Memorial fund set up to support family of beloved Adare man Padraic Kearney

Padraic Kearney, pictured above, was 47 years old when he collapsed suddenly while walking away from Croke Park, following Limerick’s All Ireland hurling win.

Memorial fund set up to support family of beloved Adare man Padraic Kearney

By I Love Limerick Correspondent Ann Mc Donald

A fundraiser has been set up by Siobhan Clifford to support the family of Padraic Kearney, Adare, who suddenly passed away on Sunday, August 22.

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Padraic collapsed while walking away from Croke Parke, following the Limerick All-Ireland Hurling win.

His loss has been devastating to all who knew and loved him.

Padraic was a loving husband to Aoiffe, and an adoring father to his four children, Patrick (14), Aisling (12), Caoimhe (9) and Tadhg (3).

He was a born and bred Adare man, who was a wonderful son and son in law, brother and brother-in-law and uncle, loved by his Kearney and Coughlan families.

Siobhan said, “Padraic was gentle and kind, honest, genuine and good to the core. What you saw was what you got. He stopped and made time to chat with everyone who crossed his path, with an ease and genuineness hard to match.

“He was a true friend, a solid and sound companion. He was a great neighbour, always there to come to the quiet support of those who might need a hand.”

Padraic lived and breathed the game of hurling all his life. He loved his club, Adare GAA, and would regularly go to trainings and games in the village. He was a clubman for life- a teammate, trainer, mentor, selector, committee member and supporter.

The Padraic Kearney memorial fund has been set up in memory of Padraic and, in an effort to support Aoiffe and their children. Please show your support over the coming 4 weeks…https://t.co/YA07Zb9oJU pic.twitter.com/oFnZNPmt3c

— Adare GAA (@AdareGAA) October 5, 2021

His children follow in his footsteps as talented sportspeople, with a huge love of sport themselves.

Padraic was rarely seen without his family, wherever he was, they were there too, and vice versa. He was extremely proud of their achievements, no matter how big or small.  

The Kearney’s were true supporters in every age range and sport that they got involved in. Padraic and Aoiffe were always at the side-line to support and encourage at Adare GAA, Adare Camogie Club and Adare Ladies Gaelic Football Club.

“Padraic was a lifetime supporter of Limerick hurling. He was so thrilled and proud in following our team’s climb to success. He travelled to games far and near, to support his team, and so sadly lost his life in his beloved Limerick jersey,” Siobhan said.

Padraic was a self-employed welder, based in his own yard in Knockames. He was a talented and incredibly hardworking craftsman who took great pride in his work.

His other great passion in life was music. As drummer for the band ‘Free Beer’ for 20 years, he spent many an hour travelling to and from gigs in the band van. He loved the band, the music, and his fellow band members and friends, and was in turn loved by them all.

The memorial fund was created by a group of Padraic and Aoiffe’s friends and family. The money raised will support current and future family expenses including funeral and related expenses, and to provide for future education expenses for their four children.

“While we cannot change or take away the pain, it is hoped that this fund might provide some comfort towards future family expenses and in a very small way, ease the incomprehensible experience and journey of grief ahead,” Siobhan said.

To donate to the GoFundMe go HERE 

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