Paddy Harrington
An Appreciation

The Beara Peninsula , extending fifty miles out into the Atlantic, and forming a dividing line between Cork and Kerry, is noted for its rugged grandeur. Probably because of its remoteness, and being surrounded by water on three sides, the people of Beara are close knit and have an identity of their own. The death of Paddy Harrington, one of Beara’s best loved sports stars, brought sadness and nostalgic memories. Paddy was born in the townland of Bawrs on the north side of the peninsula not far from the Kerry border. He was one of a family of fifteen, ten boys and five girls, all athletic, sport loving and good humoured. Being an exact contemporary of his, I admired his athleticism and football ability from an early age. Having attended Rochestown College secondary school, he joined the Garda Siochana and was based in Dublin all his life.

As a footballer he had a long and distinguished career. He played minor for Cork in’51, junior in ’52 and played for the Cork Senior team from’52 to ’62. He built a reputation as a lion-hearted half-back in a Cork team that won a National League in ’56 and contested All-Ireland finals in ’56 and ’57. He was chosen for Munster Railway-cup teams from’58 to ’62 and played for Ireland v Combined Universities in ’57. Paddy enjoyed football and the harder the contest the better he liked it. I recall one game in particular, a rather physical league match against Kildare in ’56. Paddy revelled in the tough going, and as a reward for his man-of-match performance, the mother of one of the Kildare players gave him a wallop of her umbrella as he left the field. He didn’t retaliate, but turned to me with a big broad smile and said ‘Did you see that.’

A devoted family man, he was, naturally, very proud of his son, Padraig, but Padraig’s phenomenal success did not change him in any way. When I watch Padraig playing important games, with millions at stake, (thank you Padraig for all the hours of pleasure you have given us) I marvel at that broad family smile and say to myself    ‘Briseann an duchas........’ Whether Padraig is number 6 or number 1 in the world, he will always be known in the Beara Peninsula as Paddy Harrington’s son and that is a greater honour than winning all the Majors.

To his lovely wife Breda, to his five sons, to his mother who is still hale and hearty at 97, and to all the Harringtons of Bawrs, I extend the sympathy of the people of Beara. In conclusion I quote lines written of another great Beara footballer but equally attributable to the lion-hearted Paddy Harrington.

                      ‘ One last fond tribute, peerless Gael, sincere I pay to thee

                        While the shores of Beara the sea doth lash, remembered here you’ll be.’  

                                                                                          BERNIE OSULLIVAN