The late Paddy Mullen – A tribute by Michael Muldoon
The news of the death of one of Árainn’s best known characters, Paddy Mullen, has caused great sadness on the three islands.
The son of PJ Mullen and Bridgie Hernon, Paddy was very proud of his family history and had a great affection for his Grandfather, Pat Mullen, who is better known to the world as “The Man of Aran”.
Paddy was an accomplished fisherman and spent many years fishing all around the Irish coast. A fine athlete and musician, he was always willing to help out in all the community activities of the Island.
For many years Paddy was the anchor on the islands all conquering tug-of-war team and even as his illness progressed he could joke that his days as an anchor man were probably over.
Paddy showed great character, patience and good humour when he nursed his late wife Catherine through her final years and his own death comes barely a year after Catherine’s.
From his teenage years, Paddy was a member of the local Lifeboat crew before retiring as Coxswain.
During this time he was involved in countless rescues and took great pleasure in seeing the next generation taking over when he moved on. Always a gentleman, Paddy, like many fishermen, was reluctant to divulge too much when asked how the fishing was. He would courteously reply “Well, not too bad” before adding a couple of seconds later “Well, not too good either”.
Most of us hope that if courage is called for, we will not be found wanting. Paddy never had to wonder as, when the situation arose, he showed exceptional courage.
On a dark and wet night in 1972, Paddy showed no hesitation when he dived from his trawler into a dangerous sea off Dunmore East in an effort to save his good friend, Pete Hernon from Bun Gabhla. Pete had been swept overboard after becoming entangled in the net. It always bothered Paddy that his efforts were in vain but his actions won for him one of his three awards for bravery.
Paddy had a very relaxed way of viewing life and never believed in getting upset about things that couldn’t be changed. He was a great neighbour and nobody who ever asked for his help, was refused. Like all of the other boats, he was always willing to bring passengers or goods from Galway when bad weather prevented the Naomh Éanna ferry from sailing.
Along with his family and friends, the islands will remember Paddy as a good man who contributed greatly to Island life and who, at sixty eight, died far too young.
Bárr a Phointe and Frenchman’s Beach will be a lonelier spot without Paddy.
Codladh sámh Paddy.
*A Facebook tribute to the late Paddy Mullen.