AN Arranmore charity campaigner whose swimming fundraisers earned him worldwide esteem will be laid to rest on Thursday.
Paddy Ann Conaghan (85) died in Beaumont Hospital.
His remains arrived home to his beloved Arranmore Island yesterday. Mr Conaghan’s funeral will take place on Thursday, however, the time is yet to be confirmed.
Rosary took place last night and will be held again this evening at 9pm.
Family only on Wednesday and also on Thursday morning.
Donations in lieu of flowers to Gemma’s Legacy of Hope, or people can also support this fundraising initiative in Paddy’s memory.
A humble Mr Conaghan came to prominence during his ‘ducking and driving’ fundraiser around Ireland to raise money for important causes, including Gemma’s Legacy of Hope.
Gemma’s Legacy of Hope was established in 2021 in memory of Donegal woman Gemma Boyle to provide accessible, low-cost counselling and play therapy for children, young people and adults in the Rosses and Fintown areas.
It was set up to support mental health, combat suicide, and offer hope to people in need.
Paying tribute to Mr Conaghan, a spokesperson for Gemma’s Legacy of Hope described him as an “inspiration”, and a “kind, caring man”.
He was named ‘Man of the Year’ by World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) 2022.
Paddy Conaghan was honoured with first place (Gold) having swam around Ireland, raising more than €110,000, for Burtonport counselling services, Gemma’s Legacy of Hope. Paddy poignantly started and ended his swim on Arranmore Island, swimming more than 300 times during the stage swim.
The WOWSA Awards in San Francisco celebrates exceptional individuals, events, products, and services.
In 2023, Mr Conaghan, inspired by Charlie Bird’s climb of Croagh Patrick as he battled Motor Neurone Disease (MND), he took on a new challenge to raise money for those affected by the condition.
The selfless octogenarian took a dip in 32 lakes and two islands around the country’s four provinces in a bid to raise money for MND.
Speaking to the Donegal News at the time, Mr Conaghan described Charlie Bird, a former journalist and broadcaster, as “inspirational”, following his climb of Croagh Patrick on April 2, 2022.
The ‘Climb with Charlie’ event sparked a huge outpouring of people nationwide gathering to ‘walk with Charlie’ in their own localities. In Donegal, hundreds of people climbed Errigal.
“I was looking at Charlie Bird climb Croagh Patrick and I was so inspired by what he did. I have decided that I will try to swim a lake in every county to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease.”