‘A gentleman to his fingertips’

There was a real sense of Nenagh losing its “old guard” of the legal profession last week after former State Solicitor Patrick F Treacy passed to his eternal reward.

Pat (93), died peacefully on Wednesday last, May 28, in the loving care of his family at his home at 29 Pearse St. He has been remembered since for his prowess as a solicitor, but also for his spirit of charity and friendly manner that will be so greatly missed from the town.

At a sitting of Nenagh District Court on Friday, President of the Tipperary Solicitors Bar Association Mariea Flanagan led tributes to the founder of Patrick F Treacy & Co Solicitors in Nenagh. Ms Flanagan noted that Pat was always proud to say he was born in the year of the Eucharistic Congress in Ireland, 1932, a birth year he shared with fellow local solicitors Matt Hassett - who passed away last April - and the late David Hodgins.

Going on to serve as State Solicitor for Tipperary North for many years, Pat was “knowledgeable and experienced, and very generous with sharing that knowledge”, said Ms Flanagan, who spoke of how he had advised her in matters. He had remained a consultant in his own company right up until recent years.

Ms Flanagan also spoke of Pat's famed presence at social occasions and of the great speeches he would deliver - off the cuff - at Christmas parties. He could enliven any function with his songs and jokes.

Also mentioning his pride at being a winner of the Law Society's Findlater Scholarship, Ms Flanagan noted Pat's interests away from professional life, including Nenagh Lions Club, of which he was a president, while he was also an avid golfer.

On behalf of the Bar of Ireland, Kenneth Kerins, BL, joined in extending sympathy to the Treacy family. Mr Kerins also remarked on the recent passing of Matt Hassett and said it was sad to see two of “the old guard of Nenagh” passing within in such a short space of time.

Judge Fiona Brennan extended sympathy on behalf of the bench, saying she was unfortunate to have never had the privilege of meeting Mr Treacy. Sergeant Regina McCarthy offered condolences on behalf of An Garda Síochána, as did Caroline Kenneally on behalf of the Courts Service.

‘COURTESY AND COLLEGIALITY’

Among those leaving tributes on rip.ie was present State Solicitor for Tipp North, David Peters of Nenagh. “Pat will always be remembered by those who knew him as someone who performed his duties to the highest standard and with a unique level of courtesy and collegiality that was evident to all,” Mr Peters wrote of the deceased.

Nenagh native Seamus Leahy, Republican historian and President of St Mary's GAA club in Clonmel, recalled growing up with Pat. “Pat and I both had our introduction to the educational system in Nenagh's National School and later in the CBS in John's Lane,” he wrote. “It all began for us during those years when Hitler was on the mind of most people.

“I met Pat for the last time when I presided here in Clonmel at a ceremony to mark the erection of a plaque to commemorate the names of the Tipperary members of the first Dáil Éireann. One of those was Seamus Burke, who was Pat Treacy's uncle.”

Another man who came to know Pat professionally was John Guiton, former reporter with the Tipperary Star newspaper. “A gentleman to his fingertips,” was how he described Pat last week. “I enjoyed many a chat with him down through the years. He was unfailingly courteous and affable. Peace to his gentle soul.”

‘ORIGINAL LEGAL EAGLE’

Nenagh President of St Vincent de Paul Harry Martin was among those to acknowledge Pat's support of charitable causes in his local community. He wrote: “Pat, always a true gentleman, an original legal eagle in Nenagh, sympathetic to every cause including charities, especially St Vincent de Paul.”

Sr Patricia Greene described the deceased as “a very charitable and competent man. He gave Sr Bernard and I great help free of charge when we were involved with social housing in Nenagh. We are very grateful to him.”

For Fr Michael Reddan, Pat was “a man of principle based on solid Christian values, at all times courteous and kind. Pat had great interest in my missionary work in Paraguay and after a chat with Pat, you always felt the better for having met him.”

Elsewhere, Nenagh Golf Club Captains John Sheridan and Janet Hanly, on behalf of the management committee and members, extolled the “immeasurable contribution” Pat made to the club. He served as captain in 1962, president, 1968; trustee, 1976 to 2010 and valued and trusted advisor over many decades. “He still stayed in touch with the club's progress right up to his recent illness.”

The management and staff of Arrabawn Tipperary Co-Op also paid tribute. “We are very grateful to Patrick for his invaluable contribution to the Society over many year.”

Predeceased by his beloved wife Eileen, his sisters Agnes and Una - who died in childhood - his brothers Milo and Noel, and his sister Rita, Pat was cherished father to Marion, Eileen, Rita, Tim and Patrick, and loving grandfather to his 14 grandchildren. Sadly missed by his daughters-in-law Linda and Isabel, sons-in-law Jim, David and Colm; brother-in-law John Dixon, nephews, nieces, relatives and a wide circle of friends.

Pat's funeral Mass took place at St Mary of the Rosary Church last Saturday, followed by burial in Tyone cemetery.

May he rest in peace.