RIP: Longford mourns a true legend, Paschal Flaherty loved his family, De Town, yarns, music and the craic

Longford is mourning the loss of a true legend this weekend following news of the death of renowned entertainer Paschal Flaherty.

Paschal, who loved his family, De Town, yarns, music and the craic, passed to his eternal reward on Friday, December 5 following a short illness borne with great dignity.  

A larger than life character with a heart of gold, Paschal charmed everyone he met and the audiences that flocked to hear him perform with his warm, witty storytelling and he will forever be remembered. 

Paschal, who had a word for everybody, was a loyal and proud ‘Townie’.  He’d say, “Longford is a great auld place no matter what some people say.” 

Another favourite line of Paschal’s was “if you don't dream, you won't believe” and in 2016, alongside his son David Flaherty, Liz Leavy and Sean Hussey, they released an album, very aptly entitled ‘Dreamers and Believers’. 

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Paschal’s weekend ‘residency’ at the Longford Arms Hotel (LAH), where he entertained thousands of revellers for decades, is the stuff of folklore and he said himself, “During the recession our sessions in the LAH were a great source of releasing tension and having a bit of craic.”

A gifted soccer player, Paschal, in his own witty style, explained how a chastening on-field encounter with young Republic of Ireland star Liam Brady scuppered his football aspirations and sent him down the music path.

He told Humans of Longford, “As a young fella, I played underage for De Town in an FAI Cup game against St Kevin's Boys, the game was in the Greyhound Track, Park Road. We were 3-0 up at half time and they brought on a young fella called Liam Brady who went on to score five times out of six they scored in the second half. 

“We were hammered 6-3. The day after the game Liam Brady jetted off to join Arsenal and I gave up football for good. But I took up music.”

Tiernan Dolan, curator of the ‘Humans of Longford’ Facebook page, described Paschal ‘as one of Longford’s most beloved sons’. He said the entire Flaherty were ‘gifted footballers’ with Longford Town FC and staunch supporters, adding that Paschal will be best remembered by most for his musical ability. 

Tiernan recalled, “Not only was Paschal a talented musician, he was also a noted song writer. When De Town were winning Cups for fun, the theme song was 'Stand Up if You're Longford Town', written and performed with gusto by Paschal.

“There's hardly a charity in county Longford that he didn't play for. From the Longford Arms Hotel to venues across the UK, Paschal sang and charmed his way in all of them.”

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Tiernan fondly remembered 2002 when the Late Late Show ran a competition to find a suitable song for the Irish soccer team and ‘Paschal's Rascals’ took centre stage.

He outlined the story, “A group of enthusiastic students from St Mel's college approached Paschal with one goal - to win that competition. From that emerged 'Stand up if you're Ireland' and the group was aptly called ‘Paschal's Rascals’.

“The song was recorded in a garden shed in Lanesboro and boxes of the CD were produced in Ballinalack. It was fun and laughter and great craic every step of the way. The lads loved Paschal and he kept them entertained better than any comedian. And apart from the craic, a considerable amount of money was raised for the charity GOAL.

“To this day, no-one associated with the song can understand why it didn't win.”

Paschal loved his music, his sport, his friends but closest of all to his big heart was his wife, Mary and family - of whom he was hugely proud. 

Tiernan added, “Longford is a lesser place without Paschal. Always in good humour, always with his customary roguish smile, always with a story to tell.”

Longford Town FC paid tribute to Paschal. “A proud Longford man through and through, he played for the club many years ago, and was well known across the land for his musical talent, and for 'Stand Up If You're Longford Town'. Paschal featured in many memorable nights for the club down through the years, and he will be missed by all in Longford and further afield.” 

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Fr Vinny Connaughton extended sympathy to the Flaherty family and said he had great memories of Paschal. “He was a fantastic community man who loved his family and music, always obliging to assist in community activities especially when it came to music and singing. Thank you Paschal for all kindness and generosity over the years, please be assured of my remembrance of you in my Holy Mass and your loving family and relatives. May you rest peacefully in heaven!”

LEDJS (local DJs Dave and Kevin Hussey) remembered Paschal as a Longford legend, a talented musician and a gentleman. “He knew how to fill a dance floor and made everyone feel welcome with his many shout outs during his gigs. RIP Paschal. No doubt you'll keep the dance floors full in heaven.”

CASA Longford said Paschal was a frequent visitor toCASA socials and gave them many a dig out by providing music and song for us to dance to. Expressing sympathy to the Flaherty family, they concluded, “May you sing in the heavenly choir this Christmas. Thank you for the music. Rest in peace.”

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The late Paschal Flaherty was predeceased by his father Frank, mother Josie, brothers Tony, Frankie and Seamus, sister Monica and sister-in-law Patricia Hayes (nee Fox).

He will be sadly missed by his devastated wife Mary and sons Graham (Dee), David, daughter in law, Angie, Dara and Pauric (Amber); grandchildren Leah, Paige, Jonah, Stella and Calvin; brothers John, Michael and Oliver; sisters Annie and Mary, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces, relatives and a large circle of friends.

Paschal will repose at Glennons funeral home, Ballinalee road Longford (N39EC81) on Sunday, December 7 from 4pm concluding with prayers at 7pm. Mass of the resurrection will take place on Monday, December 8 in St Mel’s Cathedral, Longford at 11am followed by cremation in Lakelands crematorium Cavan at 3:30pm.

Family flowers only. No mass cards or no sympathy cards by request. Donations if desired to Longford Palliative Care team, c/o Gorman and Fox Funeral Directors or any family member. 

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