Renowned Kerry activist laid to rest

The death has taken place of Paddy O’Callaghan, of Cromane, Co Kerry, who was well-known as a sportsman, republican, and community activist.

He was a founder member of the Kerry Mountain Rescue Team and of the Cappanalea Outdoor Pursuits Centre, in mid-Kerry.

Born in 1933, he first came to prominence in the 1950s as a member of the successful Kerry cycling team in An Rás Tailteann and won the 160km All-Ireland Road Championship in 1956. In later years, he played a key role in bringing the three Irish cycling bodies together and forming one organisation.