Paddy Swarbrigg passed away

It is with regret that we note the death of one of Cootehill native, Paddy Swarbrigg, one of Mullingar’s leading business figures of Swarbrigg’s Shoes.

Mr Swarbrigg, who was 77, died at his home in Ballinderry last Friday, October 3, surrounded by his family, who record that they “laughed, sang and cried together” in those heart-breaking days before Paddy’s long battle with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) came to an end.

With his passing, Cootehill and Mullingar have lost a man who was held in the highest regard, but also a man who loved this town, loved his customers, and who could brighten any day with his beautiful smile.

Paddy was the fifth in a family of 11, and the first of those 11 to die.

Blessed with that Swarbrigg talent for music, he played the trumpet in a band in his native county called ‘Navak’. However, it was the world of business that grabbed his interest, and while working in Whelan’s Shoes in Cavan, he resolved to go out on his own.

That dream of starting his own business came to fruition in the early 1970s, when Paddy opened his shop in Mullingar – a town he had come to know as his brothers, the noted musicians and Eurovision competitors Jimmy and Tommy Swarbrigg, were already living here.

When he made the move to Mullingar, it was to become his home for life, since it was here he came to know his beloved wife Jackie (née Treacy), who was a native of Longford. There the couple became parents to and raised their much-loved family of four – John, Brian and Kate, who all still live in Mullingar, and David, who lives in Dublin.

Sadly, Jackie died in May of 2022, but every single day, Paddy visited her grave in Coralstown, ceasing only two weeks before his own passing.

Besides his family, the big passion in Paddy’s life was sport, golf especially. He played regularly and had a special affection for any sportsperson who represented Ireland on the world stage, especially Padraic Harrington and Leona Maguire. He loved the Irish football team, and also followed Arsenal, from the time when the team had a strong Irish representation in its ranks.

Paddy will be dearly missed and forever remembered by his loving children John, Kate, Brian and David; cherished grandchildren Ellie, Billy and Alana; his dear brothers and sisters Jim, Tommy and Martin, Marie, Catherine, Geraldine, Margaret, Pat, Angela and Connie; his daughter-in-law Anne Marie; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews, relatives, neighbours, carers and wide circle of friends.

Paddy’s remains reposed at Shaw’s Funeral Home last Monday evening, and his funeral Mass took place yesterday morning (Tuesday) at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar, followed by burial in Coralstown Cemetery. May he rest in peace.