Pats O Neill was born in Ballynahown,St.Finan's Bay,Co. Kerry to Feidhlim Neill and Brigid Sullivan.in 1880.
He was one of nine children. He spent just one week at school in The Glen School and at age 12 started to smoke a pipe. A few years later he took up fishing as a career and stayed at it into his 70's. He worked on his small farm in his spare time. When not fishing he rowed in the regattas and was a talented oarsman. He was"the striker" on the 6th oar a position that demanded both skill and strength. Eventhough Pats had no formal education but he had great wisdom and wit.
Some of his Irish songs and stories were recorded in the sixties by Radio Eireann. He helped to re-instate St. Finan's Day, March 16th as a Church holiday for the people of St. Finan's Bay. Pats had many conversations with various nationalities who would meet him down at the pier.
Pats remained a batchelor all his life and passed away on 15th December 1969 slightly shy of 90 years. A great character too precious to be forgotten, ni bheidh a leitheid againn aris.
| Additional Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1st Jan 1880 | |
| Date of Death | 15th Dec 1969 | VIEW SOURCE |
