Paddy Power RIP

The world of Pitch and Putt will be the poorer for the passing of proud Patron of the PPUI, Paddy Power (RIP). Hillview has produced a number of fine administrators, none more so than Paddy Power, who rendered over three decades of service as Tipperary delegate to Munster Council and as Munster envoy to Central Council.

As a perennial President of Hillview, Paddy was the driving force behind many a successful championship hosting by the revered Clonmel club. Hillview were always truly magnificent hosts. The social and catering elements of hosting were always superbly delivered. Informative and attractive souvenir programmes augmented the events on the course. The flawless greens routinely received universal acclaim from players, officials and supporters. Hillview, with Paddy Power's gentle hand on the tiller, always projected the image that the Union is craving. Future visitors to Hillview will miss Paddy's warm smile of welcome.

For many years Clonmel's only traffic warden, Paddy was a very well known figure around the town. He used his contacts widely to generate sponsorship for Hillview and Tipperary and lost no opportunity to promote and publicise Pitch and Putt in the community.

A loyal attendee at PPUI Annual Convention, Paddy was a staunch defender of the PPUI Constitution and rule book. Delegates always looked forward to a Paddy Power intervention on the Convention floor. There were glowing citations for sitting Officers and aspiring candidates. There were many witty, unconventional contributions, delivered with a roguish glint in the eye. Opportunities for banter were never passed up, particularly if there was an opening to champion his beloved Tipperary. Paddy regularly proudly accepted development awards on behalf of Hillview, particularly appropriate as he was an avowed proponent of the development of Pitch and Putt.. Above all, Paddy liked nothing better than to participate in a wide-ranging exchange of views on all aspects of the P.P.U.I.’s infrastructure.

Paddy Power held many officerships through the years on Tipperary County Board. To all his postings, he brought a tremendous sense of pragmatism, a simple logic and an irresistible enthusiasm.

Paddy was an enthusiastic supporter of the PPUI's coaching programme and qualified as a Level One coach in 2000. Before and since, he introduced countless newcomers to the joys of Pitch and Putt through patient, straightforward and effective coaching techniques. When he could afford the time, Paddy was no slouch on the course himself. He particularly enjoyed team events.
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A close confidant of the legendary founder of the PPUI, Ernest O'Brien-Hogan, it was fitting that Paddy Power succeeded his fellow Clonmel man, O'Brien-Hogan, as patron of the PPUI in 1995, a just reward for a lifetime's service to his chosen sport. Paddy's emotional speech in Youghal that day was probably his most eloquent of all his loquacious offerings at meetings over the years.

We will not see his like again. Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a hanam uasal.

Our thanks to www.ppui.ie and John Manning who allowed us to use his glowing tribute to Paddy.