Tribute to a ‘man of immense integrity’

The October meeting of Cavan County Council heard moving tributes to the late Patrick ‘Paddy’ J. Carolan, a legendary figure in Cavan GAA history and the last surviving All-Ireland senior medal winner from the county.

Mr Carolan, of Dunevin, Mullagh, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on September 19, in his 90th year.

Independent Ireland Councillor Shane P. O’Reilly expressed the “immense sadness” felt across the parish on hearing of Mr Carolan’s passing.

A stalwart of the Cúchulainn’s GAA Club, Mr Carolan won an All-Ireland medal in 1952 and a National League title in 1950.

Cllr O’Reilly praised Mr Carolan as a man of “immense integrity” whose life was guided by what he described as the three Fs — football, faith, and family.

He said the Carolan family have played an instrumental role in community life in Mullagh, and noted that Mr Carolan’s grandson Niall now represents the fifth generation to don the Cavan jersey.

As a poignant gesture, Mr Carolan’s children wore his All-Ireland medal during his repose, while his late brother Edwin’s medal - won as a member of the Cavan team that famously played in New York’s Polo Grounds - was also proudly displayed.

“Our parish is a better place for having had Paddy Carolan in it,” Cllr O’Reilly said.

His tribute was supported by Fine Gael Councillors TP O’Reilly and Trevor Smith, and by Fianna Fáil’s Philip Brady, who recalled meeting Mr Carolan at Kingspan Breffni and cherishing the opportunity to hear “stories of old” shared by the GAA great.

Mr Carolan is predeceased by his parents, Edward F. and Helen; brothers Cecil and Edwin; and sisters May and Muriel. He is survived by his beloved wife Kitty; daughter Aisling; sons Eamonn, Patrick, Ronan, and Paul; in laws; 10 grandchildren, relatives and friends.