Mayo GAA has paid tribute to the late Paddy Prendergast (RIP ) of Ballinorig Tralee and formally of Ballintubber and said it is saddened to learn of his passing.
Paddy will be sadly missed by his wife Irene, daughters Petra and Siobhan and son Mark, sisters Carmel and Barbara, sons-in-law, daughter in-law, grandchildren and extended family and friends.
Paddy Prendergast (RIP ) was one of the greatest players ever to pull on the green and red of his native County. A two-time All-Ireland winner, the Ballintubber native was known the length and breadth of the country.
He had a commanding presence on the edge of the small square but it was his jovial spirit and unwavering support for Mayo that inspired so many.
Paddy began his football career with Ballintubber GAA before moving as a young Garda in 1946 to Dungloe in Co Donegal. He played for the local club in his adopted county and subsequently went on to play for the Donegal Senior team. In 1948 he was persuaded to play for his native county and went on to win back-to-back All-Ireland finals in 1950 and 1951.
Paddy was a pivotal player in both teams with his high fielding and determination epitomising the team spirit. Paddy has the distinction of playing for both Ulster and Connacht in the Railway Cup.
Paddy moved to Kerry in the mid-fifties and spend the rest of his life in Tralee. He never forgot his roots and regularly made the long trip home to Mayo to support his beloved county. He often spoke about his desire to pass the mantle of All-Ireland winner to a new generation of Mayo footballers, but it never materialised.
