VILLAGE man Paddy Purcell who has passed away was a popular raconteur who loved telling a good yarn.
He enjoyed relating the tale of how when he was a young boy he played in goal for James Stephens in an U16 hurling final.
“It wasn’t one of my better days between the sticks,” he would say.
“I let in 16 goals but we still won the game,” was the punch line which he enjoyed as much himself as any listener regardless of how many times he told the story.
A native of St Fiacre’s Place 77 year-old Paddy was a panel beater who worked at the then Statham’s Garage in Upper Patrick Street.
He was a member of St Patrick’s Boxing Club.
He passed away in St Columba’s Hospital, Thomstown where he was a patient for some time.
Remains were removed to the Church of the Assumption, Thomastown where Requiem Mass was celebrated by his brother, Fr Willie Purcell. Burial was at Foulkstown Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife, Ita; daughter, Heather; brothers Fr Willie and Michael; sisters Mary and Nancy.
Troubadour Paddy dies at 77
