Carrick-on-Suir GAA club throws 90th birthday party for stalwart member Paddy Finucane

A huge celebration to mark St. Molleran’s GAA Club stalwart Paddy Finucane’s 90th birthday took place in Páirc Naomh Maoilearáin in Carrick-on-Suir.

Club members and friends stood outside to welcomed Paddy and his family to the club house on October 19 for a wonderful afternoon of sharing precious memories spanning decades of St. Molleran’s GAA Club’s development and sporting history.

Former St Molleran’s GAA Club chairman Patsy Murphy, GAA Munster Council representative Tommy Hennessy and former St Molleran’s GAA Club chairman Larry Brannigan enjoying Paddy Finucane's 90th birthday celebration. Pic. Anne Marie Magorrian

The commitment and dedication of the renowned former Tipp FM GAA broadcaster and match commentator to the club and its players and members helped bring St. Molleran’s GAA Club from humble beginnings to where it is today.

There was standing room only as speeches rolled out praising Paddy on his role in the club starting with his younger years as a player.

He was always focused on promoting the club and striving for the ongoing development of the club grounds and its players.

"Thank you for all the help and guidance you gave us over the years Paddy, what you have achieved is second to none," said St Molleran's GAA Club Chairman Peter Keane who presented Paddy with an engraved crystal vase to commemorate his special birthday.

Robbie Dunne, Dermot Moore, Tommy Hennessy, Noel Torpey and Patsy Murphy recalled Paddy’s achievements and contribution to the club. They paid tribute to his encouragement of others, his calming influence and for always being there for everyone.

They spoke of the many charities he has been involved with and his connection to the wonderful Brewery Lane Theatre.

GAA Munster Council representative Tommy Hennessy thanked everyone for inviting him to this special event and praised the legend that is Paddy Finucane.

“Thanks to Paddy Finucane who has given tremendous service to Waterford county and is synonymous with GAA in Waterford. We are lucky to have people of this calibre.”

Noel Torpey spoke of Paddy being a great church man and a spiritual and community leader with a great team behind him while St Molleran's GAA Club Chairman Peter Keane after his address added that, “any club would be proud to have Paddy as a member”.

Paddy's wife Maureen is presented with a bouquet of flowers at the birthday celebration at St Molleran's GAA Club. Pic. Anne Marie Magorrian

Paddy’s son John thanked the club and all involved in organising such a brilliant birthday event for him and how he enjoyed hearing all the stories. He spoke of Paddy’s years of involvement with St. Molleran’s GAA Club and recalled how people used called to the house for sliótars.

Before enjoying a splendid spread of delicious food and huge birthday cake, Paddy’s daughter Mary thanked all in attendance for sharing their memories and sports stories of matches and wins, the losses and the craic along the way.

"The memories are flooding back. I love listening to the stories. I am proud to say Paddy is my dad and I am proud of my mother Maureen.”

A beautiful bouquet of flowers was presented to Maureen Finucane as a nostalgic afternoon filled with great humour and rich memories of St Molleran’s GAA Club unfolded among friends, family and club members in honour of the much loved and highly respected club member Paddy Finucane.

Check out more of Anne Marie Magorrian's photos from Paddy Finucane's 90th birthday party in this week's edition of The Nationalist now on sale in local shops

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