The Breffni Player group has paid tribute to a stalwart member Pat Reid — 'a truly unique man who wore many hats and wore them all with kindness,
humour and integrity'.
The late Mr Reid, of Belmont Heights, Drumsna, Co.
Leitrim and formerly Drimnagh, Dublin passed away on December 24th at Sligo University Hospital.
His death notices on RIP.ie read: "Pre-deceased by his parents Kathleen and Joe Reid. Pat will be sadly missed by all who knew him. He will be remembered with love by his neighbours, friends and work colleagues".
Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday 29th December at 11o’clock with cremation afterwards in Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan at 2:30 o’ clock.
The Breffni Players group noted that Pat was many things to many people including a cherished son and a comedian "with his razor-sharp wit and impeccable comic timing".
He was also a respected and trusted Peace Commissioner.
A car enthusiast, he had a legendary love of unusual and historic cars — including Norman Wisdom’s car and even a car that once appeared in the stage musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for no other reason that it might come in useful some day.
Pat was also an antique enthusiast, travelling the length and breadth of the country collecting the rarest of treasures.
In particular, Pat was a community stalwart, and a deeply active and valued member of Drumsna, Breffni Players outlined.
As Knight of the Columbus , Pat gave of his time and kindness to those in need without looking for any recognition.
The tribute noted he left a lasting impression on all who crossed his path in life. "Above all, Pat was a gentleman".
"A loyal member and former secretary of The Breffni Players, Pat gave endlessly of his time, wisdom and encouragement. He had a gift for seeing the humour in life — even when times were difficult — and he shared that gift freely. He never sought attention, yet his presence lit up any room. His one-liners, observations and stories were legendary, and his generosity of spirit never went unnoticed," Sinéad Quinn, wrote in a tribute on behalf of The Breffni Players.
"Pat’s theatre legacy is rich and varied. He appeared memorably in Barefoot in the Park, played Con Sweeney in Philadelphia, Here I Come!, brought warmth and wit as the gardener in Tons of Money, and directed 'Out With a Whisper' for the Boyle Arts Festival in 2019.
"Pat’s talent shone particularly brightly in his portrayal of the landlord in 'Can I Make Love to My Girlfriend?' by local playwright Wayne Denniston. In that role, Pat struck a rare and beautiful balance — delivering the character with equal measures of humour and pathos. He brought warmth, depth and quiet humanity to the part, drawing laughter while also touching hearts in ' Auld Horny another play' by Wayne It was a performance that showed Pat at his very best: sensitive, insightful and effortlessly authentic.
"Pat took on the role as the handy man in Last Tango in Grimley by David Tristram (2007) for the One-Act Festivals, He directed Last Panto (2016) in which he also played the role of the Caretaker to an absolute T-.warm and natural in his understated acting style.
"Pat was the kind of man people turned to for advice, guidance and reassurance. He was astute, perceptive, and a wonderful judge of character. Never one to burden others with his own worries, he instead made it his mission to brighten someone else’s day — and he succeeded, time and again," the tribute outlined.
"We are deeply grateful for the laughter, the friendship and the kindness Pat gave so freely. He showed us that humour and humanity go hand in hand, and that generosity of spirit is a life well lived.
"With his easy banter, quick wit and warm presence, Pat had an instinctive gift for lifting spirits and brightening even the dullest of days. Time spent in his company always felt lighter.
"Thank you, Pat, for the joy you brought into our lives," the tribute added.
