PAT AHERN
Greyhound sport in Ireland won’t be the same again following the passing of one of the great stalwarts of both track and field, Pat Ahern, in his ninety second year.
For many decades, Pat was involved in greyhound racing with his famed ‘Tullig’ prefix carried by many champions.
A prolific breeder of greyhounds, so many champions emerged from his Tullig South base in the greyhound heartland of Abbeyfeale. First coming to prominence in the 1970’s with the likes of Tullig Doctor and Tullig Rambler, his standing in the game would only rise year on year.
Greyhounds like Cork Oaks winner Tullig Doctor and Manic Ranger were stars for Pat earlier this century, while the biggest prize won by one of his many stars came when Bentekes Bocko (formerly Tullig Vautour) claimed the 2017 Kirby memorial at Limerick. In truth, there are too many champions to mention but needless to say, anytime a young greyhound emerged from Tullig South, they were always shown the utmost respect.
Perhaps the best greyhound Pat owned, along with his son Morty, was Tullig Cyrname. He was a star of the track in the opening half of 2022, wining six straight to commence his career, capturing the Lee Strand at Tralee in the style of a potential superstar along the way.
He would go to Shelbourne and win his first race in Dublin in a stunning 28.26 despite finding traffic. Immediately installed as one of the favourites for Derby glory despite his inexperience, he sadly picked up an injury in the opening round. He has since gone to stud and only recently threw his first winner, the hugely exciting Hopes Kitty.
Pat was also hugely successful up the field, reaching the pinnacle of the sport at Powerstown in 2018 with Silent Whisper claiming Derby glory.
A wonderful character with a rich history in greyhound sport, Pat’s legacy will live on as his sons Noel, Matt and Morty are all heavily involved. Those that spent time in his company will miss his dearly and we would like to send on our sincerest condolences to his loving wife Pauline, his sons Noel, Morty and Thomas (Matt), daughters Marie, Carol and Trish, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, sisters-in-law, his beloved grandchildren, great-grand-daughter, sister Maura, brother Denis, his extended family and his many friends around the country.
May He Rest In Peace.
Funeral Details
Patrick (Pat) Ahern, Tullig South, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick, passed away peacefully in the wonderful care of the staff at Killeline Nursing Home, Newcastle West, in his 92nd year and with his family by his side, on Wednesday, 11th September 2024.
Predeceased by his brothers Michael and Liam, sister Kitty.
Sadly missed by his loving wife Pauline, sons Noel, Morty and Thomas (Matt), daughters Marie (Dalton), Carol (Fitzgerald) and Trish (Nolan), sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, sisters-in-law, his fourteen grandchildren, great-grand-daughter, sister Maura, brother Denis, all his other relatives, neighbours and friends.
Rest In Peace
Reposing at Harnett’s Funeral Home, The Square, Abbeyfeale (V94 AK44) on Friday, 13th September from 5.00 p.m. until 8.00 p.m.
Funeral cortège will depart Pat’s home on Saturday, 14th September at 10.15 a.m. on route to The Church of The Most Holy Trinity, Templeglantine to arrive for Requiem Mass at 11.00 a.m.
Requiem Mass will be live streamed on Templeglantine Tournafulla Mountcollins Parish Facebook page. Please click on this link.
Interment afterwards in the adjoining Reilig na Tríonóide.
If you wish to leave a message of condolence, you can do so at the link: https://rip.ie/death-notice/condolences/patrick-pat-ahern-limerick-abbeyfeale-568313?page=1&records=60&sortFields=a.createdAt&sortDirection=DESC