Late Patsy Lally, Rossnowlagh a man of ‘wonderful conversation’ and talents

The funeral took place last Friday at St Joseph’s Church, the Rock, Ballyshannon, of Patsy Lally, Coolmore, Rossnowlagh following his peaceful death at home in the care of his loving family and his wonderful carers on Tuesday, March 19.

Deceased was especially well known for his and his siblings involvement down the years within boxing circles along with their successes, connection and commitment to the Ballyshannon boxing club, in particular.

Patsy himself was the recipient of many awards, medals and accolades in a distinguished sporting career. 

His own family have also carved and excelled in other areas of life, most notably within the surfing and maritime linked environment.   

In some of the many online tributes, one recalled, “he was a stalwart of Rossnowlagh and our imaginations”. Another recalled, “he was a great man who always had time for a good chat and will be sorely missed,” while one simply recalled having many “wonderful conversations” with Patsy.

“Rossnowlagh has lost a legend. You were always there Patsy,” stated another tribute. 

In his homily Fr Jeremiah Munyoki CC told mourners that one of the great things in life was finding something to do in life that we enjoyed and into which we could put our heart and soul into.

“That kind of life makes work very happy and fruitful,” he said.

In Patsy’s case, he said this was through his boxing, which was represented through the gloves at the memory table near the altar.

He also found it in fishing as was represented through the presence of his fishing rod and that he was able to sell seafood to many clients, some of whom were present at the funeral to show their respects.

“That does not mean where we find our jobs as fruitful and bring happiness doesn’t mean it is easy and some work is hard to perform, but we have chosen it with our heart and it becomes our work, our hobby and our life. Then we don’t find it difficult.”

In fishing one needs patience and trust, sometimes going out at all times of the night in the most awkward of places, but the deceased didn't mind that because it was his life and passion, Fr Munyoki explained.   

He said in the case of boxing one had to be physically fit through exercise, diet and discipline. It required great resilience and humility which Patsy had shown, even during the times of his illness.

He also referenced the fact that Patsy had, what was described to him, as one of the biggest dogs in the Ballyshannon area and of the deceased’s great joy in sharing the skills and talents that he had acquired, over a lifetime of dedication and commitment, to others.

Fr Munyoki also paid tribute to the great love and devotion by his family to his care and well-being during his illness.  

Patsy will  be sadly missed by his loving wife Soinbhe, and children John (Anna), Zoe (Michael), Patrick (Mantana), and Anna (Pedro); his siblings May Granaghan (RIP), Lizzy Patton, Gerald, Bernadette Quinn, Rosaleen Langan and Jackie, his adoring grandchildren and all his extended family and friends to whom deepest sympathy is extended. 

Following the funeral Mass at St. Joseph's Church, The Rock, Ballyshannon burial followed afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

May he rest in peace.