Pat Mulcahy - Obituary

Pat Mulcahy was bursar at Newbridge College from November 1985 to August 2002 – 17 years of outstanding service.  But Pat Mul was much more than the Bursar.  He was involved in everything that went on at Newbridge College for those 17 years.  Without his support and friendship, I doubt very much if I would have remained at the College very long.  It really was a pleasure to work with Pat.  The term ‘gentleman’ is often used quite meaninglessly but, in the case of Pat Mulcahy, it is probably the term that most appropriately describes him.  Indeed, he was a gentleman to his fingertips – in the nicest sense of that oft misused word.

While many of the students would know him best as the director of hugely successful College musicals, something he did on top of all his other work, without the slightest complaint or request for further consideration of any kind.  Come to think of it, I don’t think I ever heard Pat mention time off  in lieu, when it came to himself – though he would often point out to me that others were entitled to such allowances.

When I arrived at Newbridge, in 1992, Pat, more than anyone else, made me feel welcome.  He was the most courteous, loyal, scrupulously honest, discreet and dedicated work colleague that I ever encountered.  Nothing was too much for Pat and everything he did he did with good grace and with a spirit of fun.  While he was serious about everything he did, he certainly did not take himself too seriously.

He could walk with kings and knaves but, in Pat’s company, you would not know the difference.  He respected and valued all he came in contact with – irrespective of who they were or what they wanted.

So many people who work hard don’t seem to enjoy life – they always seem to be overburdened and preoccupied.  Pat was certainly an exception to this rule.  He truly loved life and lived it to the full.  And he always seemed to find the time to indulge his many passions – music, drama, golf, fishing, rugby, Kerry, his pint in Flanagans or Johnsons and so on.  Of course, he was a wonderful public performer.  He always knew what to say, and how to say it - no matter what the circumstances.

On top of all that, he gave generously of his time to Accord for many years, both locally and nationally – even returning, in his retirement, to help the local Accord centre with the management of their affairs. My wife, Mary, is involved with Accord and she benefitted greatly from his assistance in recent years.  I know she and other local Accord members thought the world of Pat and that they will sorely miss his wise counsel and unobtrusive organisational skills.

First and foremost, however, Pat Mulcahy was a family Man.  Mildred, his son, Rossa, and his daughters, Miriam, Aishling and Maeve were always at the heart of his life.  

And now that brave and gentle heart has been stilled forever.   Though the heart may be stilled, our memories of and respect for Pat Mulcahy will remain with us ‘til one day we too are becalmed.

Pat, may the good God have mercy on your gentle soul and may He give those who mourn you the strength to carry on with their lives as you would wish them to do.

Until we meet again.

Pat O’Mahony