Athlone area mourns renowned author and storyteller Pat Watson

Family and friends of the late Pat Watson gathered last week to celebrate the life of a man who was renowned as an active and accomplished writer, storyteller and historian.

Mr Watson, of Creagh, Bealnamulla, Athlone, died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Wednesday last, November 12. He was 88 years of age.

The father of three, and grandfather of six, had been married to his loving wife Evelyn for more than 62 years.

His funeral Mass in the Church of Saints Peter and Paul on Friday heard of his talents as a wordsmith. Over the years, Pat wrote and contributed to a variety of books, with his poetry having been published in the Farmers' Journal as far back as the 1960s.

He worked both as a farmer and in business with companies such as Lysters and Kingston Power (later Spaldings). His stories and poems were featured on Shannonside radio and in the Westmeath Independent, with stories also featuring on RTE Radio, including on shows hosted by Gay Byrne and Mike Murphy.

Over the years he worked on a variety of books including a history of the Irish Farmers' Association in Roscommon (2004), a collection of his 'Original Irish Stories and Lyrical Yarns' (2006) and a book of 'Roscommon Folk Tales' (2013). He also contributed to a book on the history of 'Drum and Its Hinterland', which was re-launched in 2023.

Earlier this year, 2,000 copies were printed of an attractive and informative booklet he produced which outlined the history of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Athlone, and was sold for €5 as a fundraiser to help with the maintenance and upkeep of the church.

A past pupil of Dean Kelly NS, Pat and others also produced a book on its history to help raise funds for the school.

Fr Joseph Wenjeslaus, who celebrated the funeral Mass alongside Deacon Tony Larkin, said: "Pat was a true gentleman; kind, respectful, and always ready to lend a helping hand.

"A gifted storyteller, poet and historian, he brought history and stories to life, sharing his love of the past with everyone around him. His words and poems reflected a deep appreciation for life and the world around him."

Fr Wenjeslaus also spoke of how his religious faith had been a cornerstone of Pat's life.

"(His faith) shaped his character, carried him through challenges, and fuelled his compassion. He exemplified the essence of a person of faith: Someone who not only believed but acted on that belief every day."

The priest added that Pat had been an active member of the St Peter and Paul's parish community throughout his life, mentioning he had been "the last child baptised" in the former parish church on the site where the Dean Crowe Theatre stands today.

Mourners also heard of Pat's love of sport, which included following the Clann na nGael and Roscommon GAA teams.

He was also a proud supporter of farmers and the IFA, but was, above all, "a loving family man".

"His words and actions showed a man deeply committed to justice, community and humanity," said Fr Wenjeslaus.

A family tribute from his daughter, Fiona, included mention of how her father's storytelling ability was assisted by a "phenomenal" memory for detail.

She spoke of how he had been a hard worker throughout his life and that his final project involved acting as agent for a South Roscommon solar farm which is due to have its sod-turning next February.

"As we bid farewell to Pat, to Grandad Pat, and to Dad, we pray that he is in Heaven, feeling proud of the life he lived, and that he's regaling the Angels with his stories," said Fiona.

Pat Watson is sadly missed by his loving wife Evelyn, children Patricia (Athlone), Brendan (Kilaloe), and Fiona (Oranmore), grandchildren Orla, Aoife, Donal, Victor, Sarahjane, and Eimear, sons-in-law, Michael and Damien, nephews, nieces, extended family and wide circle of friends.

After Friday's funeral Mass, burial took place in Drum cemetery.

May he rest in peace.