Death of renowned Athlone author and historian Pat Watson

The wider Athlone region is mourning the passing of Pat Watson, who was well-known in the Midlands as an active and accomplished author, storyteller and historian.

Mr Watson, of Creagh, Bealnamulla, Athlone, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, yesterday (Wednesday).

One of the many tributes paid since his passing described him as "a great family man, community member, historian... a man of many talents" who was blessed with "a great memory".

After retiring from his career in business, Pat Watson's stories and poems were featured on Shannonside radio and published in the Westmeath Independent. His stories were also read out by himself and others 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 as a fundraiser to help with the upkeep of the church.

Pat Watson will be 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.

He will be reposing at Drum Parish Hall this afternoon (Thursday), from 4pm to 7pm, while his funeral Mass will take place in the Church of Saints Peter and Paul on Friday at 11am, with burial afterwards in Drum cemetery.

May he rest in peace.