Mayo soccer laments the passing of Westport's Padraic Kelly
The death has occurred of Padraic Kelly, Parnell Court, Golf Course Road, Westport.
The deceased was widely known and respected throughout the Mayo soccer world through his long association with Westport United FC.
Popularly known 'Lawton' after the legendary English football star Tommy Lawton, with whom he corresponded for some years, he served as groundsman at the Sports Park for many seasons, keeping the grounds in impeccable shape for games at all levels.
Before matches, he invariably made point of extending a warm welcome to visiting teams and supporters.
He possessed a great love of Westport United and had a wonderful recollection of epic cup matches and outstanding players from the past.
Padraic represented the club with great distinction at Mayo League club delegates meetings over the years.
His proudest day in football was June 19, 2005, when United lifted the FAI Junior Cup at Buckley Park, Kilkenny, defeating Waterford Crystal 2-0 in the final.
He was one of the town's great characters and he often jokingly boasted how he was the first person ever from Westport to view Match of the Day on BBC TV, having travelled over 20 miles to Balla to watch the highlights programme shortly after the central Mayo town became the first in the county to introduce a TV deflector system!
Paying tribute to him today, Councillor Brendan Mulroy said the deceased was a pillar of the soccer community in Westport for a number of decades.
“He will be hugely missed at all Westport United activities, such was his involvement in all aspects of the club.
"His passing represents the end of an era in many respects,” he added.
Padraic is sadly missed by his wife Bridie, daughters Geraldine and Marion, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister Eileen, extended family, relatives and friends, to whom sympathy is tendered.
Funeral Mass takes place on Monday in St. Mary's Church, Westport, at 11 a.m. with burial afterwards in Aughavale Cemetery.
The Mass will be live streamed on www.churchtv.ie/westport.
Due to HSE guidelines Padraic's funeral will be private to family members only.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.