Patrick (Pat) Ward, class '56
In Memoriam
The Union was saddened to hear of the passing of Patrick (Pat) Ward, class '56.
The death has occurred of Patrick (Pat) WARD
Kilcloon, Meath
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Peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Pat, beloved husband of Valerie and adored father of Carolyn, Patrick, Jennifer, Paula and Brenda. Sadly missed by his brothers and sister, Michael, Raymond, Dermot and Eithne. Lovingly remembered by his sons-in-law Mark, Fintan, Jim and Michael, his daughter-in-law Suzie, his beloved grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Reposing at home on Wednesday from 5pm to 7pm. Requiem Mass on Thursday in St. Oliver Plunkett's Church, Kilcloon at 12 noon followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. Family flowers only, please. |
Date Published: Tuesday 13th October 2015
Date of Death: Monday 12th October 2015
Pat Ward came to us in 1950, not as a stranger, but as the youngest of four brothers from Dunboyne, alongside Michael (class '49), Raymond (class '51) & Dermot (class '53) - all of whom were following in the footsteps of their father Joseph (class 1914) and grandfather Michael (class 1875), who himself was also the youngest of four Ward brothers from Clonee to attend Knock - the older brothers being Laurence (class 1871), Fr John (class 1872) & Patrick (class 1873), and the 1938 Chronicle captures a remarkable picture of these four brothers in their 80's. The Ward's are quite a Knock dynasty.
It was no surprise then that Pat quickly settled at Knock and became a most popular member amongst fellow pupils. He did well in all aspects of College life but shone most on the rugby field where he excelled for the 1954 JCT and 1956 SCT. This love of rugby continued after College as the 1976 Chronicle reports “On leaving school Pat married Valerie Cunniam and they have four daughters, and a son Paddy, who is due at 'Knock next year. Needless to say Pat does not work all the time. He played rugby for North Kildare for two years being a member of the side that won the Provincial Towns Cup in his second year. In 1960 he joined Landsdowne Football Club and played for three seasons on their First XV and afterwards winning a Metropolitian and League Medal with the Second XV. Having hung up his boots, he is now a selector.” Pat went on to serve as President of Lansdowne Rugby Club for the 1988-89 season, and continued until very recently as a regular attendee at their AIL fixtures.
Through to his word, Pat paid us the ultimate honour in entrusting us with the education of his only son, Paddy (class '83), the fourth generation of a Ward quintet at Knock (alongside his cousins Joseph '81, David '82, Conor '91 and Matthew '93). Paddy like his father before him also excelled on the rugby field, both at College and afterwards at Lansdowne Rugby Club, and nor was it a surprise to us, that after College, he like many generations of Ward's before him, joined his father in the farming business.
Pat's was a life well lived, and whilst the loss for the communities in Castleknock, Lansdowne and Meath is immense, it pales beside that of his wife Valerie, son Paddy, daughters Carolyn, Jennifer, Paula and Brenda, sister Eithne and brothers Michael, Raymond and Dermot. To them and to the extended Ward family, we extend our heartfelt sympathies.
Requiescat in Pace.