Martin recalls father’s sense of justice and humanity

Outside the wind howled and the rain lashed down, but serenity reigned within the confines of Christ The King Church on Cork City’s southside as hundreds of mourners gathered to pay tribute to Paddy Martin, father of Fianna Fáil leader Micheál and a well-known figure in sporting circles for decades.

Paddy passed away at the age of 89, and reflections of family and friends testified to a life lived actively and to the full. From the opening strains of Be Still My Soul to the closing whisper of Going Home, the City of Cork Male Voice Choir gave voice to what was as much a celebration of life as a mourning requiem.

Chief celebrant Fr Charles Kiely reflected the views of Paddy’s family and many friends when he spoke of his caring and generosity. “When I consider Paddy, the phrase ‘faithful servant’ comes to mind,” he told a full congregation.

“Faithfulness is a precious gem and is very rare. Paddy will be remembered as a good colleague and friend and as a loving husband, father and grandfather.”

Fr Kiely, who celebrated the mass with five priests from neighbouring parishes, reminded the congregation of Paddy’s long association as a driver and inspector with CIE and how his personal morality adorned every aspect of his life, extending to the workplace.

“He used to tell new recruits never to leave a child at the side of the road even if they didn’t have the fare, but to make sure they got home safely.”

That spirit of practical caring was touched upon by Paddy’s son, Micheál who shared anecdotes with those in attendance at the funeral mass, among them Cork City’s Lord Mayor Terry Shannon, Tanáiste Eamon Gilmore, the Bishop of Cork and Ross, Dr John Buckley, as well as civic dignitaries, local and national politicians, representatives of President Higgins and Taoiseach Enda Kenny, and members of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party.

The Taoiseach, along with former taoisigh Brian Cowen and Bertie Ahern, attended Mr Martin’s rosary and removal earlier this week.

In a moving tribute to his father, delivered in Irish and English, the Fianna Fáil leader spoke of Paddy’s challenging childhood, the death of both his parents before the age of 12, and how an innate sense of justice, patriotic conviction and steadfast belief in the value of education were constant themes in the Martin household.

He also recalled his father’s sense of humour as well as his humanity, and spoke of the 1985 election campaign when voters’ only concern was whether he was the son of “The Champ”, an adornment Paddy earned as a boxer in the 1950s.

“He had a great sense of humanity. He helped set up the CIE welfare fund and the National Busmen’s Union. He was self-taught and had a passion for education and ensured his children had opportunities he never had,” his son said.

That sense of pride was echoed by Paddy’s granddaughter, Triona Martin, 16, who read a tribute she had written to her granddad as part of a school project in 2005. In it, she spoke of a “magical childhood” made even more special by a very special man.