TO LEARN of any death 'with sadness' can often have a repetitive ring; that of Pádraig Cunnane on Saturday evoked a countywide, and beyond, wave of appreciation for one who left this earth after a lifetime of unselfish service to family, profession and the GAA.

One of oh so gentle a disposition has left a legacy which will be shared not only by widow Bernie and family, but a generation of students, a huge GAA community which he served so well, and other 'strays' like myself for whom he made at least one facet of our lives enriched.

Padraig spoke, and indeed wrote of Tullow Community School, and the GAA in general, with a concealed passion; he seldom given to extremes of emotion, yet delighting in the deeds of the school and St. Patrick's GAA club with which he played.

He was a willing promoter of all in which he was involved, favouring me (and the Nationalist in those years), with season after season of meticulous reports of Community School matches; victories which were in part tailored by his gentle management and tactical nous.

His CV in that respect will be assembled by those with records to hand, but for me two dates illuminate his devotion to football – the '72 all-Ireland Inter-County Vocational Schools victory by Carlow, and twenty years on when his 'own' team won the national title.

His reporting would have merited entry to the NUJ, and even when Tullow VS (later CS) were on the receiving end, the delivery was still consistent, and never couched in protective terms but always objective – credit where it was deserved.

A native of Co. Mayo, Padraig arrived in Carlow in 1960, and after a year in the capital's vocational school was appointed to the staff in Tullow, and with his arrival was born a new interest in school's competition. Indeed, his drive has had a knock-on effect elsewhere, for the school has embraced many sports and with considerable success, if not on the park then in developing an appreciation for it among pupils.

Many fondly recall his 'arrival' in Tullow in a red Volkswagen, and although the changed the wheels many times since, he never changed the wonderful sense of awareness and appreciation for his new school and town, nor they for him.

Padraig met every challenge with an enthusiasm too many leaders lack, and it brought him to Co. GAA Board vice-chairman, its Irish and Youth Officer, chairman of Coisde na nOg, a selector for the Carlow team which reached the Leinster under 21 football final in '84. He also was a senior football selector in the '80s.

He was the St. Patrick's GAA club chairman also, and if memory serves was involved in that club's county IFC success in the early '70s.

Awards he thought lightly of, yet could not avoid reception of the local Hall of Fame two years back, a county outstanding achievement recognition, and if I recall correctly a Cumann na Iarbunscoileanna award also. Many of far lesser contribution will doubtlessly be listed and should be honoured to be on the same page as one PC.

Padraig and Bernie contributed immeasurably to the development of the local school, the community and the GAA, and may I add that even his family may never fully realise the impact he has had on so many lives, and the sense of responsibility and community he imparted to those under his care.

Imagine, if every school and club just had one Padraig Cunnane.

Condolences are too often offered ritually, but his family may believe sympathies will arrive in tearful recognition. To Bernie, Donnaca, Niall, Padraig and Cliona, believe Padraig dug a very deep hole in many a heart, and influenced many a mind.

- P.D.