Midlands racecourse manager will be remembered at Darkness into Light walk

KILBEGGAN Races manager Paddy Dunican will be remembered at a Darkness into Light walk in his home town on Saturday morning.

Friends of Mr Dunican who organised the walk said he had died by suicide on April 6 last and posted online: “We miss him, we love him, we won't forget him.”

The walk is dedicated to Paddy Dunican “and all those who have lost their lives to suicide and everyone who grieve their passing.”

They added: “Paddy was a warm, giving, optimistic person and he summed up the word Gentleman. He had such a positive impact on all of our lives and that’s what makes this unexplainable. It has shown us how fragile life is and the importance of small acts of kindness in our daily lives.”

Those remembering Mr Dunican are invited to remember him during the Kilbeggan Shamrocks GAA Pieta Darkness into Light walk.

After meeting at 4.30am on Saturday, May 11 the walk will start from St James's Hall at 4.45am and proceed along the main street, pausing outside Mr Dunican's front door.

All donations (Paddy4Pieta.org) will go to Pieta House, an organisation which aims to help people in suicidal distress or engaging in self-harm.

Paddy Dunican, 61, had spent more than 30 years as secretary and manager of Kilbeggan Races and also worked as an auctioneer and volunteered with Tullamore Rotary Club.

At the funeral Mass Fr Brendan Corrigan, Kilbeggan said: “There is not a town or a county where Paddy does not have acquaintances. He seemed to know everyone and he treated everyone with great respect and would listen to them and speak to them.”

Fr Corrigan said Paddy was a very kind and generous and good person. “He would never do anyone a bad turn... He always wanted to be there and to be kind.”

After listing the deceased's many achievements Fr Corrigan said: “But behind this there was a man who felt isolated and alone and suicide happens when our pain exceeds our ability to cope and this pain can have multiple and interconnected sources.

“Death is not a choice, it is more a succumbing to internal pressure. That is why it is so important that people speak and people share.”

Addressing the large congregation during his homily, Fr Corrigan recalled remarks he had made at the removal ceremony the previous evening: “As I said last night, look at all the people here who Paddy could have talked to, who could have helped him, who could have relieved his pain and the pressure he felt.

“It is so important to speak. It relieves the pressure that we are under and it gives us a chance to get things into focus. All our problems can pass. Death leaves pain and suffering behind and it cannot be undone.”

Anyone dealing with issues around suicide or self-harm can contact Pieta House, Freecall 1800 247 247 or The Samaritans, Freecall 116 123.