Tributes have been paid to the late, great Pa Sharkey following his death yesterday morning.
Sharkey was a brilliant boxer who won a number of Irish title before he emigrated in search of employment.
While he was based in Australia, Sharkey got the opportunity to represent Ireland at the Olympic Games in Melbourne in 1956.
Sharkey was a major contractor in the UK, and spent most of his time in Leeds, he employed many young people from the Rosses over the years, and was one of the areas most popular characters.
He was a trustee in Naomh Muire GAA club, and was also heavily involved in the redevelopment works at The Banks in the 90’s.
The club paid the following tribute to him on their Facebook timeline:
“It was with sadness that we learned this morning of the death of our Club trustee Pa Sharkey. Pa passed away after recent illness with his family by his side.
“Pa Sharkey was prominent in the development of the Banks in the mid 1990s, something in which he took tremendous pride. He was of course an Olympian, having boxed for Ireland in the Melbourne Olympic games of 1956, something we were all proud of knowing we had such sporting history in our midst.
“Pa was a major contractor in the Leeds area employing many from the Rosses and beyond. Most of all he was a great family man, husband, brother, father, uncle and grandfather to his extended family to whom we extend our condolences at this time.
“The Wake will commence at 6pm tonight at his home in Mullaghderg.
“Private house from 11pm. The Wake will continue tomorrow Tuesday 10am -11pm. Funeral Mass will be in Kincasslagh on Wednesday at 11am with burial afterwards in Belcruit.”
“Parking for the Wake will be at the Naomh Muire GAA car park.”
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis