Paddy Madigan – A man of passion and of many parts

A spontaneous applause echoed around the packed St. Paul’s Church, Lisduggan, on Tuesday last, as the coffin of a much loved character of Waterford music, Paddy Madigan, was carried shoulder high for his burial at St. Otteran’s Cemetery.

The highly respected 85-year-old, who resided at Tir Connell Avenue in Lismore Lawn, died on Saturday, March 1, and his funeral Mass heard how he was “a man of many parts”, who always had a kind word for everybody.

Paddy was a gentleman in every sense of the word where he played many parts in the Tops of the Town, the role of adjudicator in many talent competitions, an accomplished footballer, but most importantly, a passionate family man.

Married to his wife Kathleen for 58 years, Paddy had two surviving sons, Tony and Derek, and two daughters Karen and Sinead, where the happy couple had grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Symbols of Paddy’s life including a betting slip, a football, a remote control, and a framed programme of Tops in the Town were brought to the altar for a funeral Mass that was celebrated by Monsignor Pat Fitzgerald PP, St. Paul’s and Butlerstown.

In his homily, Monsignor Fitzgerald described Paddy as “a man of many parts”. “He played many stage parts, but also many parts in different elements of his life. His name is familiar to so many generations of Waterford people.

“He was identified especially with a particular brand of humor that is typical Waterford of which he was a master. He was a master entertainer in Pioneer shows, in the Tops, in so many variety shows, and so many charity events.

“There are many other dimensions to Paddy’s life. He was born in Stephen’s Street before moving to England after starting as a messenger boy. He moved back to Waterford where he worked on the docks for the Waterford Harbour Commissioners and was a great union man with the AGTWU.

“He was a great member of the Thomas Francis Meagher Band, but was a man driven by justice and fair play. At heart, he was a teacher, who offered good values to his children, grandchildren, and those who crossed his path. He had a good record in all types of charity work and immense good came from it.” 

His life-long friend Nicky Cummins delivered a tribute at the funeral where he described his “colleague” as a great man. “We first met in 1962 and have been friends for 63 years. We were rehearsing for Tops of the Town. Kathleen singing 'Welcome to the Clover Show' and Paddy singing 'We tiled all day on the Waterford quay'.

Mr Cummins remembered with fondness the great relationship that he had with Denny Corcoran and told a story about their Thursday night’s with the Thursday Night Girls in Alfies. “As a friend and colleague, I thank you Paddy for the memories we shared and when St. Peter sees you, he’ll say, welcome my servant, you were simply the best.” 

After giving a detailed account of his father’s life, his son Derek said: “Paddy Madigan lived life on his own terms with the best 'Minister for Finance Ireland never had', his wife Kathleen. He was a man of dignity, humor and an unshakable love for his family and friends.

“Although he has left us, his presence will linger on with us in all our memories, the stories, and the jokes that he shared. 

"He shared the melodies and lyrics in the songs that he would sing. Let us not say goodbye, but let us carry his spirit and values forward. Let us sing his songs, tell his stories, and keep his memory alive in our heart and minds.” 

Two of Waterford’s most renowned singers, Richie Hayes and David Flynn, performed at the funeral Mass accompanied by David Hayes, with his remains leaving the church to the late Dick Hayes’ 'Let me try again', in duet with Richie, before he was laid to rest at St. Otteran’s Cemetery.

Predeceased by his twin sons John and Patrick, mother Statia, father Michael, sisters Chrissie, May, Biddy and Kay, brothers Teddy and Mickey, Paddy is survived by his loving wife Kathleen, sons Derek and Tony, daughters Karen Borley and Sinead Davy, sons-in-law Trevor and Steven, daughters-in-law Caroline and Angela, grandchildren Eoin, Dean, Lee, Ryan, Kate , Alex, Jack, Amelia, Lydia and great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends, to whom we offer our deepest and sincerest sympathy on their sad loss.

Paddy, take a bow as you’ve left an everlasting impression on music and life in our city. May he rest in peace.