Today Paddy Donnelly is laid to rest in his native Rasharkin. This is the Rasharkin St Mary’s tribute which they posted on Facebook

We learn of the sudden death of Paddy Donnelly with deep sadness. A former player from the mid-1950s and 60s. Our sympathy to Paddy’s children: Liam, Brendan, Zara, Noeleen and Kieran. Also to his brother John, the Donnelly and Crawford families.Paddy, the youngest of five brothers, Charles, Danny, John, Fr Eddie and Paddy all who wore the blue and amber of our club with great pride. Paddy received his education at Dreen Primary School and Garron Tower. Paddy’s three years at Garron Tower from 1951 to 1954, while playing football for several school teams certainly honed his natural footballing skills to perfection.Paddy, of slender build, possessed the skills and agility that made him a natural forward. Tightly marked by opposing defenders as his ball carrying abilities created many scoring opportunities for St Mary’s.One of the youngest members of the Antrim Junior Championship winning team of 1958 and a constant member of the Senior Team of the 1960s.Paddy returns to his native St. Mary’s Rasharkin for burial after Requim mass today, Thursday 17th February, where he will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife Peggy who predeceased him by a number of years.

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