Handball world in mourning after legend passes away:
By John Keogh Limerick Leader Sport
LIMERICK sport has lost one of it’s greats after the passing of handballer Pat McGarry. Pat passed away peacefully at his home in Castlepark, Dooradoyle last Monday.
Regarded as one of the greatest ever Irish handballers, McGarry won multiple titles at various grades and also had success with his late brother Tom on the handball circuit. Pat came from the famed St Munchin’s club.
Former Mayor of Limerick and close friend, Kevin Kiely, paid tribute to Pat, saying “I played with the same club as Pat, St Munchin’s.
“Nobody can doubt that Pat was the best handballer to ever come out of Limerick. He won 27 All-Ireland’s at minor, U21, junior and senior and was inducted into the handball hall of fame recently.
“He was very well known and a likeable, approachable man. He had a great interest in all sports and was a great family man as well,” added Mr Kiely.
Pat will be sadly missed by his loving wife Nóirín, children Pat & Fiona, son-in-law Finbarr, adored grandchildren Lauren, Ciara, Luke, his brother Joe, sisters Noreen and Rose, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, kind neighbours and many loving friends. He is pre-deceased by his brother Tom, sisters Breda, May and Kathleen.
Pat is reposing at Griffin’s Funeral Home, John’s Gate on Thursday, February 16 from 5pm. Removal to St Paul’s Church, Dooradoyle Road at 6.30pm.
Requiem mass on Friday, February 17 at 11am. Burial afterwards in Castlemungret Cemetery.