Monaghan community left reeling by loss of ‘totally devoted' family man following Co Armagh road crash
Sixty-two-year-old Paddy McDonald from Errybane, Castleblayney, Monaghan, died when his bicycle was involved in a collision with a car on the Monaghan Road in the Middletown area of Armagh shortly before 2:30pm on Friday.
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The popular Monaghan man was pronounced dead at the scene, prompting a PSNI investigation to kick into action.
The road was closed for a period of time as officers conducted inquiries and as senior police officials embarked on an appeal for potential eye witnesses to come forward.
In the midst of those efforts, tributes have been paid to the well-respected Castleblayney man, many of which have come from a community still reeling by the loss of one of its most endeared and inimitable of characters.
'Paddy was totally devoted to his precious mother Peggy and auntie Bridge,' wrote one local woman. 'They were so blessed to have such a caring son and nephew and Paddy will be so greatly missed.'
A death notice on RIP.ie told of how Paddy was remembered with love by his mother, Peggy and sister Marian, aunts Bridge, Kathleen, Ann and Josie, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Other tributes singled out the keen cyclist's penchant for the Louth Hunt where Paddy's love for the outdoors and warm persona were perhaps best exemplified.
'Paddy was a great follower of Louth Hunt and a true gentleman, he will be greatly missed by all who knew him,' a further tribute read from a Co Louth based friend.
But it was perhaps the flood of heart-rending testimonies that came from several neighbours and friends of Paddy's in his home town, which shone the spotlight on a man and personality who was admired by all who knew him.
'He will be greatly missed around the town of Castleblayney,' noted one local couple, soundings which were echoed by another local man who described his late friend as 'one of life's true gentlemen'.
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