sporting memorabilia, ensuring that the achievements of a man who gave so much to the club will be preserved for future generations.
The collection, which includes more than 50 medals, will form a permanent display in the Shamrocks clubhouse. A suitable display cabinet is currently being prepared.
Alva also made a significant contribution to the Mullingar Shamrocks Development Fund.
Explaining her decision to donate the collection, Alva said Shamrocks were always Paddy’s first love in football: “Paddy was a tremendous athlete. He played many different sports, but his main love was GAA,” Alva told the Examiner.
“He helped form Shamrocks Club. He played for them, he trained them and he managed them. He gave 110% to football even though he had a very busy life.”
Alva recalled that when she moved in with Paddy, his medals and trophies were everywhere: “He just played football. He said it wasn’t about winning trophies or cups, it was just about the game,” she said.
That attitude perhaps summed up Paddy Cole’s approach to sport.
He was a player of extraordinary versatility who represented Mullingar in Gaelic football, hurling, rugby and soccer, and he also boxed at junior level.
With Mullingar Shamrocks, he won minor county medals in 1960 and 1961 before helping the club to the 1962 Junior Football Championship.
In 1964, Shamrocks won their first Westmeath Senior Football Championship, defeating St Mary’s, Rochfortbridge, and Paddy was part of the side who completed the league and championship double in 1965.
He captained the team that year and collected another senior championship medal in 1966.
His career with the club stretched for more than two decades.
As player-manager in 1979, he guided Shamrocks to a senior final and was named Clubman of the Year. He played senior football until 1984 and finally retired from playing at junior level in 1986.
His achievements extended beyond football. With Pearses, he won the Feis Cup and senior hurling championship in 1962, Mullingar’s first senior hurling title since 1945.
He also played rugby for Mullingar and soccer for Mullingar Town and Brosna Rovers.
At inter-county level, Paddy represented Westmeath in hurling and football. Between 1962 and 1974, he played 47 National League and 12 Leinster Championship matches.
He was central to Westmeath’s successful period in the late 1960s, including the famous 1967 victory over Dublin and the county’s run to the 1969 National League semi-final against Kerry.
Remembered as much for his sportsmanship as his ability, Paddy was never booked or sent off during his long career. The new clubhouse display will ensure that the medals and trophies remain close to the club he loved and provide a lasting reminder of a remarkable Westmeath sporting career.
On behalf of Mullingar Shamrocks, David Nohilly said: “This is a very generous gesture by Alva, which is appreciated by all our members.
“We’re honoured to be custodians of Paddy’s medals, trophies and memorabilia.
“It means his remarkable achievements can be permanently displayed in our clubhouse and ensures that Paddy’s legacy is never forgotten.
“It will also act as an inspiration for future generations of our players and members.”