Pat McNamara

Pat McNamara

Clare Island

The death took place peacefully at his Clare Island home on February 2, surrounded by his family, of Mr Pat McNamara. He was aged 84 years and was a very highly-esteemed member of the island community. Following repose at the family home, removal took place to the island’s Sacred Heart Church on Monday, February 9. Fr Francis Mitchell officiated and was also the celebrant of Pat’s Funeral Mass the following day before burial took place in the island cemetery.

During the celebration of Mass, relatives and friends participated in the liturgy by doing the readings, prayers of the faithful and bringing the offertory gifts to the altar, which were symbolic of Pat’s life. Fr Mitchell spoke graciously about Pat’s life and mentioned his contribution as a tradesman to the Church, concluding with the humble words, “Pat Mac died as he lived, everyone’s friend”. The Clare Island choir, local and musician friends that travelled to join Pat on his final journey provided beautiful music and songs.

Pat was a man of gentle disposition and his charming personality and good humour touched the lives of all those that had the pleasure of knowing him. Pat had the ability to communicate with everyone, young and old. He had a warm welcome and a firm handshake for one and all, gave selflessly, never complained and always had a positive outlook on life.

He was married to Nora Murray from Strake, Clare Island, and together they raised three children. In his early years, Pat worked in McCabe’s as well as farming and fishing, but it was in his work as a tradesman that he totally excelled. His expertise can be seen in many buildings on the island. He also had a great love for animals and the land. He was very articulate and was always on hand to give good advice, even up to his last days. Pat was a very sociable character, a musician who loved music, singing and dancing and was the heart and soul of many a party.

Throughout his life, Pat had a very deep faith and the week was not complete if he did not attend Mass and say the Rosary. Above all, Pat was a dedicated family man. This was reflected in the way he cared for his wife, Nora, and provided tremendous friendship and support to his daughter, Mary, and sons, John and Michael. He regularly kept in contact with his family in America by letter and more recently by phone and thoroughly enjoyed their visits back to the island.

The esteem that Pat was held in by the community was reflected in the large crowd of mourners that came to pay their final tribute to him and in the enormous support from neighbours and friends in his final week.

Pat is dearly missed by his wife, Nora; sister, Mary; son, John; daughter, Mary and her partner, Pádraic; son, Michael, and his partner, Mary; sisters-in-law, Eileen and Nora MacNamara, Chicago, Breda Curran, Birmingham, Teresa MacDonald, Newcastle, England; brother-in-law, Peter Murray, Clare Island; nephews and nieces and a wide circle of relatives, friends and neighbours. He was predeceased by his sister, Bridgie, and brothers, John, Mikey and Pete.

May he rest in peace.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.

Month’s Mind Mass will be offered on Friday evening, March 6, in St Bridget’s Church, Clare Island.