Waterford's Patsy Sheridan had a spark that drew people to him

A final standing ovation, followed by sustained applause, was bestowed on the late, great Patsy Sheridan at his funeral Mass in a packed St. Paul’s Church, Lisduggan, on Tuesday last, June 16, as a community in shock gathered to bid a fond farewell to a man who had given so much during his 87 year. 

His life was one of love and warmth, dedicated to theatre, music, church and, above all else, his family. It was a fitting and deeply moving funeral Mass, one that reflected not only the esteem in which Patsy was held, but the sheer breadth of lives he had touched across decades of service, creativity and friendship.

Symbols of his rich and varied life were brought to the altar by his great-grandson Harrison, friends Tommy Kelly and Damien Walsh.

A simple pen spoke of his enduring love for crosswords that he shared with his wife Bernie. His Lions Club award, earned after more than 53 years of dedicated service, represented a lifetime of compassion and community spirit. And a coveted Tops of the Town award stood as a reminder of his passion for the stage, his flair for performance, and his ability to bring joy and laughter to every audience he graced.

His funeral Mass was celebrated by his great friend and Parish Priest of St. Paul’s, Monsignor Pat Fitzgerald, who reflected on Patsy’s life, telling mourners that “it was fitting to gather in friendship, as Patsy’s name was synonymous with connection and lasting bonds, qualities shared by all present as they remembered him.” 

He said that “Patsy was deeply woven into the fabric of Waterford life, a generous man whose absence will be keenly felt across the community,” adding that the sense of loss was visible throughout the parish and city.

Monsignor Fitzgerald acknowledged how difficult it was to comprehend his passing, describing Patsy as “a remarkable presence whose influence reached far beyond the parish, particularly through drama, music and entertainment.” 

He also spoke of Patsy’s character, noting that “he never forgot his humble beginnings, lived with a zest for life, and used his many talents to the fullest as a perfectionist and a man of wide-ranging interests.” 

From family and business to theatre, charity and church life, Patsy left his mark everywhere. Monsignor Fitzgerald summed him up as “more than a compere - an impresario who brought people together and took great joy in making good things happen.” 

A joint eulogy was delivered by his grandchildren, Kelly and Graham. 

“Patsy was born on November 14, 1938, and spent a happy childhood on Jenkins Lane, where his kind-hearted, witty and determined nature, along with his trademark perfectionism, first became clear. He had a spark that drew people to him.

“Those who knew him through Tops of the Town, the Lions Club, and the Gospel Choir would all recognise those same qualities throughout his life. He took great pride in his work, from the paper mills and his years with ACEC to founding Ember Fire and Safety at age 62, and continued to work with energy and enthusiasm well into his 70s. He brought that same determination into family life, where it was often agreed he usually had the right answer.” 

They added: “He also had a love of hurling in his younger years, and a lifelong passion for theatre, especially through Tops of the Town, where many great memories were made, including the famous Theatre Royal rehearsal story. His love of performing continued through cabarets and Déise Dancing.

“Patsy dedicated 53 years to Waterford Lions Club, forming lifelong friendships and helping those in need, earning the Melvin Jones Award in recognition of his service. These were not just interests, but expressions of his creativity, generosity and love for his community.

“Patsy believed in hard work, kindness, and honesty - and he lived by those values. He showed us that success isn’t just about what you achieve, but how you treat people along the way.

“Above all, Patsy was a devoted family man - a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather - who taught by example, living a life of hard work, kindness and honesty. He will be deeply missed for his laughter, wisdom and presence, but fondly remembered, not least when ‘Sweet Caroline’ is sung, and honoured through the values he passed on.

“We now ask you to join us in a round of applause and a final standing ovation for the late, great Patsy Sheridan.” 

Patsy was carried from the church to a resounding rendition of “This Little Light of Mine” sung by the St. Paul’s Gospel Choir, of which he was a founding member, before he was laid to rest in St. Killian’s Cemetery, Ferrybank.

Predeceased by his mother Mary Bridget, father Henry, sister Mary and brother Jimmy, Patsy will be sadly missed by his loving wife Bernie, his children Tina, Mary and Derek, son-in-law Liam, daughter-in-law Michelle, grandchildren Kelly, Graham, Lisa, Nicole, Jake, Josh and Adam, great- grandchildren Harrison, Ayda and Lola, brothers Harry and Tommy, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends, to whom we offer our deepest sympathy.

May he rest in peace.