Confrère Pádhraig who died on 28th February 2022 resided in Galway. He was born in the parish of Cnoc na hAille, a few miles west of An Spideal. On completion of his schooling in the local Bun Scoil and then St. Jarlath’s College Tuam, Padhraig went to Maynooth as a clerical student and graduated with a B.A. He studied for his Higher Diploma in UCD while teaching in Colaiste Mhuire Parnell Square, an all Irish Secondary School.
His first permanent teaching post was in Crescent College Limerick and then in 1964 he moved to Colaiste Iognáid (the Jes) in Galway where he remained until he retired in the early 2000’s. History was his principal teaching subject which his students enjoyed as is evident from their condolence messages on hearing of his death.
Pádhraig lectured in UCG in their Education faculty on the subject of Philosophy of Education which he taught through the medium of Irish. Later when he retired from Coláiste Iognaid, he monitored those University students who were out in Gaeltacht schools for their teaching practice. In addition, he helped Galway Cathedral staff who needed Irish versions of leaflets and brochures for certain important ceremonies being held in the Cathedral.
Pádhraig was admitted as a member of the Order in 1979 into the Lieutenancy of England and Wales but transferred to the Lieutenancy of Ireland, when it was formed in 1986. He was promoted to the rank of Grand Officer, was a recipient of the Pilgrim Shell consequent on his pilgrimage to the Holy Land in September 2011 and was a member of the International Pilgrimage to Rome in September 2013.
Our condolences to his beloved daughter Mary, brother Colm, extended family and friends.
Solas na bhflaitheas dá anam uasal agus leaba imeasc na naomh go raibh aige.