Tributes

North Kerry mourns the death of Kerry star Paudie O'Donoghue

July 24th, 2008
by Weeshie Fogarty

Kerry GAA was mourning the death of one of the county's greatest full backs, Paudie O'Donoghue, who passed away on Tuesday following a brave battle with cancer. The north Kerry native was an integral part of the Kerry team, winning All-Ireland senior medals hen the county recorded a double in 1969 and 1970, defeating Offaly and Meath. Despite his status as one of the great icons of the game, he remained a quiet and unassuming man throughout his life. Off the field of play, Paudie (64) was a devoted husband to his wife Phyllis and a loving father to his children, Hugh and Nuala.

Regarded as one of the most talented teachers in Kerry, Mr O'Donoghue spent most of his career at Causeway Comprehensive School until his retirement four years ago. However, it was as a footballer he won the hearts of Kerry sporting fans. He played wing back for the Kerry minor team that defeated Mayo in the 1962 All-Ireland Final. Two years later, he helped his county to an All-Ireland under 21 title when the Kingdom defeated Laois. He also won a number of National League medals. Modest in victory and gracious in defeat, he tasted All-Ireland senior football heartbreak with Kerry on four occasions in Croke Park. In 1964 and 1965 Kerry were beaten by Galway. Paudie played corner back with Kerry in 1964 and at centre back in 1965. He was a member of the Kerry team that lost to Down in 1968 and in a replay against Offaly in 1972.

Paudie won three Kerry senior football championship medals with Shannon Rangers in 1964, 1972 and 1977. He was captain of the side in 1972 when they defeated mid Kerry. He was also on three losing sides in 1962 (with Feale Rangers), 1971 and 1974. Paudie also represented Munster and won All-Ireland 7-a-side club medals. Actively involved in politics, he served as chairman of the Asdee and Ballylongford branch of Fine Gael.

"Paudie was a perfect gentleman and much loved and respected both in sport and politics. I played with him in the 1973 Munster Final towards the end of his hugely successful inter county career. "He also loved greyhound sport with his father Michael, one of the key people in the development of Shelbourne Park in Dublin. Paudie will be sadly missed by all of us fortunate to have known him," former Kerry player Jimmy Deenihan said. Mr O'Donoghue's removal took place on Wednesday from Lynch's Funeral Home, Ballylongford to St. Marys Church Asdee. The requiem mass takes plays today, Thursday at 11.30am with burial afterwards in Lislaughlin Abbey, Ballylongford.



Sections

Search Articles



 
Radio Kerry - The Voice of the Kingdom