In Loving Memory of Patrick Anthony Byrne
(1941 - 2024)
'Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis'
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Patrick Byrne, known affectionately as Pat and Paddy to many.
Born and raised in Dublin, Paddy's journey began in the tenements just south of the Liffey, a humble beginning that he fondly reminisced about throughout his life. Residing in a 1-room apartment with his parents and siblings, those early years shaped the resilient spirit that defined him.
At the age of eight, Paddy and his family were relocated, by the Dublin corporation, to Donnycarney, marking the beginning of a legacy that now spans four generations in the family home. Countless cups of tea and ham sandwiches have been shared around the kitchen table, becoming a special space to share stories, celebrate achievements and mourn the loss of loved ones. Paddy's presence will be profoundly missed by his Irish nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
One of the first students to attend Scoil Chiaráin Christian Brothers School in Donnycarney, he played in school finals at Croke Park in hurling, handball, athletics and Gaelic football. Renowned for his talent and fierce spirit on the football field, Paddy played with Home Farm, Transport, Sligo, Drumcondra and Bohemian F.C. As an amateur, Paddy proudly represented his country twice against England - and never lost - a source of lifelong pride. His grandchildren now hold his cherished caps, ensuring that the tales of his experiences continue to be passed down through generations.
In 1967, Paddy embarked on a new chapter, coming to Canada to play for and coach The Polish White Eagles in Sudbury, Ontario. Instrumental in building the team, he brought friends over from Ireland, many of whom became lifelong companions in Canada. The pinnacle of their success was the monumental Ontario Cup Championship win in 1969, a triumph etched in the annals of sports history in Sudbury. The Polish White Eagles' induction into the Sudbury Sports Hall of Fame in 2014 allowed Paddy and his friends to relive those glory days, surrounded by their families.
Paddy was always up for – and ready to debate anyone – particularly about football and politics. He put these skills to good use after joining Falconbridge, becoming a steward for the Mine Mill Union, where he advocated for workers and changes to work conditions and benefits.
In retirement, he was a fixture at the community gym in Hanmer and in his neighborhood where, if you didn’t catch him walking his 8 miles a day, you would find him in his garden producing enough potatoes for the entire street.
At one time of life, it seemed no matter where you invited Paddy to go, he would show up in either a 3-piece suit or running shorts. He ran or walked almost every day of his life and figured out he had walked the circumference of the earth many times. He often said he solved his, and sometimes the world’s problems this way, walking until he had things sorted out in his mind.
Since Dad’s passing, messages to his family have described him as a legend, class act, and devoted friend and family member. Paddy possessed a soft and sentimental side, especially when it came to family and friends. Wherever his children lived, he wasn’t far behind, immersing himself in time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his children Sean, Kerry (Nick), and Kevin (Lani) and grandchildren Jackson, Avery, Finn, Charlie, and Killian. His sister-in-law Phyllis and dear friends Kathy, Pat, Peter, Julie, Georgie, Angele and JP (Mathieu, Martin, and Miguel) will hold fond memories of him forever in their hearts.
He joins his family in heaven, his parents Jake and Mary, his late sisters Betty, Marie, Theresa and Irene and brothers Noel and Christy. We expect they are currently receiving quite the talking to for leaving him too soon.
If you want to raise a Guinness or a cup of tea to Paddy, be sure to play Raglan Road and The Town I loved So Well (sung by his childhood friend Luke Kelly), the last songs he listened to with his son Kevin and daughter Kerry.
He lived a long and beautiful life and will be missed.
The truth is, we miss him already.
Special thanks to the incredible nurses at Bayshore, in particular Jade, Cassandra and Amanda who guided Paddy and his family during a very difficult and emotional time. Ultimately through their amazing support and care, they made it possible for him to have his final wish – to die at home, with Kerry and Kevin by his side.
Thanks also to Dr. Killian De Blacam, a doctor and friend to Paddy.
To honor his memory, the family invites you to join them for a funeral mass on June 1st at 11am, at St. Kevin’s Parish church in Val Therese, followed by a celebration of life.
Later this summer, his family will travel to Dublin to bring Paddy home on his final journey.
For those wishing to be notified of the details for the mass and celebration of life or to share condolences and memories of Paddy with the family, please email his daughter Kerry at:
Donations can be made to the Maison McCulloch Hospice in Sudbury: