Funeral details released as GAA president pays tribute to Offaly hurling folk hero
There will be a huge turnout at the funeral of one of Offal’s great iconic figures
THE funeral details have been released for the funeral of one of the great figures of Offaly hurling. 76 year old Padraig Horan died on Wednesday morning after a battle with ill health and he will be buried in his beloved Banagher on Saturday.
Captain of the Offaly team that won their first Leinster Senior Hurling Championship in 1980, taking the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship a year later, Horan, then in the winter of a long senior county career that commenced in 1969, was full forward and one of the great leaders of that superb team.
Several tributes have been paid to him on Wednesday with GAA president Jarlath Burns leading them: “Padraig Horan occupies a special place in the history of Offaly hurling as the man who captained the county to its first All-Ireland title in 1981, a landmark achievement that transformed hurling in the Faithful County.”
“He was an outstanding player whose leadership and determination inspired those around him, and he added further distinction to a remarkable career by winning a second All-Ireland medal in 1985.
“His love of Gaelic Games continued long after his playing days through his work as a coach and manager, helping to develop future generations of players and making a lasting contribution to his club, his county and our Association.
“On behalf of the GAA, I extend my sincere sympathies to his wife Carmel, daughter Niamh, sons Shane, Cathal and Diarmuid, the extended Horan family, everyone in St Rynagh's GAA Club, Offaly GAA and his many friends.”
Padraig's death notice reads:
Padraig Horan, Curraghlahan, Banagher, Co. Offaly, died peacefully on 12th August 2026 at St. James's Hospital, Dublin, surrounded by his loving family.
Predeceased by his father Thomas, mother Josephine, brothers Anthony and Raymond, sister Claire, and brothers-in-law Jim Ryan and Joe Considine.
Padraig leaves behind a family who adored him, and will be missed every day by his devoted wife Carmel; his cherished daughter Niamh; his beloved sons Shane, Cathal and Diarmuid; son-in-law Anthony; daughter-in-law Sarah; his treasured grandchildren Willow and Eli; his brother Alo and sister Lelia; his brother-in-law and sisters-in-law; nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.
One of a kind. Loved beyond measure. Rest in love.
Padraig will repose at Banagher Community Centre (R42 FP74) on Friday evening from 4.00pm to 5.45pm and again from 6.00pm to 7.00pm.
Funeral Mass on Saturday morning at 11am in St. Rynagh's Church Banagher, burial afterwards in St. Rynagh's cemetery.
House private please. Family flowers only, donations if desired to Parkinson's Ireland.
The family would like to sincerely thank the staff of Midlands Regional Hospital and St. James's Hospital for the wonderful care shown to Padraig.