There is sadness in Portlaoise this week with the news of the death of Paddy Connolly, a man who made a huge contribution to local life in many ways.
He was a proud Town man, and worked for years in the Leinster Express primarily on the printing side of things in his younger years and was a staunch trade union member in they heyday of the printing industry.
In later years, he continued to work for the Leinster Express, performing the early Monday-morning duties of driving around the county to collect the local notes from the army of contributors around Laois and surrounding areas. The advent of email brought that practice to an end.
Paddy was a proud pioneer and long-standing leading member of the local PTAA.
He was also a wonderful dancer and he and his wife Lena travelled the country together to the great ballrooms for waltzing competitions. Lena was a talented choral singer too, performing at countless weddings in the area. Lena passed away in 2019.
Paddy was an avid Portlaoise GAA supporter, heavily involved during the building of the original clubhouse on Fr Brown Avenue, and was a strong advocate for the Scór competitions.
Paddy passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving children. Beloved husband of the late Lena.
Loving father to Martin, Eugene, Dolores, Veronica, Jody and Patricia. Cherished grandfather to Jordan, Dylan, Nathan, Oisin, John, Lisa, Evelyn, Niamh, Saoirse, Iarnan and his Great Grandchild Ailbhe.
Predeceased by his brothers John, Tom, Ned, Frank and sister Kathleen. Deeply regretted by his brother Jim, sons in law, daughters in law, nephews, nieces, relatives, friends and his former colleagues in the printing industry.
Reposing at his home Eircode R32X4RY on Wednesday, December 3, from 4pm until 8pm with rosary at 7.30pm.
Removal on Thursday, December 4, to SS Peter & Paul’s Church, Portlaoise, for requiem mass at 11am. Interment will follow afterwards to SS Peter and Paul’s Cemetery, Portlaoise. Mass can be viewed via webcam.
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