There is widespread sadness in the Donegal sporting community at the passing of well-known sporting stalwart Patrick Devenney.
Patrick, the father of former Donegal GAA star Brendan Devenney, was both a player and a clubman to the core.
Patrick, from Newtowncunningham, played both soccer and GAA and will be remembered fondly as a man who simply loved sport.
His GAA club Naomh Colmcille last night paid a tribute to Patrick.
The club remembered Patrick as a player, a manager and a devoted family man.
A spokesperson for the club said “It’s with huge regret we learned the sad news today about the passing of Patrick Devenney our past player, trainer, assistant manager and right up to his death a lotto seller and all round great clubman.
“In the early days while living in England Patrick started playing GAA with Sons of Erin in Northampton and went on to represent Warwickshire County before returning home and playing for our club right at the start when the club initially formed in Carrigans.
“Throughout his playing days he was known for his competitiveness and no nonsense defending & anyone who watched Patrick play would tell you defenders of his ilk are scarce and not too many could mix it with Satch let alone get the better of him.
“Indeed, be it the GAA field or on the soccer pitch Patrick was a warrior and a winner.
After his playing days he moved into the management side of things and formed a formidable management duo with Declan McFarland where they won league promotion and a first championship in adult football for the club in the mid 90’s.
“They went on to success at the All Ireland Junior Sevens competition in Dublin the following year and what a weekend that was. Great memories for everyone associated with the club at that time and Patrick had a huge role to play in all of that.”
When Patrick finally hung up his boots, he continued to support the club as well as following the county career of his son Brendan, the free-scoring and hugely talented Donegal forward as well as the next generation in his grandchildren.
The spokesperson added “In later years he continued to be a huge supporter of the club going to games and selling the weekly lotto’s and he followed his son Brendan and the Donegal team the length & breath of the country to league & championship games.
“He loved watching his grandchildren play and could be seen on the sideline at most of their games and it’s a loss to us all and so sad we won’t see him there again. RIP Patrick, you will be sadly missed.”
The club sent their heartfelt condolences to his wife Imelda and to Sharon, Margaret, Brendan, Maria & Arlene and the extended family at this time.
A spokesperson for Lagan Harps, for whom Patrick also played for many seasons, also paid tribute to ‘Satch”, his nickname.
“We were saddened to hear of the passing of one of our greatest players Paddy “Satch” Devenney. A tough competitive player on the pitch and a real gentleman off it. He was always fit and committed and you knew you were in a game when you came up against him. Paddy served the club with great loyalty and distinction. His name crops up regularly when former players discuss the olden days. A true club legend.
“We extend condolences to his wife Imelda and to Sharon, Margaret, Brendan, Maria & Arlene, all his family and his many friends. He will be greatly missed, and long remembered by former team mates and anyone who saw him play.”
