Pat passed away peacefully during the night in Gorey District Hospital, while hours later his wife Bridget died in St Vincent’s Hospital ICU.
In the days since their passing, both have been remembered as members of the community who gave back as much as they could, whether through charity work, community events, or their involvement with the church.
Having been involved heavily in the local Gorey Saint Vincent de Paul branch, the charity highlighted the real impact they made on the community, leaving the world in a better state.
“Pat and Bridget were valued members of our Society. They went above and beyond in their work. They will be dearly missed by all of us,” they said.
Bridget was also a much loved member of the Silvertones Choir in Enniscorthy, with Pat being a big supporter by attending their events.
A small tribute was also posted by Scoil Uí Chonaill in Dublin, as their son Pat Jr. is the lead coach of their U10s boys team with their grandson Liam playing on both the school’s hurling and football teams.
Taking to social media and RIP.ie, loved ones and neighbours spoke of their loving marriage and how one was rarely seen without the other.
One mourner wrote: “Shocked to hear the sad news. Pat and Bridie were an exemplary couple. They will be sorely missed in the neighbourhood. May all the good works that they did on earth be kindly rewarded to them in their heavenly home.”
Another wrote: “Bridget was an amazing woman who had a big impact on my life during her time as a support worker with the HSE. She was a source of comfort and support and i was so very fond of her. I think of her almost every day. She spoke of you all and it was clear she had a life full of joy and love.”
Another comment read: “I have fond memories of working with your dad for a summer when I was a school kid. What stands out was his integrity and the courtesy he showed to both me and his customers.”
A further tribute read: “There’s comfort in knowing that they are together and never faced the heartbreak of being apart.”
Another tribute read: “A nicer and more decent couple it would be hard to find. How fitting that such a devoted couple should pass together.”
Their joint funeral is set to take place on Saturday, November 22 in St Kevin’s Church, Tara Hill.
Pre-deceased by their daughter Marianne, they will be sadly missed by their children Paul, Jenny and Patrick, their grandchildren Becki, Conor, Ashley, Beth, Aílbhé, Liam, Aoíbhín and Teddy.
They will also be greatly missed by Bridget’s brother Tommy and his wife Ann and sister of the late Ann, Liz, Carmel, John, Michael and Patrick, Pat’s brother James and his wife Agatha and brother of the late Michael, George, Paul and their families, daughters-in-law Hilary and Aoife, son-in-law Colin, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.