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Tribute to the late Pat McElligott

A tribute to the late Pat McElligott written by Fintan McAvinue

It would be a difficult task indeed to list the many facets of Pat McElligott’s character that endeared him to so many in the different spheres of his life, especially his family and also, of course, mountaineering, cycling, choir-singing, work and academia. Certainly, courage and dignity come to mind as he faced his impending death and it was a very humbling experience to visit Pat in his final weeks.

I would rather share a few memories of a day spent recently with a wonderful guy rock climbing on the sea cliffs in the Burren. It was a day on which many of the qualities that made up Pat came to the fore. I was very much the novice, Pat was the expert. After all, he had co-founded the Limerick Climbing Club 26 years ago and had vast experience mountaineering and rock climbing in various parts of the globe. Pat was an adventurer and I was slightly in awe of him, however. Pat had me at my ease, not coming over as the expert - no teacher/pupil climb here. Every difficult hand-hold was gently encouraged and coaxed and when I missed and was left dangling in mid-air (I didn’t miss any hand-holds on Jug City), I never felt nor was in any danger as Pat had done the groundwork. I was in safe hands and all was well on reaching the top, to be met with a well done clap on the back, never patronising.

Later, after the obligatory 2 pints in Doolin on that dangerous road back to Fanore, we came upon a young German lady who had taken a bad fall off her bike. She was injured, in shock and full of angst and within minutes with his gentle, caring voice, Pat had her calm and secure. She was taken to Fanore where she got some more TLC from mutual friends and continued on her journey, all the better for having met McElligott. I discovered that we both had something in common – a love of soggy tomato sandwiches, preferably made six hours beforehand and squashed at the bottom of a rucksack!

At the end of that beautiful day, in the company of good friends we finished up with some red wine and great conversation. It was always a pleasure to be in the company of Pat, for he had a superior intellect and could talk widely on any subject. Pat was also a listener and unlike others with such intellect, Pat’s was understated and never arrogant or in one’s face. On the contrary, one was always at ease and never felt inferior in Pat’s company.

The irony has not been lost on McElligott’s many middle-aged friends who must often have wondered which of us would be first to shuffle off the coil. Big strong, fit, dependable Pat would certainly not have been top of the list. And so, our thoughts must be with Pat’s wife Eileen, his children Helen, Michael and Olivia, his parents and siblings, and his many friends, for we have truly lost a giant.

Slán a Phádraig.

Fintan McAvinue

Monday, 9 February, 2009