Funeral of ‘a true Offaly hurling legend’ to be held on Saturday

The funeral of the former All Ireland-winning Offaly hurling captain Padraig Horan, who died on Wednesday at the age of 76, will take place in St Rynagh's Church tomorrow (Saturday) at 11am.

The Banagher man passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, at St James's Hospital, Dublin, following a long battle with Parkinson's Disease.

A Faithful County GAA icon, Padraig made history when captaining the Offaly hurlers to their maiden Liam MacCarthy Cup success in 1981, scoring two points in the team's win over Galway. The St Rynagh's club player was also part of the Offaly team which regained the Liam MacCarthy Cup in 1985, once again defeating Galway to claim All-Ireland senior hurling honours.

Describing him as a "true legend", Offaly GAA said it was "only fitting" that Padraig Horan was captain for that historic All-Ireland breakthrough in 1981.

"Over a long and illustrious career, Padraig had seen as much defeat as any player and in fact was in the twilight of his career when that famous day arrived," said the county board's tribute.

During a distinguished career with Offaly, Padraig won two All-Ireland senior hurling medals (1981 and '85), three Leinster senior championship medals (1981, '84 and '85) as well as Walsh Cup and Railway Cup medals.

On the club scene, he won ten Offaly senior hurling championship medals, between 1968 and 1981, including a "record-equalling five in a row" from 1972-76, captaining the side on two occasions, in 1974 and 1981.

Offaly GAA also referenced his achievements in a managerial capacity, citing his success with both the U21 and senior hurling teams in 1991 and 1992.

During this time, Padraig Horan "guided the county to its only National League success in May 1991, while the U21s won two provincial titles in that period".

He also guided Birr to All-Ireland club glory in 1995, with "an emphatic win" over Dunloy of Antrim after a replay.

In recognition of his playing and managerial achievements with Offaly, Padraig was inducted into the Offaly GAA Hall of Fame in 2006 and the GAA Hall of Fame in 2017.

"Our deepest sympathies go to his wife Carmel, daughter Niamh, sons Shane, Cathal and Diarmuid, extended family, St Rynagh’s GAA club, and his many friends," said Offaly GAA.

His club, St Rynagh's, offered its "thoughts and prayers" to Padraig's family and his many friends. As a mark of respect to the Horan family, St Rynagh's has cancelled all activities at the club today (Friday) and Saturday.

St Brendan's Community School in Birr, where Horan served as a teacher, said he "enriched the lives of countless students and colleagues" over many years.

"His contribution to our school and wider community will long be remembered, and his legacy will endure in the many lives he touched," the school said.

The story of Padraig Horan's involvement in the GAA was told earlier this year in an episode of TG4's Laochra Gael, the popular documentary series which profiles legendary figures in Gaelic games.

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 predeceased 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.

Following his funeral mass, Padraig will be laid to rest in St Rynagh's cemetery.

As Padraig Horan's death notice put it, he was "one of a kind" and was "loved beyond measure".

May he rest in peace.