Plaque unveiled in memory of Paddy Heaney in Offaly village

ON A lovely sunny Winter morning on Sunday last, a large group of walkers from all over, joined with relatives and neighbours of the late Paddy Heaney, for the unveiling of a plaque in Cadamstown village to honour the memory of Paddy, a historian, story teller, musician and hill walker.

Paddy, who worked hard all his life for the village he loved so well, passed away just eight months ago on April 29. The Ardara Hill Walkers group, of which he was their President, organised the event on Sunday.

Chairman Eddie Spain thanked everyone for coming to the event including walkers, not just from Offaly but also from Thurles, Athlone, Mullingar and Portlaoise, and said Paddy was a wonderful man with many talents.

He mentioned that the group held their AGM on November 14 in Kilcormac and they elected two new Presidents, Pat Craven, Offaly and Pat Cullen, Laois who will replace the late Paddy Lowry and Paddy Heaney who were Presidents of the club for over twenty years.

Eddie said he would also like to thank all those who turned out for the group’s AGM and said that all three officers was returned – Chairman Eddie Spain, Secretary – Tom Daly and Treasurer – Clare Daly. He finished by wishing all hill walkers a happy Christmas and safe walking in the new year.