Paddy Slattery (RIP)

LOSS OF A LEGEND

The Pitch and Putt community is today coming to terms with sad news of the death of Paddy Slattery (R.I.P.).

A wit and a raconteur, Paddy always liked the company of people and he enlivened countless social gatherings or casual conversations with a well-timed quip or yarn.

Whether it was a Kildare tournament, the Short Grass Classic, a club outing, an Irish championship or the Scratch Cup, visitors to McDonagh were assured of huge welcome, courtesy of the famed Slattery hospitality.  Food and drink were always in liberal supply at McDonagh.  The course was at all times in superb condition, not least due to the efforts of the indefatigable Paddy Slattery.  Paddy’s scoresheets were works of art.

Though he lived in Kildare for decades, he remained a committed Kilkenny man and liked nothing better than to banter with hurling fans countrywide all the while extolling the achievements of his beloved ‘Cats’!

A shrewd tactician, Paddy chaired many a Kildare County Board meeting with aplomb and delivered numerous thought provoking contributions to Conventions through the years.  He nurtured many a player and delighted in the success of Kildare exponents on the provincial and national stage.

He was devoted to his wife Lily and to his family and they to him. One of Paddy’s finest contributions came with the hosting of the 2003 European Team championship.  Paddy mobilised his entire family to assist in the hosting effort.  The sun shone. McDonagh looked splendid as it had done all week, an organisational tribute to the home club. The kitchen kept producing culinary masterpieces. From the flag raising on Thursday evening to the prize presentation on Sunday afternoon, matters went to plan, a tribute to McDonagh supremo Paddy Slattery, who constantly ensured everything was working well behind the scenes.