Tributes flow for a great football man - the late Patsy Sheridan, Rathmullan

Tributes have been paid to the late Patsy Sheridan, who passed away on Friday.

Patsy, from The Brae, Rathmullan, worked for the Health Board and then later in life at the White Hart pub, and was truly appreciated by all, particularly by the local footballing fraternity.

“It was with the greatest of sadness that we learned this morning of the passing of Patsy Sheridan, one of Rathmullan's most respected and treasured sons,” Rathmullan Celtic FC posted.

“Patsy was, is and forever shall be a truly iconic man when it comes to football in these parts. As a player, manager and chairman in his time, he gave everything to our club in its many guises across his lifetime and, more recently, he gave support and encouragement to anyone who loved the beautiful game. As a player, he remains unmatched. His peers attest to the fact that he was, quite simply, better than the rest.

“In his youth he spent time at West Ham United and, while the Hammers coveted him to stay in London, home was very much where the heart lay and Patsy elected to remain here. In the golden era of the Summer Cups, Patsy played his starring role in the successful teams from Rathmullan and the surrounding area. He craved football and was much sought after.

“The late John Sheridan always stood by his view that Patsy was the greatest 'footballer' Rathmullan ever produced. He was, in the views of those that played with and against him, the complete player and was renowned for 'running games' at his leisure.

“When his playing days were at an end, Patsy turned to management. He would lead a Rathmullan team to the last-eight of the FAI Junior Cup in 1981, overcoming a strong Gweedore Celtic team in an area final.

“For the next generation, Patsy would become the manager of Rathmullan's schoolboy teams. Many a lunchtime break in St Joseph's NS was enhanced by a rumour that training was at 4pm and 'Patsy was going to be there'. The chance to impress instantly increased.

“Always calm and collected, he somehow retained his composure, encouraging those on the field, while patrolling the touchline as a Pied Piper-like collection of eager subs followed him, all wondering: 'Patsy, can I get on' as they promised game-changing ability.

“He drove the buses that carried those schoolboys to games year after year and, afterwards, every trip home included a stop at the shop. In that era not many kids were carrying cash, but it seemed as though everyone emerged with plenty sweets in their hand and Patsy, last to come out, would always have settled the account.

“Indeed, when his brief illness did come calling, it was entirely apt that it did so at the card table, a place he loved to be.

“Patsy took great pride in seeing his family excel, especially on the football field. There were many good times, plenty not so good, but his final game at the Flagpole this summer had him beaming. He had a son scoring the goals and a grandson creating them. A treasured moment.

“Perhaps the final word is best left to another great player of his generation, Jim Sheridan [who captained Finn Harps to the 1974 FAI Cup]. On his role in those great summer cup teams and where he would have played he says simply: "It didn't really matter where he played. Patsy was Patsy. That was it."

“On behalf of Rathmullan Celtic, our deepest sympathy is extended to Patsy's wife Claire, to his daughters Roisin, Goretti and Joan and to his sons Martin, Declan, Eamonn, Paul and Patrick along with his grandchildren, his sister Anne and the extended Sheridan and Barrett families and a very wide circle of friends.”

Fanad United FC said: “ The club, along with the whole football community in the area, were saddened to learn today of the passing of Patsy Sheridan, Rathmullan. Patsy and the Sheridan family have been synonymous with soccer in Rathmullan for many years but he also had close links to our own club.

“A fine player in his own right, Patsy was a member of highly successful Fanad teams in the summer cups of the 60's and 70's. Patsy's sons Declan, Eamonn and Paddy all wore the red and black stripes with great distinction and his daughter Joan was a key member of the Fanad ladies team. The club would like to pass on our condolences to Patsy's wife Claire and all the Sheridan family at this extremely sad time. May he rest in peace.”

Kerrykeel 71 FC added: "Everyone at Kerrykeel 71 would like to express our sympathy to the family and friends of Patsy Sheridan. A great football man which he passed on to many and who was always a presence at the Kerrykeel Summer Cups.
Sincerest condolences to Claire, sons, daughters and sister, the extended family, Rathmullan Celtic and the many many friends who had the pleasure to know him. May his gentle soul rest in peace."

Whitestrand United said: "Everyone at Whitestrand United would like to pass on their sincere condolences to the Sheridan family in Rathmullan on the sad passing of Patsy Sheridan who was a mainstay in our neighbours Rathmullan Celtic. May he rest in peace."

Patsy passed at Letterkenny University Hospital on Friday, and his removal to the family home took place that afternoon. Removal from there at 12.30pm on Sunday for 1pm Requiem Mass in St Joseph's Church, Rathmullan, followed by interment in the adjacent cemetery. Rosary on Saturday nights at 9pm. Family time from 10pm to 11am on Saturday and on the morning of the funeral.

He was predeceased by his son Joseph and babies Patrick and Geraldine, brother Tommy, sister Lala.

Deeply regretted by his wife Claire, sons and daughters Roisin, Martin, Declan, Goretti, Eamonn, Paul, Patrick and Joan, daughters-in-law Paula, Marie, Rowena and Helena, sister Ann Cullen and 13 grandchildren. The Funeral Mass can be viewed live here.

Family flowers only please, donations, in lieu, to Rathmullan Resource Centre c/o any family member or McElwee Funeral Directors.