The death has occurred of Father Paddy Kennedy, Catering, House and Functions Manager in Clongowes, 1978-99. Paddy died suddenly, age 77, on Friday, October 12, 2012 at his residence in Florida. Paddy came to Clongowes in 1978 as Catering, House and Functions Manager, a position he held until 1999 and as which he will be remembered fondly by many Old Clongownians of the time. He was a firm but fair manager and the respect in which he was held by his staff was attested by the number of past and present employees, who attended the memorial mass, which was held in the Ignatian Chapel in Clongowes last Thursday (18th). Several of Paddy’s cousins attended the service and heard his erstwhile colleague, Martin Wallace deliver a warm and heartfelt tribute, which was added to by another old friend Des Kiernan (OC 1960).
Born in Dundalk, Co. Louth, to John and Margaret Markey Kennedy, Paddy was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Reverend Shane Kennedy, S.M. Educated in Rome at the Lateran University, Paddy was ordained there on February 21, 1959 for the Archdiocese of Armagh in Northern Ireland, where he served as curate in various parishes. After he left Clongowes Paddy was appointed pastor of St. Timothy’s Parish in Tampa, Florida in 2003 and served there until his retirement in 2011. The Rector of Clongowes, Fr Michael Sheil represented the school at the funeral Mass in St Timothy’s and also preached at the wake service. The Knights of Columbus honored Paddy as they remained on guard in the church throughout the night, as the paschal candle remained lit by the casket.
Fr. Paddy is deeply regretted by his wide circle of friends and relatives. May he Rest in Peace.
by Declan O’Keeffe
