Pat Ronan was a dedicated member of Bunclody AFC – ‘His fingerprints are on every part of this club's journey'
'Pat wasn't just a supporter of Bunclody AFC – he was part of the foundation that held the club together for decades. Whether it was on the sideline, in the dugout, behind the wheel bringing players to games, or in the background helping out quietly – Pat did it all, and he did it with grace, humility, and an unwavering love for the game,' they said.
"He never sought credit, but his fingerprints are on every part of this club's journey,' they added.
He said that they were grateful that they got the chance to honour his contribution with an award shortly before his passing.
"Just a few short weeks ago, we were honoured to recognise everything Pat had done with the Club Person of the Year Award. It was a proud moment for Pat – but even prouder for us as we had the chance to thank a man whose contribution spans generations. It meant to world to him, and in hindsight, it means the world to us that we got to give him that small bit of appreciation while he was still here to receive it,' they said.
They further explained that outside of Bunclody he was an avid supporter of Wexford Youths and Wexford FC, rarely missing a game and consistently flying the flag for his county.
In terms of his character, they described Pat as the type of man who was always ready to offer his shoulder for people to lean on, someone who had a truly caring spirit.
"Pat was a gentleman. Kind, generous, witty, and dependable. His conversations were full of knowledge and warmth, and his presence around the club was something we all cherished. He gave his time, his energy, his wisdom, and his friendship, not because he had to, but because he wanted to. Pat's legacy will live on in the stories we tell, the matches we play, and the club he helped build.'
Wexford FC also posted a tribute in honour of Pat who was a 'shining light' in Wexford football.
"Pat supported and sponsored women's, men's, and underage football year after year, always with a smile and a kind word for everyone. A loyal friend to many, and a long-time sponsor of Edel Kennedy, he'll be dearly missed. A truly lovely man and a shining light in Wexford football,' they said.
Friends and loved ones also took to RIP.ie to leaving kind messages and anecdotes.
One mourner wrote: 'It is humbling to read these beautiful messages and fully realise how much Pat touched the hearts of people who knew him. Pat was a giant of a storeman who earned the respect of everyone in the trade. I dealt with him for many years and also enjoyed his company regularly at Richmond Park and many far-flung League of Ireland grounds.'
Another wrote: 'A true gentleman and one of the most generous people you could ever meet . He was a great supporter of football and his involvement and generosity with Bunclody A.F.C made him one of the most liked people in Wexford Football.'
A further tribute read: 'Throughout his football life both on and off the pitch, Pat embodied all the values that define a great football person; dedication, leadership, passion and an unbreakable spirit. He has left his mark on generations of the football family throughout Wexford and beyond that had the privilege of knowing him. His contribution to the beautiful game should never be forgotten.'
Beloved husband of the late Siobhan Flannery and predeceased by his sister Kate, brother Billy and nephew Ronan, Pat was a devoted Dad and best friend to his daughter Bryna and step daughter Holly, adored Grandad and forever friend to Brandon. He will be sadly missed by his brother Jim and nephew Brendan and sister-in-law Maura, all his relatives, friends, and colleagues.
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A man of many roles in Bunclody AFC, he was respected as a dedicated coach, manager, mentor and all-rounder by members of the club. In light of his passing, a representative of Bunclody AFC posted a touching tribute to Pat and his legacy. 'Pat wasn't just a supporter of Bunclody AFC – he was part of the foundation that held the club together for decades. Whether it was on the sideline, in the dugout, behind the wheel bringing players to games, or in the background helping out quietly – Pat did it all, and he did it with grace, humility, and an unwavering love for the game,' they said. "He never sought credit, but his fingerprints are on every part of this club's journey,' they added. He said that they were grateful that they got the chance to honour his contribution with an award shortly before his passing. "Just a few short weeks ago, we were honoured to recognise everything Pat had done with the Club Person of the Year Award. It was a proud moment for Pat – but even prouder for us as we had the chance to thank a man whose contribution spans generations. It meant to world to him, and in hindsight, it means the world to us that we got to give him that small bit of appreciation while he was still here to receive it,' they said. They further explained that outside of Bunclody he was an avid supporter of Wexford Youths and Wexford FC, rarely missing a game and consistently flying the flag for his county. In terms of his character, they described Pat as the type of man who was always ready to offer his shoulder for people to lean on, someone who had a truly caring spirit. "Pat was a gentleman. Kind, generous, witty, and dependable. His conversations were full of knowledge and warmth, and his presence around the club was something we all cherished. He gave his time, his energy, his wisdom, and his friendship, not because he had to, but because he wanted to. Pat's legacy will live on in the stories we tell, the matches we play, and the club he helped build.' Wexford FC also posted a tribute in honour of Pat who was a 'shining light' in Wexford football. "Pat supported and sponsored women's, men's, and underage football year after year, always with a smile and a kind word for everyone. A loyal friend to many, and a long-time sponsor of Edel Kennedy, he'll be dearly missed. A truly lovely man and a shining light in Wexford football,' they said. Friends and loved ones also took to to leaving kind messages and anecdotes. One mourner wrote: 'It is humbling to read these beautiful messages and fully realise how much Pat touched the hearts of people who knew him. Pat was a giant of a storeman who earned the respect of everyone in the trade. I dealt with him for many years and also enjoyed his company regularly at Richmond Park and many far-flung League of Ireland grounds.' Another wrote: 'A true gentleman and one of the most generous people you could ever meet . He was a great supporter of football and his involvement and generosity with Bunclody A.F.C made him one of the most liked people in Wexford Football.' A further tribute read: 'Throughout his football life both on and off the pitch, Pat embodied all the values that define a great football person; dedication, leadership, passion and an unbreakable spirit. He has left his mark on generations of the football family throughout Wexford and beyond that had the privilege of knowing him. His contribution to the beautiful game should never be forgotten.' Beloved husband of the late Siobhan Flannery and predeceased by his sister Kate, brother Billy and nephew Ronan, Pat was a devoted Dad and best friend to his daughter Bryna and step daughter Holly, adored Grandad and forever friend to Brandon. He will be sadly missed by his brother Jim and nephew Brendan and sister-in-law Maura, all his relatives, friends, and colleagues.
