A TRUE LEGEND PASSES AWAY

Tributes to Galway man Padraig Colohan have flooded in since his death at the end of April

of the society for over 30 years. Padraig was Vice President of GAGS and played off a handicap of 8 until recently. He won everything including ‘Golfer of the Year’ and the ‘Matchplay Championship’ multiple times. He is the current Champion Golfer of the Year with GAGS, which is some feat at the age of 80.

“Over the years we became very good friends - I would go as far as to say that he was one of the most decent people that I have ever met. I attended Padraig’s 80th birthday party last August and could see the joy in his eyes when surrounded by his family and beloved grandchildren. I was shocked when I first heard the news that Padraig had taken ill and devastated when it became apparent that he wasn’t going to make it. Padraig will be sadly missed by GAGS and everyone who knew him, he had a way about him that will leave a lasting impression on all of us.”

Brian Mulry (Treasurer) spoke about Padraig’s love for his home county:

“A long-standing member and supporter of the Galway Association Golf Society, Padraig had a great grá for his native Galway. He was one of life’s gentlemen, both on and off the golf course. He’ll be sadly missed, God rest his gentle soul.”

PADRAIG Colohan, a man who has been called “the heart and soul” of St Gabriel’s Hurling Club, died at the end of April aged 80.

From Coolea, Ahascaragh, Co. Galway, Padraig fulfilled many roles at St Gabriel’s from player to secretary and chairperson.

Aside from his love for hurling, Padraig was a keen golfer and a stalwart of the Galway Association Golfing Society (GAGS)

Pat McDonagh, the president of GAGS said: “Padraig’s support for his beloved golf society the GAGS knew no bounds. His sharp wit together with his enormous energy for the sport he enjoyed and played so well is what we shall all remember him for. A true gentleman and a great Galwegian who will be sadly missed. May he RIP.”

Michael Roche, captain of the club echoed that sentiment, saying: “Padraig Colohan was an integral member of the Galway Association Golf society and an incredibly generous sponsor since its inception. He was an affable character and seemed to know every GAA club in Ireland and some of their members.”

Michael Keary (Secretary) expressed the shock and sadness on hearing about Padraig’s death. “All of us at GAGS were shocked and saddened by the sad news of Padraig’s passing. He was a big character at our golf events and his generosity was enjoyed by so many people not just our society. Family members, friends, neighbours and business associates, he’d always have an entourage of guests at our monthly outings where he’d insist their hands were kept in their pockets. He had a great sense of humour, there was never a dull moment when Padraig was around, but at the same time, fiercely competitive on the course, which is evident by his hoard of accolades and trophies won playing Golf with GAGS over the last 30 years.”

Chairman Tom Moroney echoed those sentiments, saying: “Padraig was a true Galwegian with a passionate love of sport, whether it was Golf, Gaelic Foosullinball or Hurling he was able to hold his own on all codes. He knew his sport and his record as a player on the GAA field speaks for itself.

“Like most GAA people once the legs start to get heavy, they throw their hand at golf, Padraig was no different and after his GAA playing career came golf. He became an accomplished golfer and a brilliant supporter of the GAGS. He always gave great encouragement and brought and entourage of friends, new members and guests to our monthly outings and annual tours.

“We recently got the GAGS champion golfer for 2022 engraved on the Cup and to no surprise its Padraig’s name that was put on it.

“Padraig was a brilliant character, great to be around, but he never craved the limelight. He won his way onto many of our event podiums but to get him to say a few words was stretching it, he preferred to stay low key but to us he was right at the forefront of our society.

“He had an amazing thirst for knowledge and a memory like Jimmy McGee. He knew everyone and everyone knew him. If there was anything needing doing, he would go about it quietly and rest assured it would be done.

Pat Keary (Life President) knew him since the 1960s, and really got to know him through GAGS from its foundation in July 1992. “He was an incredible and generous supporter

Joe O’Halloran (Vice Chairman) added: “I knew Padraig for 60 years. In fact he was one of the first people I met when I first arrived in the UK. We have remained close friends ever since. I will really miss Padraig as he was a real Gentleman and particularly for our weekly chat after mass every Sunday morning. RIP my dear friend.”

Mick Corcoran (Vice President) said: “I have known Padraig for more than 40 years. We are in a similar type of business and we would meet at Ruislip and at Croke Park for the matches. He had a great knowledge of the game in general and knew the players from every village and county. We would also meet at the golf outings with GAGS each month where Padraig was a great competitor and a very good golfer to have on your team. He would encourage you to play well and would also remind you that it was your turn to get a par.”

Dave O’Sullivan, assistant Treasurer added, “I met Padraig 26 years ago at a GAGS golf day. Over the years we had some great banter and at every golf day there was always a £5 bet on the go. Padraig was a top golfer, great company and fiercely competitive, he was a humble man, generous to a fault and loved nothing more than providing for his friends and family. We will miss him terribly.”

Padraig is survived by his wife Marie, his son Paul and his daughters Karen and Rachel.