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.

He was involved in the promotion of cycling throughout his life. He ran bicycle shops in Killorglin and Killarney. An active member of the republican movement, he served as a Sinn Féin member of Kerry County Council from 1967 to the early 1970s.

Having initially worked as a psychiatric nurse in St Finan’s Hospital, Killarney, Mr O’Callaghan pursued a variety of careers, including acting as manager of the Castlemaine Harbour Fishermen’s Co-op. He was a board member and chairman of South Kerry Development Partnership, was committed to the work of Kerry Life Education, and served on its board for a number of years. He was also a director of Radio Kerry.

“Paddy was passionately committed to everything he was involved in and gave himself 100% to every cause he espoused. He wanted to make Ireland a better place for everybody,’’ said broadcaster Frank Lewis at his funeral.

He was laid to rest in Reilig Realt na Mara, Cromane, following requiem Mass in the Star of the Sea Church, Cromane, with many people standing outside the packed church.

He is survived by his widow Rita, sons Sean, Micheal, and Cieran, and sisters Maureen and Dora.