Pat McLaughlin R.I.P. 1939 – 1993

An Appreciation by Brendan McGlynn

Pat McLaughlin was born and reared in Malin Head, Co. Donegal. He was the youngest of three children born to Philip and Roseanne McLaughlin. He attended Malin Head Primary school and Carndonagh Vocational school. Having completed his formal education he served his time as a barman. Having come to live in Dublin in the early sixties he worked in the Green Isle Hotel and later in the Montrose Hotel.

He met Moira Murphy from Ballylinan, Co. Laois, in Dublin and they were married in 1967. They went to live in Canada where they remained and worked for five years. On their return they came to live in Balally Drive. Pat worked for some time for O’ Meara’s Camping in Dundrum Shopping Centre. Sometime later he started his own sports business, which was to become very successful. His family continue to run what is a thriving business. In 1979 the family moved to their present home on Sandyford Road. Their marriage was blessed with two children Carol and Philip.

Pat was an avid Gaelic football supporter with a special interest in his native Donegal’s senior football team. It was well that he lived to see his county win the All-Ireland Football Final in 1992, and that he was able to enjoy and celebrate the occasion. When Naomh Olaf GAA Club was formed in 1981, Pat was one of its first sponsors, and was soon to become a life long club member.

Moira McLaughlin’s parents, the late Denis and Christina Murphy were also steeped in the gaelic tradition. Christina a Kilkenny native attended every All-Ireland final between 1939 and 2000, while Denis was secretary of the Laois Co. Board and a delegate to the Leinster Council. When Muhammad Ali and Al Blue Lewis fought in Croke Park in July 1972 it was Denis Murphy that the promoter Butty Sugrue requested to take charge of ticket sales. Denis had the pleasure of meeting Muhammad Ali at Dublin Airport. When Ali was leaving his autographed boxing glove and boxing trunks were his parting gift to Denis.The Murphy family subsequently handed these items to the authorities in Croke Park and they they are now on display in the Museum there.

Pat died a relatively young man following a short illness in August 1993. There was a large and representative attendance at his funeral Mass in the Church of the Ascension of the Lord, Balally. The Church Choir of which Pat had been an active and valued member sang during the Mass. His burial took place later in Shanganagh Cemetery. His family invited everybody, many of whom had travelled long distances to a reception in Naomh Olaf GAA Club. It was the first such reception to be held in the new clubhouse.

Following Pat’s death his family donated the “Pat McLaughlin Memorial Cup” to Naomh Olaf GAA Club. The cup has been used for local secondary schools competitions. St Benildus College are the present holders of this very handsome trophy.

It is indeed fitting that the memory of this valued friend of Naomh Olaf GAA Club be kept alive in this manner. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a Anam.