Described as an “Armagh man through and through”, and one who did so much to inspire and nurture young GAA players for more than 30 years, tributes have been paid following the passing of local legend, Paddy McGleenon.
Originally from Tassagh and later Lurgan, he passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, after a period of illness.
For over three decades, he had been the secretary of the former North Armagh GAA Board.
His passing on Tuesday has left family, friends and the entire GAA community mourning a man who meant so much to so many and whose influence will be felt for many, many years to come.
Close friend Gerry Cunningham, an acclaimed writer and member of the popular group More Power to Your Elbow, recalled joking with Paddy McGleenon that he had orange blood running through his veins, such was his devotion to – and love of – the Orchard County and Gaelic games.
Gerry, the chair of County Armagh’s Clonmore Robert Emmetts GFC, paid an emotional tribute on social media after being told by Tommy Rodgers, another great Armagh Gael and close friend, that Paddy had passed away.
He described him as a man “with a quiet presence”, who “spoke when he had to, contributed when needed but judged no one and made decisions for the best of all”.
Recalling how their paths had crossed many years and how they had remained firm friends ever since, Gerry wrote: “I first met Pat when he was secretary of the now defunct North Armagh GAA Board as it is now, merged with the mid and south into an all county set up.
“Pat was meticulous in his approach to all things that I had the comfort of sharing with him. His minuting of meetings, his advice on delicate matters, his understanding of all things GAA told me here was a man that oozed class, ability and understanding that only few possess. Words of wisdom often permeated from Pat during difficult debates and resonating in a world where parochialism was a huge factor.
“Pat never showed favour but offered reasonable solutions to often seemingly impossible situations.
“As our friendship grew Pat approached me to enquire if I would be interested in taking on the coaching role of the north Armagh under-14 development squad. Being involved with coaching at all levels with both school and club, I thought about it for a while and finally gave in to a man whose persuasive talent could tell a man to go to hell and at the same time look forward to the journey.
“And so for the next 23 years I embarked on a journey with Pat, at the helm for 12 of them, until his ability to give of his best due to health etc saw him exit the stage.
“Every Wednesday night and Sunday morning Pat would be there 20 minutes before me with his clipboard, footballs cones, all the necessary ingredients to coach the eager young Gaelic players from North Armagh. All the administration was carried out by Pat – procuring pitches from clubs in an already overcrowded schedule, informing clubs re: the venue and players needed, organising the inter county and in county matches.
“Pat would always say to me, you take care of the football and I’ll look after the rest. And the rest he did without fuss or without fashion. A man of deeds not words. How proud was he when we won the Burren tournament, beating the whole of county Louth in the final. He was an Armagh man through and through. I used to laugh and say, ‘Pat, you bleed orange’. And so he did, he definitely did.
“As time wore the coffee shop replaced the football pitch and from time to time along with Tommy Rodgers, a friend of both Pat and I, we would meet to put all the ills of the GAA to right. One of our happiest took place after the great All-Ireland win of 2024. We three bathed in glory as if we had played ourselves, but Tommy (who also coached with me for a number of years) Pat and I looked proudly as we counted the number of young players on that team who had passed through our hands.
“We were to meet recently but unfortunately Pat’s health took a turn for the worse and sadly on Tuesday 11th August my great friend and mentor had moved up to that place above. For a man whose career as an air traffic controller guided many through the skies, he now allowed the good Lord to take him through those same skies on to his ultimate heavenly home.
“In a short period of time where Armagh has lost three great Gaels (and no doubt many more) the Margaret McConvilles, Malachy Heaneys and Pat McGleenons of this world remain, not only for their great contribution to Armagh GAA, but to the legacy they leave behind .
“They gave their lives to Armagh and, please God, the young of tomorrow will return it in bucketfuls. For me growing up it was the Pat McMahons, Gerry Fegans, Patsy Nugents, Joe Jordans and many more who inspired me to give as much as I possibly could to my club, my county and the GAA as a whole.
“Farewell Patrick McGleenon, one of life’s true gentlemen. To his good wife Nuala and all the McGleenon family circle, I offer my deepest sympathy and prayers at this difficult time.
“I am proud to say I knew this man. Safe trip Pat, till we meet again.”
Others have also paid their own tributes.
Pearse Og GFC in Armagh described him as “an esteemed Gael” and offered its condolences to the McGleenon family.
Via social media, he was described as “a man of great visionary for the development of Gaelic games and youth development in North Armagh”.
A family member, meanwhile, also summed him up perfectly: “He was the nicest, kindest man with a heart of gold and he will be missed terribly.”
A death notice described Patrick (Paddy) McGleeon as the “beloved husband of Nuala, and a cherished father of Cormac (Claire) and Conor (Brenda), and a much loved grandfather of Nadine, Jamie, Ciara and Sé”. He was the loving son of the late Patrick and Elizabeth McGleenon (Armagh), and a dear brother, brother-in-law and caring uncle to all his nieces and nephews.
The family home and wake are strictly private and for family only.
Paddy’s funeral will then take place on Friday, leaving the family home at Blair Drive in Lurgan at 1.15pm, for Requiem Mass at 2pm in St Peter’s Church, Lurgan, after which he will be laid to rest in St Colman’s Cemetery.
To all of his family, friends and all who knew him, we offer our deepest sympathy. May he rest in peace.
