Funeral of Offaly legend Padraig Horan remembers a "gentle giant" and "born leader"

Padraig Horan, the Offaly GAA legend who died this week was remembered at his funeral Mass this morning (Saturday) as "a gentle giant" and a "born leader" who lived a life of integrity, faith and service.

Padraig passed away on Wednesday, at the age of 76, following a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. His funeral Mass was celebrated in front of a large crowd at St Rynagh's Church, Banagher.

In 1981, he captained the county's senior hurlers to their first-ever All Ireland championship success, and went on to win a second All Ireland medal four years later.

"One of the best decisions made in Offaly hurling was to select Padraig Horan as captain in the late 1970s and early '80s," said the chief celebrant of the funeral Mass, Fr Pat Kiernan.

"He was a born leader, an outstanding player and an inspirational figure who led by example."

Fr Kiernan celebrated the Mass alongside four concelebrants who each had connections to Padraig and his family: Fr Pat Gilbert, Fr Eugene McLoughlin, Fr Sean Heaney and Fr Shay Casey.

In his homily, Fr Kieran referenced the title of an Oscar-winning film this year, One Battle After Another, and said this was a fitting description of the health challenges Padraig encountered in recent years.

"In the face of adversity, Padraig displayed the same determination, resilience, endurance, resolve, bravery, courage and fortitude that was an integral part of his sporting life," said the priest.

"In the face of illness, suffering, disappointment, pain and discomfort, Padraig kept battling. He never threw in the towel. For Padraig, there was always hope, always light at the end of the tunnel."

The proud St Rynagh's clubman was remembered as "a loving husband, a wonderful father, a caring grandfather and father-in-law, a kind brother, a loyal friend and a good neighbour".

"Padraig was a no-nonsense man, always straight and direct," said Fr Kiernan.

"He possessed the common touch. Honesty, integrity, dedication, leadership, fairness, strength, stamina, and service were the hallmarks of Padraig's life.

"He was a gentle giant of a man, with a kindness and warmth that made people safe and secure in his company.

"But once Padraig crossed the white line onto the playing field, that gentle giant became a fearless and formidable opponent, never taking a backward step.

"He was almost like a solar eclipse - the quiet, soft-spoken gentleman was eclipsed by a fearless spirit and a fierce determination that made him unmarkable and unstoppable."

Padraig Horan was born in Shannon Harbour on April 21, 1950, before his family moved during his childhood to Balliver.

After attending Shannon Harbour National School, St Rynagh's National School, and Banagher Vocational School, Padraig trained as a fitter with Bord na Mona before going on to college in Cathal Brugha Street in Dublin, where he graduated as a metalwork and technical drawing teacher in the summer of 1973.

His first teaching post was in Limerick, and seven years later he took up a position in St Brendan's Community School in Birr.

Mourners heard that, in 1987, Padraig took a three-year career break and moved to San Francisco, where he used his teaching skills in the construction industry, before returning to Birr in 1990 and retiring from his teaching career in the summer of 2009.

He married Carmel, the love of his life, in Templetuohy, Tipperary, in September 1977, and they welcomed a cherished daughter, Niamh, and beloved sons Shane, Cathal and Diarmuid.

Speaking about Padraig's playing days, Fr Kiernan quoted a friend and former teammate of his who said: "If you were going to war, or going to battle, Padraig Horan was the first man you would want behind you and beside you."

"Padraig never played a bad game - he never let his club or county down," said the priest.

"As captain, Padraig led Offaly to the promised land, winning their first Leinster title in 1980, and it went on to get better than that.

"A year later, a wonderful Offaly team captained by Padraig Horan climbed the Hogan Stand steps in Croke Park to lift the Liam MacCarthy cup for the first time.

"As captain, Padraig lifted the cup and made his speech, and we remember with joy and pride his opening words: 'It's great to be an Offaly man today, boy!'

"He won two All Ireland senior hurling medals, in 1981 and 1985, four Leinster championships, three Railway Cup medals, and an All Star in 1985."

Other honours during his playing career included ten Offaly senior championship wins with St Rynagh's, and three club provincial titles, as well as successes as a gaelic footballer with his club and at the under-21 intercounty grade.

Padraig Horan went on to achieve further success as a manager, at county, club and school levels, and also managed the Laois hurlers. He was inducted into the GAA Hall of Fame in 2017.

"He played for St Rynagh's and he played for his county, and that's all that mattered," said Fr Kiernan.

"He played with determination and a ferocity to win at all costs, and once the final whistle was blown, he parted in friendship with all opponents."

Mourners heard how, as a teacher at St Brendan's in Birr, Padraig was loved and respected by the staff and students. "He is fondly remembered as a kind teacher, easy to like and to admire, always ready to encourage, support, listen and advise," said Fr Kiernan.

A lifelong member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association, Padraig was a man of deep religious faith.

"He prayed the way he played - with total commitment, confidence and conviction," said Fr Kiernan.

"Today we give thanks to God for Padraig's life, his love, and his loyalty.

"It's our prayer and hope that Padraig is marching up the steps of Heaven today, where he will be presented with the cup of everlasting life in the company of Jesus, Mary, and all the angels and saints, and for one last time Padraig will be able to say: 'It's great to be an Offaly man, it's great to be a St Rynagh's man, in Heaven today'.

"Padraig had many glory days on earth. May his days be glorious now, in the highest Heavens.

"May his courageous, caring and committed spirit rest in peace; a true, and noble, Laochra Gael," concluded Fr Kiernan, to a warm round of applause in the church.

A family tribute from Padraig's son Cathal expressed gratitude for the "lifetime of love and loyalty" his father had given to his family.

"You were the lighthouse guiding us through life in calm and stormy waters," said Cathal. "While we are currently navigating through a storm like no other, we know we are safe, and we will get through this.

"You taught us, above all, family first, and instilled the love that will get us through this, no matter how difficult it may feel now," he added.

Burial took place afterwards in St Rynagh's cemetery.

May Padraig Horan rest in peace.