PADDY O’DRISCOLL, A PROUD SHAMROCK AND RINGASKIDDY MAN.
The news of Paddy O’Driscoll’s death touches us all with sadness and pleasant memories of long ago.
Paddy was an older brother of Joe, who passed away late last year. The O’Driscoll family was a corner stone unit in the village over two generations. Paddy grew up in the 1940’s and 1950’s and shared and enjoyed life with the neighbours and friends. The Pump Field was the local recreation ground where lads got their first introduction to hurling and football. Times were tough then for everybody.
Along with his friends they had a useful Minor Football team in 1953 and competed in the final against Carrigaline. This extraordinary game produced only one point for the whole hour, Carrigaline taking the honours. Joining Paddy on the team were his brother Joe, Jerh. Coveney, Richard Palmer, Donal McDonnell (Monkstown), Jim Turner, Donie Livesey, Charlie Harte, Terry Frizelle, Danno Pierce. Jackie O’Driscoll and Joe O’Flynn – All his old boyhood friends, some of whom revelled in the Shamrock colours in later years.
The pursuit of his career took him away from the village but his bonds and links were never eroded. On Easter Sunday 1966 in Douglas Shamrocks faced Ballincollig in the Intermediate Hurling Championship with a very depleted team. Paddy was not found wanting when he got the call and gave a great hour when we lost narrowly. Ronnie Sisk’s late effort for goal just went inches over the bar. Another seventeen year old raw youngster from Shanbally got a baptism of fire that day and it didn’t do him any harm. He now lives in the Kennel Boreen.
Paddy O’Driscoll will always be a true son of Ringaskiddy and those of us who knew him and befriended him were the lucky people. Ar dheis De go raibh a Anam dilis.
Seán O’ Tuama 19/01/2021
