RIP: Longford community mourns death of diligent and highly regarded Detective Sergeant

Marrying a local woman, a member of the Garda Siochana and making Lanesboro his home this popular man quickly became one of our own. Pat Prior, Rathcline Road, passed away in Our lady’s Manor Nursing Home, Edgeworthstown on Saturday,  December 13. 

He was deceased by his wife Bridie, his daughter Helena, his parents Patrick and Lena and his brothers John, Hugh and James. 

Pat a native of Swanlinbar, Co Cavan grew up in the family shop business where he honed the art of people skills as he grew up. 

In 1962 he joined the Garda Siochana where he was stationed in Dublin for his training. Later on he was transferred to the Roscommon Division where he was station in Boyle, Elphin before finding his forever base in Roscommon Town. Pat rose through the ranks where he achieved the rank of Detective Sergeant.

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Known as a compassionate and understanding Garda he was also known for his diligence, high rate of detection, his direct approach and a man that always spoke his mind. Pat became a very popular figure in the force and also in his adopted home of Lanesboro.

He was a wonderful conversationalist and he was an avid reader. It was always privilege to have so many great chats when he called in to buy his paper where his wide range of sporting and world affairs knowledge. Pat loved to follow the fortunes of his native Cavan county football team and his historic knowledge of Cavan football was impressive.

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He was a keen gardener and in his spare time he loved to spend as many hours as possible in the garden. Pat married local woman Bridie Murray and they were a very recognised as very elegant couple.

Pat’s remains reposed in Glennon’s Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 16. Mass of the Resurrection took place in St Mary’s Church, on Wednesday, December 17 followed by his burial alongside his wife Bridie in Rathcline Cemetery.

To his daughter Michelle, son Ciaran, daughter-in-law Jacqui, grandsons Paul, Shane and Richard, sister Kathleen, brothers Oliver and T.P., sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.

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