The Downings community and the wider Donegal GAA family is in mourning following the sad passing last night of Paddy McBride.
Paddy ‘Fenny’ was the heart and soul of his beloved CLG Na Dunaibh, whom he served with distinction as a player and administrator, filling nearly all roles on the field and off it during the course of his time involved in the club.
Earlier this year, Paddy took on the role of PRO as Na Dunaibh hosted the national Comortas Peile na Gaeltachta finals; a role he filled with as much pride as professionalism and efficiency.
He was a well-known marathon runner, who completed 17 marathons in the name of charity.
Paddy was an active referee and took charge of the 2009 Donegal senior football championship final between St Eunan’s and Naomh Conaill.
Paddy, who worked at Optum in Letterkenny, was deeply-rooted in the life and times of the Gaeltacht village.
He was recently diagnosed with malignant melanoma and fought his illness with bravery over the last few months.
Sadly, last night, aged 59, he lost his battle and slipped to his eternal rest.
Paddy was predeceased by his father, Denis, in 2006 and his survived by his mother Mary, wife Karen, sons Barry and Paddy, daughter Aisling, brother Denis, sister Mary and a wide circle of family and friends.
He would have been due to celebrate his 60th birthday on St Stephen’s Day.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
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