Kerry's "chosen ones" (a code word for our county footballers going back to the great days of the 70's and 80's) and often referred to outside the county as "the Princes of Gaelic Football" (a value also passionately but secretly held within the county as well) were marked down for another examination. Would they be up for it, had they really improved since Meath last year and more to the point was the performance against Cork the inevitable consequences of difficult circumstances outside their control. All questions and no answer....
At the same time at the Listowel District Hospital a final examination of much greater significance was unfolding for Paddy Scanlon - a truly great human being, local legend, a man esteemed and respected in football circles throughout North Kerry. No need for any searching questions. Our 'Grand Marshal' and one of Tarbert's own chosen sons could and would meet his Maker with his customary humility and no little confidence. In the minds and hearts of those of us privileged to know him he had graduated from the school of life with top class honours - that type of graduation that most of us can only dream about.
As the current crop of green and gold heroes was raising flags in Thurles,
Paddy raised his own final flag , against the peaceful backdrop of a
celestial anthem, playing we suspect to the air of his beloved 'Noreen
Bawn'. He faced his final test with the courage, the pride and the dignity
that was synonymous with this giant of a man from the Lower Road.
He maybe best remembered for his many sporting attributes and not least
of which will be for his proud "cradle to the grave." association
with the GAA especially at local level. As his beloved Tarbert GAA club
approaches its centenary, Paddy Scanlon's contribution to its successes,
on and off the pitch, over his seventy-two years is incalculable. The
following milestones come quickly to mind and are testimony to his love
and passion for Gaelic football: -
|
|
His exploits with the Lower Road in the parish leagues of old. |
|
|
His "never say die" attitude in his beloved red and black of Tarbert as player, selector, chairman and vice-president - to mention just a few of the roles he featured in during his life long commitment to the parish. |
|
|
His unique contribution when he went on "loan" to Clounmacon GFC and helped them to win the Listowel parish league in 1950 |
|
|
His displays as an outstanding corner back with North Kerry in many a county championship encounter, |
|
|
His putting on of the green and gold jersey of his native Kerry- the ultimate accolade of every young lad or lass who ever kicked a ball in anger or otherwise. |
One such sporting achievement worth recalling that sets him apart from
many of his peers - in that he is a member of a very unique club of
'football greats' who have won both minor and senior North Kerry championship
medals in the same year. This great honour fell to Paddy in 1948 at
the tender young age of eighteen and another milestone was achieved
for the Lower Road football nursery.
For many others fond memories will feature around: -
| His ability as a card player and the odd friendly exchange of views in the many local 41 card games | |
| His role as the Master of Ceremonies at many a Lower Road night out over the years. | |
| His love of nature, farming and looking after his garden - this man was at home with the soil as he was in any company. | |
| His forthright views on many issues but especially on how the Tarbert GAA club was developing- indeed Paddy was never a man to stand back for a good argument. Tarbert GAA agm's, we can safely say, will never be the same again. | |
| His leadership qualities were never more pronounced than these were last year when despite failing health he lead the 2001 New Year's Eve parade in what we locals affectionately refer to as " Beating out the auld Year" |
His sister Josie, his extended family of nieces, nephews grand nephews, grandnieces, cousins and many relatives will no doubt experience a great void with his passing but can feel justifiably proud of the deep respect and esteem the wider community held for him.
In Paddy's magnificent kitchen- one that should be subject to its own
preservation order- the walls are adorned with some magical old photographs
that would keep many a football enthusiast and local historian enthralled
for hours. One that caught my eye on a recent visit was of Tarbert man
Tommy O'Hanlon, as the captain of the victorious Kerry minor team, accepting
the All-Ireland trophy in 1962,from Archbishop Morris on the steps of
the old Hogan Stand at Croke Park. Paddy too had his heroes and somehow
you intuitively knew one such hero would always be 'one of our own'.
Paddy Scanlon we could all learn from you.
|
May the soil at Kilnaughtin
rest gently upon you |