Offaly GAA in mourning following death of All-Ireland winning captain
Offaly GAA is in mourning following the death of hurling icon Padraig Horan who died peacefully, surrounded by his family, at St. James's Hospital, Dublin, today (Wednesday).
The St Rynagh's club player was the first player to captain an Offaly hurling team to win an All-Ireland senior title in 1981, playing a leader's role and scoring two points from his full forward position during the Faithful County's historic victory over Galway.
Horan was also part of the Offaly team which regained the Liam McCarthy Cup in 1985, once again defeating Galway to claim All-Ireland senior hurling honours.
His playing career was the subject of TG4's Laochra Gael series, the popular documentary which profiles legendary figures who have graced the fields of Gaelic games.
Admired for his determination and influence both on and off the field, the former Banagher College teacher remains one of Offaly’s most respected hurling figures.
Horan played the game fearlessly, doing all he could to overcome any challenges that came his way on the field but in recent years, off the field, he had been battling a much different challenge, Parkinson's Disease.
In recognition of his Laochra Gael appearance, family members and friends of the former Offaly hurling captain gathered in Banagher College to celebrate his sporting achievements when the episode aired in February of this year.
Padraig is pre-deceased by his father Thomas, mother Josephine, brothers Anthony and Raymond, sister Claire, and brothers-in-law Jim Ryan and Joe Considine.
He will be missed by his devoted wife Carmel; his cherished daughter Niamh; his beloved sons Shane, Cathal and Diarmuid; son-in-law Anthony; daughter-in-law Sarah; his treasured grandchildren Willow and Eli; his brother Alo and sister Lelia; his brother-in-law and sisters-in-law; nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
Padraig will repose at Banagher Community Centre (R42 FP74) on Friday evening from 4pm to 5.45pm and again from 6pm to 7pm.
Funeral Mass on Saturday morning at 11am in St. Rynagh's Church Banagher, with burial afterwards in St. Rynagh's cemetery.
May he rest in peace.