Paddy Noonan's passing caused great sadness in Ardfinnan and throughout Tipperary

When the news filtered through of the death of Paddy Noonan, Clogharden, Ardfinnan, there was sadness and disbelief throughout the three local parishes and Tipperary GAA.

While his illness was known, his passing still came with a sense of shock to the community.

Paddy, a hugely popular figure in the community, was a lifelong GAA supporter and was a past player, club administrator for 33 years and a steward at Semple Stadium in Thurles.

He served as an umpire for club referees Willie Barrett, Derek O’Mahoney and Martin Doyle, and it is fair to say he officiated at most county grounds throughout the country and enjoyed many a trip to Croke Park. He was also a tireless community worker.

Paddy went to school in Ardfinnan National School and began playing football for Ardfinnan NS, always lining out as goalkeeper. In 1969 Paddy had progressed and established himself as goalkeeper on Ardfinnan’s minor football team and played a key role in the team’s South Minor Championship success that year when they defeated Clonmel Commercials in the south final by two points.

In 1971 Ardfinnan won the South Minor Football Championship and went on to win the county minor title for only the third time in the club’s history, with Paddy an ever-present and dependable goalkeeper.

He went on to play Under 21 football for the club before becoming a club administrator, serving as club secretary in 1989 for a period of thirteen years, and at the time of his death was joint treasurer for the previous twenty years.

Paddy also represented the club at South and County Football Board level.

In the club field he played a leading role, always having it ready for games, and he operated the scoreboard.

In 2022, a reunion of the 1971 County Minor-winning panel and selectors was held in Cahir House Hotel and Paddy received a huge ovation as he accepted his award. Indeed, he attended every club function over the years.

Paddy would always spend his Sunday nights at John and Ann Cummins’ household, where everything GAA would be discussed in detail.

Paddy was also an outstanding community worker, helping out in St Vincent de Paul, Tidy Towns, Community Alert and the local school.

He received a Canon Hayes Volunteer award in 2019 for his service to the community, and more recently was awarded a Tipperary County Council Volunteer Award by Chairman Michael Anglim.

Paddy’s other great contribution was to Ardfinnan Church, where he attended Mass on a regular basis, and he could be found working in the office almost daily, ensuring everything was prepared for church activities.

Fr Michael Toomey, in his beautiful and fitting tribute to him at the funeral mass, outlined his contribution to the church, stating “if every parish had a Paddy Noonan the world would be a much richer and better place”, and he referred to him as “The Mayor of Ardfinnan”.

Paddy was a lifelong pioneer, taking part in many pioneer quizzes throughout the country. Together with his team of Richie Mahoney, Christy Burke and Joan O’Neill, they won many awards and Paddy’s knowledge of past and present ensured they were regular winners.

Aidan McNamara, Ardfinnan GAA secretary, outlined his contribution to the club over a long number of years at the funeral mass.

It was fitting that Paddy lay in repose at the same club grounds that he looked after so well before his final journey.

He was accorded a huge guard of honour by club players, past and present, and the club committee, as his coffin was carried over the bridge by his former club officers. Outside the local national school, staff and school children lined both sides of the road at his removal and burial, in a moving tribute.

Paddy was a humble man who did everything in a discreet way. He could always take part in any conversation but never looked for plaudits.

He was a legend of the GAA club and community, whose contribution to the club will always be remembered and it fair to say there will never be another Paddy Noonan.

We express our sympathy to Paddy’s family including his niece Valerie, nephews Noel and Michael, grand-nephew, grand-nieces, cousins, extended family and friends.