Aughawillan & Leitrim GAA mourn passing of legend Patsy Prior

Aughawillan and Leitrim GAA are in mourning after the news that legendary player and manager Patsy Prior has passed away, the news released by Aughawillan GAA Club on their Facebook page.

In a stellar playing career, Patsy won nine Leitrim Senior Championship titles - six with Ballinamore Sean O'Heslins and three more with Aughawillan after they were reformed in the early seventies before going on to lead the club as manager to some of their greatest days in their history, including a fabled three in a row from 1992 to 1994, during which time Patsy guided Aughawillan to two Connacht Senior Club Final appearances.

Patsy also played County football with Leitrim and spoke fondly of his time playing with the great Packy McGarty who he rated as the greatest footballer Leitrim has ever produced.

In a heartfelt statement released on Facebook, Aughawillan GAA said "It is with deep sadness that everyone in Aughawillan GAA learned of the passing of our Club President, Patsy Prior. Patsy was more than a supporter of Aughawillan – he was one of its great servants. His involvement with the club spanned decades, through good times and difficult ones, and his commitment never wavered.

"From his own playing days to his leadership and guidance off the field, Patsy gave tirelessly to ensure that our club and our community continued to thrive. One of the proudest chapters in our history came under Patsy’s leadership, when he guided Aughawillan through a truly golden era – including the unforgettable achievement of a historic three-in-a-row Leitrim Senior Championships. Those moments will forever be part of the story of our club, and Patsy’s name will always be closely linked with them.

"Patsy was immensely proud of his own remarkable playing career, having won eight senior championships in total – six with Ballinamore Seán Ó Heslins and two with Aughawillan – an achievement that meant a great deal to him and to everyone who knew his love for the game.

"Above all, Patsy was a gentleman. He was respected by players, mentors, volunteers and supporters alike – always generous with his time, steady in his advice and passionate about everything that made Aughawillan special.

"We also remember with great pride the strong family connection to the club, and the joy Patsy shared seeing his daughter Regina and sons, Peter and Patrick, wear the blue and yellow and celebrate success with their teammates.

"On behalf of everyone in Aughawillan GAA Club, we extend our deepest sympathy to Patsy’s family, friends and loved ones.
May his dedication, leadership and love for the club never be forgotten. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."

On behalf of the Leitrim Observer, we extend our deepest sympathy to Patsy's family and his many friends on their great loss. May Patsy Rest In Peace.

The full death notice from RIP.ie is as follows: The death has occurred of Patsy Prior, Lecken, Aughawillan, Leitrim - Thursday 19th February 2026, peacefully at Cavan General Hospital after a short illness. Pre-deceased by his wife Eileen, sisters Roseanne (Reilly) & Mary (McBrien), and his brothers Frank, Jack & Peter.

Patsy will be sadly missed by his sons Peter & Patrick, daughter Regina, son-in-law Barry, daughter-in-law Karen, sister-in-law Maureen McCabe, brother-in-law Oliver (& Maureen) Kellegher, grandchildren Jack, Matthew, Sophie & Danny, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours & friends.

Patsy was the current president of the Aughawillan GAA Club and will be fondly remembered in GAA circles in Co. Leitrim and far beyond.

Rest in Peace

Reposing at Smiths Funeral Home, High St., Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim, N41 TD62, this Friday evening, 20th February, from 6pm until 8pm and at his home in Aughawillan on Saturday 21st from 3pm until 6pm

Removal on Sunday morning, February 22, from his home, to arrive at St. Patrick’s Church, Aughawillan for Funeral Mass at 12:30pm. Followed by burial in Aughawillan new cemetery.

Funeral Mass may be viewed on line at www.churchtv.ie/aughawillan