More than a club member, Paddy Doran's passing will leave a void in St Mary's Kiltoghert GAA Club

“Paddy was more than a club member, the club was a part of him. There was nothing Paddy would not do to ensure we all got the club he felt we deserved” are the words St Mary’s Kiltoghert GAA Club have used to describe the late Paddy Doran who tragically passed away on Saturday.

The popular Leitrim Village native and St Mary’s Kiltoghert club stalwart was tragically killed in an accident at the North West Dive Rally at Teelin in south west Donegal on Saturday, June 22, plunging the St Mary’s club and Carrick-on-Shannon into mourning. 

Paddy is survived by his Siobhán, children Emmet, Caoimhé and Evelyn, his mother Bridie, sisters Ann Marie, Dearbhla and Melissa and brothers James, Colm and Richard, his relatives and many, many friends. All at the Leitrim Observer would like to offer our condolences to Paddy's family and friends at this difficult time.

In a lovely tribute to Paddy, St Mary’s Kiltoghert wrote “Saint Mary’s Kiltoghert, the GAA, and the wider community, got the heartbreaking news of the untimely passing of a true Gael, loyal friend, and loving family man, Patrick (Paddy) Doran on Saturday. 

“Paddy was born in Sheafield with his brothers and sisters, Ann Marie, James, Colm, Richie, Dearbhla and Melissa, outside Leitrim Village, to Bridie and the late Jim Doran, another great Saint Mary’s Kiltoghert man. He received his education in Leitrim Village NS and Carrick on Shannon Vocational School before studying engineering at third level.

“Paddy married his childhood sweetheart, Siobhan Moran, Drumsna, and settled in Finisklin, Effrinagh, where they were blessed with three wonderful children Emmet, Caoimhe and Eibhlín. 

Paddy’s involvement with St Mary’s Kiltoghert goes right back to his childhood where he represented the club and won titles at every underage grade. He not only represented the club with distinction, but also represented Leitrim at U16, U18 and U21. His love of sport extended beyond football and he played hurling, soccer, basketball and athletics. 

“Paddy continued to play for St Mary’s Kiltoghert into adulthood, winning medals at intermediate and senior levels. He captained the intermediate winning team of 1995. He was also selector in 2000. One of Paddy's proudest achievements was that of player manager of the championship winning junior B team of 2006. There’s many a man around the county who still grimace at the mention of his name as they recall being on the receiving end of one of Paddy’s legendary shoulder tackles. 

“Like his father before him, Paddy’s role in the club extended beyond his playing days. He accepted numerous officer roles within the club, most noticeably that of PRO. During the dark days of covid, Paddy brought a ray of sunshine into our lives as he was pivotal in the live streaming of championship matches into our living rooms while games were played behind closed doors. Who could forget the “sideways stream” from Pairc Naomh Mhuire. He revelled in the teasing he got from that one!

“Always one for the underdog, Paddy ensured that the club always entered 3rd and 4th teams where possible and took on managerial positions to ensure their success. 

“Paddy was more than a club member, the club was a part of him. There was nothing Paddy would not do to ensure we all got the club he felt we deserved. From committees, to officer roles, to donning a high-vis vest to ensure everyone’s safety on match day, Paddy was always there. 

“His straight talking, no nonsense, man of action approach endeared him to all who met him. His sad passing leaves a void in our club and our lives which will never be replaced. 

We know our huge loss is shared with other clubs, especially Leitrim Gaels, with whom Paddy shared a wide circle of friends. 

Words cannot describe the heartbreak we feel for his loving wife Siobhan, his children Emmet Caoimhe, and Eibhlín, his mother Bridie, his brothers, sisters, extended family, neighbours  and many many friends, and to you all, we extend our deepest sympathies. 

Arrangements to follow. 

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”