Well-known for his role in the family business, The Fáilte Hotel in Killarney, Paudie not only helped ensure his business thrived but he also fought for all publicans in his role over the years with the Killarney Vintners Association.
Paudie was hugely involved in politics given his own family’s political legacy. His late father Dermot was a councillor and former Mayor of Killarney and his younger brother Niall also previously held this role and is a current councillor on Killarney Municipal District.
Paudie was also a strong supporter of the Healy-Rae family and a life-long friend of Michael Healy-Rae who led tributes to the Killarney man on the news of his death on Saturday morning, October 11 following an illness.
“Paudie was one of life’s true gentlemen, full of life, laughter, loyalty, and heart. He was a man who’d do anything for a friend, and I was blessed to count him as my very best,” said Deputy Healy-Rae.
“Over the past few weeks, I was with him as much as I could be. We spoke often, shared stories, and remembered the good times. Even in difficult days, Paudie’s strength and spirit never left him.
“Many of you will know, I met Paudie every single Saturday in Killarney before my weekly clinic, we would walk the town, meet people, have the chats, and set the world to right together. They were simple moments, but they meant the world to me.
He said that Paudie was “full of such pride and joy about becoming a granddad for the first time.”
“People come and go throughout our lives, but every so often, someone truly special comes along who makes life better just by being part of it. That was Paudie,” said the Kerry TD expressing his condolences to his family.
“I’ll miss him dearly. My thoughts are with all his family, his friends, and everyone at the Fáilte who were like a second family to him.”
The late Paudie O’Callaghan of The Fáilte Hotel in Killarney.
Paudie was hugely involved in sports in the town of Killarney both growing up and later in life and was involved in various clubs locally including Dr Crokes, St Paul’s Basketball club, as well as with Killarney Celtic who paid tribute to him for his support of the club over the years and expressed their sympathies to his family.
“Killarney Celtic was rocked yet again to its core as we learned of the passing this morning of yet another club legend and trustee Paudie O’ Callaghan
“Paudie was an integral part of the essence of Killarney Celtic . An outstanding player and force to be reckoned with on the field of play Paudie was held in the highest respect amongst his fellow team mates and opponents alike.
“Later as a club official and trustee, he was astute and business like his counsel in conjunction with his fellow trustees was always , fair, engaging and considered. He was always interested in the affairs of the club and had a genuine affection for all things Killarney Celtic.”
St Paul’s Basketball club where he played at junior and senior level also paid tribute to him.
“St. Paul’s Basketball Club express sincere condolences to the O’Callaghan family following the sad loss of former club player, sponsor and supporter Paudie O’Callaghan.
“Paudie was a very talented basketball player and lined out on the very first St. Paul’s senior men’s team that defeated Castleisland 70-31 in November 1985. As well as playing at senior level, Paudie was one of the star performers on the St. Paul’s U-19 team in that 1985-86 season. Paudie continued to play at senior level until the late 1980s. He was good enough to play national league and probably would have if it wasn’t for his soccer commitments with Killarney Celtic, where he enjoyed a lot of sporting success,” they said in a statement.
“Paudie’s interest in basketball never faded. Through his generosity and goodwill, The Fáilte Hotel and the O’Callaghan family have been and continue to be a great sponsor to St. Paul’s for the past 40 years.
” Paudie was always a great supporter attending several basketball games and events over the years. A hugely popular individual, his knowledge and understanding of the game was always interesting and worth listening to.”
Paudie is survived by loving family – his wife Valerie, much loved daughter Megan, his granddaughter Rubie, his mother Eileen, Megan’s partner Killian, brothers Michael, Colm and Niall, brothers-in-law Ziggy and Giovanni, sisters-in-law Noreen, Eliza, Carol and Kathy, Colm’s partner Kat, Dermot’s partner Carla, Derry, Neil, Donal, Kathleen, Geraldine and Deirdre, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
He is predeceased by father Dermot and his brothers Donal and Dermot.
He will lie in repose at the Fáilte Hotel, Killarney on Monday evening, October 13 from 4pm to 7pm and his Funeral mass will take place at St Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney on Tuesday morning, October 14 at 10.30am.