Pat Darcy: An Appreciation
It was with great sorrow that we heard of the recent death of Pat Darcy, our esteemed county chairperson 2004/2009. Pat accepted many roles within our Association and gave lifelong service to Cumann Lúthchleas Gael at club, county, and provincial level. His contribution was significant and was characterised by his emphasis on leadership and service.
His beloved club, Tattyreagh, St Patrick's, benefited from these two personal characteristics in that Pat undertook a series of roles from the rebirth of his club in the 1970s in club administration, club development, team management, and in the general inclusion of St Patrick’s in his local area.
Over the last 20 years St Patrick's has seen extensive modernisation of its playing and social facilities. In this process Pat was a leader, a facilitator, and a fundraiser. The club’s contribution to all aspects of our Gaelic culture and to its engagement in the local community has been significant.
At county levels Pat occupied a number of roles: Disciplinary Secretary and later Chairperson of the Games Administration Committee; County Vice-Chairperson; he brought commendable consistency and application to these roles and this was recognised in 2004 when he was elected county chairperson.
This was a busy and successful period for Tyrone GAA and this continued under Pat’s guidance and leadership; All Ireland Senior Football titles followed in 2005 and 2008, an All-Ireland Minor football title and a National Hurling title, the Lory Meagher Cup.
At this time the County Committee decided to build a county training centre in Garvaghey with the purchase of land, the drawing up of plans and the fundraising required to execute those plans.
Pat's commitment to this project was seen in his role as chairperson of Club Tyrone, our main fundraising body. There was a significant time requirement involved for Pat but he accepted it willingly.
At the end of his term as county chairperson Pat was elected as one of Tyrone’s representatives on the Ulster Council. During his term, 2010 to 2014, Pat was elected Chairperson of the Ethics Committee, where he played an important role in the development and implementation of our safeguarding procedures for the young members of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael.
Pat continued in this role up until his recent death. At this time also Pat was a member of the Tyrone County Committee and was chairperson of the Tyrone County Camogie Board, promoting a game beloved by his late sister, Bridie.
On a general level Pat had a great interest in many sports and was firm in his belief in the benefits of sport to the physical and mental health of our young people and the important part that sport can play in social inclusion and community relations.
His community activism extended to a strong interest in the retention of modern medical facilities in his native county and to the improvement of our road infrastructure.
On behalf of Tyrone GAA I take this opportunity to pay a special recognition to Pat for his endless time and commitment to Tyrone GAA.
Pat’s passing was a shock to many of us. He will be sadly missed in the Gaelic Athletic Association in Tyrone. He will be sadly missed in Tattyreagh, St Patrick's and in his local community.
Most importantly he will be sadly missed by his family. Our deepest sympathy is extended to Pat’s children, Claire, Sean, Sarah, and Louise, his sisters and brothers and his large family circle.
Ar lamh dheis Dé go raibh sé.
