THE death of Tyrone gael Pat Darcy greatly shocked and saddened the GAA community at local, provincial and national level.
The esteem in which Pat was held was very much in evidence at his wake and funeral.
Large numbers of the nursing and GAA communities turned out to the Sacred Heart church in Omagh yesterday where many glowing tributes were paid.
Pat was known by all as a thoroughly decent, honourable and fair man whose ability to show empathy saw him elevated to some of the highest positions in professional and sporting fields.
In his professional life, his work as a Nurse Tutor and author saw him recognised as a key figure in Mental Health Nursing.
His abilities were recognised and acknowledged when was appointed to the UK Nursing and Midwifery Disciplinary Council, his ability to treat everyone with respect and fairness being essential characteristics for the role.
As a leader he epitomised quiet efficiency choosing more often than not to blend into the background.
Pat was rarely if ever seen in the middle of the stand at games, preferring to take his place amongst the spectators shying away from the glare of the media and the accompanying publicity.
Essentially Pat was a great family man and his grandchildren were never far away from where pat was.
In his professional life he achieved recognition at the highest level cumulating in being awarded professorship at UU in the field of mental health nursing.
He dedicated himself to re-establishing his beloved Tattyreagh St Patrick's GAA club and was a driving force in the development of the club over the decades, having held each and every position within the club, both on and off the pitch.
His career on the pitch saw Pat play well into his 40s.
For 12 years he managed the senior team and in 1998 guided the team to a Junior league title which was one of his proudest moments and celebrated with family and friends who formed part of the team.
He went on to serve Tyrone GAA with distinction thereafter in a variety of positions most notably as County chairman from 2004 – 2009 during which period Tyrone annexed the Sam Maguire on two occasions.
His love of the GAA also extended to camogie and at the time of his death he was chair of the Tyrone camogie association.
It is safe to say that in Pat Darcy, Tyrone had a very able ambassador and a great leader.
His devotion to the community was legendary and his club, county, family and many friends will miss him greatly.
Go ndéanfa Dia trócaire a anam uasal
