Hundreds say farewell to GAA legend

The world of GAA has said goodbye to one of its greatest sporting legends.

Hundreds of people attended the funeral of former Kerry footballer Páidí Ó Sé, who was remembered for his love of life, family, sport and politics.

His brother Tom told mourners it would have been the GAA star’s wish to have so many of his friends in his home town of Ventry.

“He wanted to invite as many people as he could to Ventry. He was so proud of Ventry,” said Mr Ó Sé.

“So he has his wish, he has every friend that he possibly met over the years here.”

Ó Sé, an eight time All-Ireland senior football medal winner, died unexpectedly at his home on Saturday from a suspected heart attack. The publican was 57.

The colourful footballer’s life was celebrated at his funeral mass as friends, relations and sporting colleagues – including iconic broadcaster Micheál O Muircheartaigh, former player Micheál Ó Sé and footballer Marc Ó Sé – paid tribute to the legend and told a collection of stories from his life on and off the field.

He is survived by his wife Maire and three children Nessa, Siún and Pádraig Óg, who said every passing story about his dad had brought a smile.

“People reflect on Páidí as being a great footballer, manager, publican and a great character,” said Pádraig Óg.

“But for me Páidí was a big family man, while always being very good to the people around him.

“I was very close to my father and after a brief chat with a famous Tyrone manager I was told how I can now become much closer to him. And that’s what I’m hoping everyone else who knew Páidí will do.”

Their hometown, a small seaside village near Dingle, was brought to a standstill as his coffin was carried the short distance to Ventry Parish Church from the family home, where a constant stream of mourners last night visited his family.

Members of his beloved Kerry and local Gaeltacht GAA teams lined the street as his coffin passed.

Legendary former Kerry manager Mick O’Dwyer, footballers past and present, Arts Minister Jimmy Deenihan, who played alongside Ó Sé for Kerry, former Taoiseach Brian Cowen, Fianna Fail leader Micheál Martin and former supreme court judge Hugh O’Flaherty were also among the crowds packed in to the rural church.

The service was also relayed on speakers to hundreds of people standing outside in the church yard.

Mr Ó Sé’s coffin, which was draped in a Kerry jersey as it left the church, was buried in the Reilig Chaitliona on the edge of the village.

President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Enda Kenny are represented by their aides-de-camp Col Brendan McAndrew and Cmmdt Michael Treacy.