Padraig James O’Toole

The death has taken place suddenly of Padraig James O’Toole, Garranty, Inishturk Island. Padraig was the son of the late Patrick and Annie O’Toole. Aged 61years, he has sadly left us unexpectedly, many years too soon.

Padraig’s funeral took place from Sweeney’s Funeral Home, Louisburgh to Inishturk Island. His remains were accompanied by a flotilla of boats from Roonagh Pier.

Padraig was waked in his family home on Inishturk Island and his burial took place following Requiem Mass, officiated by Fr. Karl Burns, on Wednesday, August 14, 2013.  Hail Queen of Heaven was sung as his remains entered the church. Gifts brought to the alter reflected Padraig’s life and included a Rosary beads to reflect Padraig’s deep faith. Padraig said the rosary every night and seldom missed Sunday prayers; a song book and a CD of SeΡn Keane, an artist who brought endless hours of enjoyment to Padraig; a lamb which reflected Padraig’s work passion in life and a picture which truly reflected Padraig’s Life. In the picture, Padraig is smiling in the doorway, his mother sitting to his right and his faithful dog by his side. Padraig was laid to rest in the local cemetery on Inishturk Island.

Padraig was the youngest of a family of twelve. He is survived and deeply mourned by his brothers Mikey O’Toole (Inishturk Island) and Raymond O’Toole (Springfield, Massachusetts) and sisters Annie O’Toole (Inishturk Island), Martha McIntyre (Blacksod, Belmullet), Celia Monaghan and Mary Agnes Kavanagh (Springfield, Massachusetts), brothers-in-law David McIntyre (Blacksod, Belmullet), John Joe Monaghan (Springfield, Massachusetts) and Patrick O’Toole (Inishturk Island), sisters-in-law Helen O’Toole (Bushfield,Charlestown) and Joan O’Toole (Springfield, Massachusetts) and nieces and nephews. Padraig was predeceased by his brother Peter and his sisters Nora and Katie who passed on and who are now with him in heaven.

Padraig grew up and lived all his life in the family home on Inishturk Island. Visiting family members returned time after time to a warm, clean, friendly, welcoming home. Padraig’s true qualities as a son shone through in life in the loving care he gave his mother, Annie, in her life and especially in her old age. He looked after her every possible need and on many occasion he stayed up night after night nursing her. Padraig helped his mother remain with us for as long as she did, until the ripe old age of 90 years. Regardless of the hour, Padraig faithfully knelt down and said the rosary with his mother.

Padraig and his brother Mikey soldiered together side by side in everything for years. From the cutting and saving of the hay, to working in the bog, to looking after their mother. Many a heavy day’s work they did together over the years and many a heavy horse load of hay they brought up the hill. They worked very hard together and took pride in a job well done.

Padraig was always there. When the chips were down you had a reliable trustworthy person with you. He knew no boundaries and he was very supportive and helpful to his family over the years. He kept in touch with family members, far and near, which in times gone by often involved many a trip to the phone box.

Being the youngest of a large family, he was of a similar age to the next generation - he was the uncle who bridged the gap. He was the uncle you would socialise with, have the craic with and confide in, often lending money to nieces and nephews and ensuring they arrived home safe or had accommodation when socialising off the island. Padraig was a loving caring and kind uncle.

Padraig was a dedicated and expert sheep farmer, skills he inherited from his father. He showed the same care and feeling for the animals as he did for his friends and family. In springtime, when the pressure was on with lambing, Padraig was the man to call when there was difficulty. Padraig’s presence and his gifted hands and ability relieved many a difficult situation. Padraig trained sheep dogs which were sought after and travelled the length and breadth of the country. It was always a pleasure to see Padraig with his sheep perfectly under control. Padraig took much pride in his farm, ensuring his fences were perfectly mended, that nothing was out of place and that everything was neat and tidy.

Padraig had lots of friends through his farming and his love for music and song. Padraig will be remembered for his beautiful singing. Padraig loved to sing in a crowd, in his own company or during his day’s work. There is nothing nicer to hear than a person singing. It brings joy to all who hears it, as was experienced by his neighbours as he came down the road on many an occasion. It is important to remember that Padraig’s sound and song were all learned by ear. By his bedside, there was a CD player and CD’s of SeΡn Keane, his idol, and many more.

Padraig has eternal rest now. He has gone to heaven with a smile on his face. He is now in his Home Away from Home. Padraig will always be remembered and loved. May he rest in peace.