WE WILL MISS YOU – PADDY ANDREWS
Paddy Andrews sudden and untimely passing has left us with heavy hearts and a great void to fill.
HUGE LOSS;
The virus that is stalking our land has brought much anxiety and heartfelt sorrow to family and home. We all share the huge loss of Paddy with his dear wife Mary, sons Patrick, Peter, Vincent and Senan together with his grandchildren, many relatives and friends. It is a time to grieve, to reminisce, to ask why, to reignite a flame that has gone out and most importantly to always hold a special place for a loyal and sporting Shamrock.
PRINCIPLES;
A man of fine Christian principles where each passing day saw him propagate and touch someone with help, guidance, sustenance and reassurance. Paddy’s style was his own and while many of us were talking and scheming, he in his own inimitable was getting things done
RINGASKIDDY;
Paddy was born in Ringaskiddy 73 years ago to Noel and Betty (nee Quinn) Andrews, where he grew up in their very popular home known as “Rose Lodge” located in the heart of the village. His home sported a magnificent front lawn where The Shamrock Club held many Carnivals and Festivals in days of yore. He attended Ringaskiddy National School, received his first Holy Communion in Shanbally and was Confirmed in Shanbally in May of 1959 by Bishop Lucey along with his friends John Collins and Tony McCarthy. He received his secondary education in Rochestown College and subsequently played a part in the Past Pupils Union.
A SHAMROCK PLAYER;
His first and lasting love was the game of hurling and the Shamrock Club. Throughout his long career he played in all grades from Under 14 through to Intermediate level. His hurling skills, speed and prowess saw him excel in the Shamrock green shirt. He played in the Club’s first ever Under 14 South-East Final versus St. Patricks of Upton in 1960. In an Intermediate Hurling League game played in Midleton versus Midleton in 1969 he hit ten points between the posts from play. Another stand out performance from Paddy was the first round of the J.H.C. in 1968 versus Ballinhassig played in Carrigaline. The numbers were tight and Shamrocks had to call in three “long pants men” to make the 15, namely Rob Andrews, Charlie Maye and Jim Lenihan (The Fireman). The Mentors forgot the bag of jerseys so a set was borrowed from Ballygarvan who had played in a curtain-raiser. Shamrocks were in red and the pressure was on. The match report, written by Tom Fitzgerald of Kinsale, in the Southern Star the following week stated “Andrews latched on to every ball at centre field and helped fashion a mighty win for his Raggle-Taggle side”
UNDERAGE ACTIVITIES;
He took a keen interest in the Club’s Under Age activities and would go on to give over forty years of unbroken service which was unique and unsurpassed. He was well known and respected among the wider GAA Community as he represented the Shamrock Club at the various Board Meeting over such a long period. The large number of Expressions of Sympathy, led by Rebel Og Cork bore testimony to his level of respect and popularity. There was only one Paddy Andrews.
He served for many years as an Officer of the Club’s Executive Committee where his late father Noel also participated. He surely became an intrinsic part of the Shamrock Club. In his time he enjoyed successes with the Under age teams many of whom he mentored.
A BUSY PERSON;
A busy person always seems to find time and energy to take other tasks on board. Paddy was such a person. He was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and gave many hours helping the Meals on Wheels Organisation with daily deliveries up to time of his death. He spent a number of years as an active Officer of the Monkstown NS Parents Association. On Sundays he was not found wanting as he was a regular volunteer to do Mass Readings in Monkstown Parish Church.
NI BEIDH A LEITHEAD ANN ARIS;
Paddy has touched so many people’s lives in a truly positive and Christian manner. He shunned highlights and publicity. He was happy in the background taking satisfaction in being able to help. Paddy Andrews was a corner stone in his own Club, Community and Parish, always there and synonymous with all that was for the common good.
Sean Ó Tuama, May 2020
