Death of Páidí Ó Sé - Larger than life legend

The sense of shock at the sudden death of one of Kerry’s greatest footballers, multi-All-Ireland medal winner Páidí Ó Sé, has transcended the world of the GAA.

At the relatively young age of 57, his passing is widely regretted and leaves a void in the lore of a county where footballers are revered as heroes.

A former garda, his pub at Árd a Bhothair crossroads west of Ventry, is one of the best known in the country.

With the rare distinction of winning eight All-Ireland senior championship medals, he was a tough and uncompromising defender, but always fair on the field of play. He also managed Kerry, Clare, and Westmeath senior football teams.

President Michael D Higgins echoed the sentiments of many in saying that his reputation “went far beyond his great achievements in sport, and far beyond the boundaries of his own beloved county”. Well known as a sporting and cultural ambassador, his name was legendary in Irish language circles. Larger than life, he will be greatly missed.