Tributes have been paid from across the soccer world in Donegal to Rathmullan Celtic legend Patsy Sheridan, who passed away yesterday.
Patsy featured for Rathmullan Celtic as a star player, manager and then club chairman, being remembered as one of the finest footballers in the county’s history.
The club paid tribute to him on social media, saying that “as a player, he remains unmatched. His peers attest to the fact that he was, quite simply, better than the rest.”
“Patsy was, is and forever shall be a truly iconic man when it comes to football in these parts.”
“As a player, manager and chairman in his time, he gave everything to our club in its many guises across his lifetime and, more recently, he gave support and encouragement to anyone that loved the beautiful game.”
After his playing days, his impact was felt as manager of both the senior, and later youth teams at the club.
“When his playing days were at an end, Patsy turned to management. He would lead a Rathmullan team to the last-eight of the FAI Junior Cup in 1981, overcoming a strong Gweedore Celtic team in an area final.”
“For the next generation, Patsy would become the manager of Rathmullan’s schoolboy teams. Many a lunchtime break in St Joseph’s NS was enhanced by a rumour that training was at 4pm and ‘Patsy was going to be there’. The chance to impress instantly increased.”
A number of other clubs also paid tribute to Patsy on social media, with Kerrykeel 71 calling him a “…great football man which he passed on to many and who was always a presence at the Kerrykeel Summer Cups.”
Funeral arrangements for Patsy are as follows:
His remains are reposing at the family home in Rathmullan. Removal from there at 12.30pm on Sunday for 1pm Requiem Mass in St.Joseph’s Church, Rathmullan followed by interment in the adjacent Cemetery.
Rosary on Saturday night at 9pm. Family time from 10pm to 11am on Saturday and on the morning of the funeral.
Predeceased by his son Joseph and babies Patrick and Geraldine, brother Tommy, sister Lala.
Deeply regretted by his wife Claire, sons and daughters Roisin, Martin, Declan, Goretti, Eamonn, Paul, Patrick and Joan, daughters-in-law Paula, Marie, Rowena and Helena, Sister Ann Cullen and 13 Grandchildren.
Family flowers only please donations in lieu to Rathmullan Resource Centre c/o any family member or McElwee Funeral Directors.