'Longford is a great auld place': Remembering Paschal Flaherty

Longford is mourning the loss of a true legend this week following news of the death of renowned entertainer Paschal Flaherty.

Paschal, who loved his family, De Town, yarns, music and the craic, passed to his eternal reward on Friday, December 5 following a short illness borne with great dignity.

Read more: Longford walking trail to close for 8 hours each day this week due to works

A larger than life character with a heart of gold, Paschal charmed everyone he met and the audiences that flocked to hear him perform with his warm, witty storytelling and he will forever be remembered.

Paschal, who had a word for everybody, was a loyal and proud ‘Townie’. He’d say, “Longford is a great auld place no matter what some people say.”

Another favourite line of Paschal’s was “if you don't dream, you won't believe” and in 2016, alongside his son Davy Flaherty, Liz Leavy and Sean Hussey, they released an album, very aptly entitled ‘Dreamers and Believers’.

Paschal’s weekend ‘residency’ at the Longford Arms Hotel (LAH), where he entertained thousands of revellers for decades, is the stuff of folklore and he said himself, “During the recession our sessions in the LAH were a great source of releasing tension and having a bit of craic.”

A gifted soccer player, Paschal, in his own witty style, explained how a chastening on-field encounter with young Republic of Ireland star Liam Brady scuppered his football aspirations and sent him down the music path.

He told Humans of Longford, “As a young fella, I played underage for De Town in an FAI Cup game against St Kevin's Boys, the game was in the Greyhound Track, Park Road. We were 3-0 up at half time and they brought on a young fella called Liam Brady who went on to score five times out of six they scored in the second half.

Read more: Longford County Council shares ambitious plans for Connolly Barracks at EU meeting

“We were hammered 6-3. The day after the game Liam Brady jetted off to join Arsenal and I gave up football for good. But I took up music.”

Tiernan Dolan, curator of the ‘Humans of Longford’ Facebook page, described Paschal ‘as one of Longford’s most beloved sons’. He said the entire Flaherty were ‘gifted footballers’ with Longford Town FC and staunch supporters, adding that Paschal will be best remembered by most for his musical ability.

Tiernan recalled, “Not only was Paschal a talented musician, he was also a noted song writer. When De Town were winning Cups for fun, the theme song was 'Stand Up if You're Longford Town', written and performed with gusto by Paschal.

“There's hardly a charity in county Longford that he didn't play for. From the Longford Arms Hotel to venues across the UK, Paschal sang and charmed his way in all of them.”

Tiernan fondly remembered 2002 when the Late Late Show ran a competition to find a suitable song for the Irish soccer team and ‘Paschal's Rascals’ took centre stage.

He outlined the story, “A group of enthusiastic students from St Mel's college approached Paschal with one goal - to win that competition. From that emerged 'Stand up if you're Ireland' and the group was aptly called ‘Paschal's Rascals’.

“The song was recorded in a garden shed in Lanesboro and boxes of the CD were produced in Ballinalack. It was fun and laughter and great craic every step of the way. The lads loved Paschal and he kept them entertained better than any comedian. And apart from the craic, a considerable amount of money was raised for the charity GOAL.

“To this day, no-one associated with the song can understand why it didn't win.”

Paschal loved his music, his sport, his friends but closest of all to his big heart was his wife, Mary and family - of whom he was hugely proud.

Tiernan added, “Longford is a lesser place without Paschal. Always in good humour, always with his customary roguish smile, always with a story to tell.”

LEDJS (local DJs Dave and Kevin Hussey) remembered Paschal as a Longford legend, a talented musician and a gentleman. “He knew how to fill a dance floor and made everyone feel welcome with his many shout outs during his gigs. RIP Paschal. No doubt you'll keep the dance floors full in heaven.”

CASA Longford said Paschal was a frequent visitor to CASA socials and gave them many a dig out by providing music and song for them to dance to. Expressing sympathy to the Flaherty family, they concluded, “May you sing in the heavenly choir this Christmas. Thank you for the music. Rest in peace.”

Read more: Longford's Albert Reynolds Peace Park officially one of Ireland’s best parks/green spaces

The late Paschal Flaherty was predeceased by his father Frank, mother Josie, brothers Tony, Frankie and Seamus, sister Monica and sister-in-law Patricia Hayes (nee Fox).

He will be sadly missed by his devastated wife Mary and sons Graham (Dee), David, daughter in law, Angie, Dara and Pauric (Amber); grandchildren Leah, Paige, Jonah, Stella and Calvin; brothers John, Michael and Oliver; sisters Annie and Mary, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces, relatives and a large circle of friends.

Paschal reposed at Glennon's funeral home on Sunday and Mass of the resurrection took place on Monday, December 8 in St Mel’s Cathedral followed by cremation in Lakelands crematorium. May he Rest in Peace.