TRIBUTES have been paid to Lenadoon man Paddy Elliott who passed away on Monday.
Paddy was the husband of the late Sally and father to Pearse, Eamonn, Brendan, Kevin, Sean, Sarah and Ciara. He died in hospital surrounded by his family.
A life-long republican and Gael, his son Pearse led tributes to his father on social media.
“He ran his race and fought the good fight,” wrote Pearse. “Every day was a life lived and on his own unique terms with our father Paddy Elliott who has passed one day before his 83rd birthday.
“He hurled into his 50s and won an All-Ireland silver doubles handball championship with Johnnsy Dempsey after a quadruple by-pass. According to those that would know, he was unbeatable on the cobbles and gable walls at street handball with Young Turks twenty years younger than him because he had a kill shot that would hit the last brick in the gable wall."
Pearse said that his father was famed for his wit.
He added: “He treated prince and pauper exactly the same. He was a proud Falls Road man and in his later life when he moved there, an equally proud Lenadoon man. He believed in young people, and gave a hurl, pigeon or ferret to keep them on the even keel. His true love was pigeons all his life and he was with his birdies until his last days.
“He will be missed by many people from all different walks of life but most of all us his children. And at the heels of the hunt, his family were there with him every waking moment of his final journey. He used to say to me ‘Quare funeral today Pearse?’ And I'd say, ‘Some turn out alright Da' and he'd catch me every time, ‘Wait to ye see mine...’ We will Paddy... love ye' Da!”
Lámh Dhearg GAC paid their own tribute to Paddy Elliott.
“We regret to inform you that Paddy Elliot father of popular members Brendan, Kevin and Sean and grandfather of juveniles Jude, Paddy and Aoibhìn has sadly passed away.
“Paddy was an absolute gentleman, a character and a committed Gael who enjoyed a distinguished career with Dwyers. He was a fervent and positive supporter of his sons and the club during the '80s and '90s.
“Paddy’s charismatic and upbeat personality always enriched our side-lines and many club events. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad and difficult time."
Paddy’s remains will leave his late residence at 9.15am on Friday to arrive at St Oliver Plunkett Church for 10am Requiem Mass. Burial to follow in Milltown Cemetery.
