Padraic Regan

Padraic Regan, Newbrook, Claremorris, who died recently following a brief illness, was widely known in farming circles around the region. The Regan family farm hosted two Mayo Ploughing Championships in recent years.

One of nature’s gentlemen, Padraic commanded enormous respect throughout the district. His pleasant, gracious and unassuming nature endeared him to many. He also had a philosophical outlook on the hills and valleys of life and took them all in his stride.

Padraig took a good interest in sport and current affairs. He had a special bond with the farming community and he had a great rapport with rural people.

One of his favourite pastimes was the game of 25 and Padraic and his good friend and neighbour Richard Trench soldiered together at many card games in Hollymount and Robeen and elsewhere over the past few years.

The Regan family were honoured when the Mayo Ploughing Committee decided to stage the annual event on their farm. They put a huge effort behind the undertakings both years and the ventures were resounding successes.

Hard work was a thing that never bothered Padraic. When he undertook something, he did so with a heart and a half, always delighting in a job well done.

The large crowds at the funeral ceremonies were indeed a reflection of the huge regard in which he was held by so many people. The sense of shock and loss at his passing following his short illness was still palpable as people sympathised with the family on their very sad bereavement.

Fr Mike Murphy, in his embracing homily, captured many of the essential qualities that defined Padraic in his journey through life.

“Padraic was born to Martin and Una Regan in Lecarrow, Carracastle, between Charlestown and Ballaghaderreen in August 1949. He had one sister Kathleen and four brothers, Seamus, Martin, Eamon and Henry. He went to the local National School and then on to St. Nathy’s and the Technical School for a few years.

“Like many a young lad he kept his eyes on the girls and used to spot a young girl from Kilmovee, Anne Sheil at lunch time on the streets of Ballaghaderreen. Anne also had an aunt living in Lecarrow so she was also able to keep an eye on him too.

“Like many of his generation Padraic went off to England at the age of 16 in 1965. Anne went over two years later in 1967 and one night didn’t they meet in the Galtymore in Cricklewood!

They started going out together to places like the Gresham; and the Irish Centre on Quex Road where a certain singing priest called Fr Paddy Sheridan from Cavan used to hang out!

Little did they realise their paths might cross again in Robeen some years later.

“In April 1969 they came home to Kilmovee to get married and had their reception in the Central Hotel in Ballyhaunis where Supermacs is today. After Marian and Martin were born in England they decided to move home to the West of Ireland in 1977 and they bought a place in Newbrook.

“Although they had no connection with the area it wasn’t long till they became part of the community and Padraic became a good friend of JJ Trench.

“James, Karen, Helen, Sandra and his ‘pet’ Sarah were all born in the following years and life was good in Newbrook. He had a special bond with Sarah …’Pet’ was her name.....she taught him all about texting.... and indeed so many other things also.”

Fr Mike told the packed congregation that Padraic could put his hand to anything. “He was a real entrepreneur and led the way in many ventures, but above all he was a hard worker. He worked in sales, in contracting, even on Knock Airport. He was one of the first people with the new turf cutting machine. And he even managed to get his picture in the Farmers Journal when he unveiled the first ‘round bale’ in Robeen in 1986!

“In later years he was known far and wide for his timber yard. People came from all over to it. In the late 80s Padraic took to the sky for some flying lessons. He was always very technically minded and wanted to see Newbrook from a different angle. So he was delighted in 1990 when he flew over Newbrook on a triangle from Galway to Knock to Castlebar.

“Through all the years Padraic was a solid man. A man of integrity and core values. A man to go to when you wanted some advice, but he would never force it on you. A man who would always acknowledge people and was grateful for everything. He was a man of action rather than talk, and did everything discreetly, without looking for credit.

“The true character of a person always comes out in adversity and anytime Padraic faced it in his life he never changed as a person. Whether it was a death in his family, or the fire at his home or his recent illness, he was always calm and reassuring for everyone. Even in his recent illness, he took it on the chin and placed himself in the arms of his family and his God.

“I don’t think he could have been any happier than when he had his family all around him and even when he was sick he was asking to see his beloved grandchildren Amy and Mathew whom he adored.... and how good they were to him also.

“Anne and all the family; you will miss Padraic greatly in your lives. There will be a huge void in your lives. Remember his good advice – ‘We’ll get over it’, ‘we’ll get on with it’, ‘we’ll look after each other.’

“Just listen again to those comforting words of scripture…’The souls of the virtuous are in the hands of God. In the eyes of the unwise they appeared to die...... but they are at peace.’ ‘The life and death of each of us has its influence on others.’ May his gentle soul rest in peace, Amen.”

Padraic, who was predeceased by his parents Martin and Una and his brother Henry, is survived by his wife Anne, daughters Marian, Karen, Helen, Sandra and Sarah, sons Martin and James, grandchildren Amy and Mathew, sister Kathleen (Carty) (Knock), brothers Seamus, Martin and Eamon, uncle Seamus, aunt Bridie, nephews and nieces, in-laws, all the extended Regan family, relatives, neighbours and many friends. May he have peaceful rest.