Tributes paid to hugely popular late Athlone Garda
A series of warm tributes have been paid to the late Pat Byrne, a retired member of An Garda Síochána from Valleycourt, Athlone, who passed away on Wednesday, January 17.
Pat's Requiem Mass took place in St Anthony’s Franciscan Church on Saturday, January 20 followed by burial afterwards in Coosan Cemetery.
Buccaneers RFC Athlone has paid tribute to the late local man with all involved with the club expressing their deep regret over his passing.
"Pat was a staunch Buccaneers supporter who took great pride in the input and achievements of his family at the club. Sons Paul, Sean and Ruairi all played with distinction at the club with the latter being last season’s Senior Player of the Year. Their playing tradition is being carried on by his grandchildren including Kyle, Buccs U-17s captain this season. That squad is coached by Paul who is also current head coach at the Athlone club," said Buccaneers RFC.
Buccaneers noted that Pat was also a very active member of the old squash section of the club at Keane Park.
"His presence and encouragement on the terraces at matches will be missed by all at Buccaneers. But, of course, his greatest loss will be to his family especially to wife Liz," said the club.
"Heartfelt condolences are extended to Liz, daughters Sharon and Lisa, sons Paul, Sean and Ruairi and the wider Byrne and Fagan families. May the Lord grant Pat eternal rest.
"The Buccaneers senior squad formed a guard of honour as the funeral cortege arrived at St Anthony’s Franciscan Church where the club’s U-17 players formed a guard of honour after the requiem mass."
Pat's son Paul is head coach of the Buccaneers senior team and the kick-off time of their match against Garryowen last Saturday was delayed due to Pat's funeral. A minute’s silence was also observed before the match in memory of Pat.
Youth Work Ireland Midlands Athlone also offered their sincere sympathies to the Byrne family.
The local branch of the youth organisation stated: “Pat had an incredible positive impact on the lives of young people in Athlone through his dedicated involvement in all aspects of youth work for many years.”
In an online tribute, a former colleague in what was then known as Midland Regional Youth Service said that Pat “played a huge role in the youth service in Athlone”.
Others referred to his natural community spirit, evidenced by his involvement in a multitude of activities in the Valleycourt area.
Garda colleagues also paid full tribute to their former colleague, who was remembered as someone strongly committed to and passionate about his job and to helping those who found themselves in difficulty.
Pat was an active member of the local community and helped to organise Garda dinner dances and was on the committee for St Jude's Training Centre, Athlone.
He also regularly volunteered with the Samaritans in Athlone.
Pat's Requiem Mass took place in St Anthony’s Franciscan Church on Saturday, January 20 followed by burial afterwards in Coosan Cemetery.
Pat was predeceased by his parents Gerard and Margaret Byrne. He is sadly missed by his loving wife Liz, daughters Sharon and Lisa (Hanlon), sons Paul, Sean and Ruairi, his brothers and sisters and the Fagan family, son-in-law Liam, daughters-in-law Imogen, Ally and Chris, his adored grandchildren Kalem, Roan, Kyle, Emily, Oliver, Rhea, Lucy, Ollie, Fiadh, Caolán and Sophia, in-laws, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours, former colleagues and many friends.
May he rest in peace.